dog/cycling advice

A new dog appeared yesterday on my favorite road route. Since I am not an "animal person" I would love some advice on interpreting his behavior as well as how to proceed in the future. Since he ran in front of me I slowed way down,...but he did not growl or bark so I kept riding slowly. He trotted along next to me for half a mile and then abruptly turned back. My main concern is for the future, wondering how to know if it is safe to zoom by or if I should just assume I am stuck slowing down at that spot from now on (pooey...) He was a boxer if that breed has any tendencies that explain his behavior (google was not much help there....)

I am usually successful--assuming I spot the dog before he gets out in the street--from chasing by yelling "back" in a loud, stern voice. If I don't catch him, I usually feel compelled to slow down if the dog is friendly, but wants to chase. I'd rather not crash because of a dog.

I've had the best success doing exactly what you did, slow down. But sometimes they will run with you for quite a long distance.

I hope he doesn't get himself or you into trouble.

Usually dogs stop when I yell a very stern and loud NO! or SIT! Usually, but not always. The dog could get caught in your wheels even if it is not aggressive. Seems like you would not want to encourage it to follow you.

Thanks for the good advice- had not heard about avoiding eye contact- which I did unintentionally because I was focused ahead on hoping to slowly get away! (:

I agree with everything except speeding up for an aggressive dog. Speeding up encourages them to chase. Also you can't actually outrun a dog. They are fast buggers over short distance.