animals

[DrBee]

Usually it is not strays that are the problem. A stray animal does not have a territory that they are defending, so you confuse them as much as they confuse you when you are passing by. You will most likely be past before they even consider chasing. NOT the same as a dog "protecting" it's territory. I have found the best way to handle this is to TRY and remain calm, using a deep and steady voice, saying "STAY!" If you project fear, the dog seems to sense that and take advantage of it. If you believe you are the one in charge of the situation, then the dog will usually take heed of what you say and back down enough to allow you to get by. If this approach doesn't work, I generally end up screaming and cursing and making a total fool of myself. Fortunately, it's usually effective.

annie

Unfortunately, around here there are packs of dogs roaming the fields that would be happy to give a good chase. I like the image of you screaming and cursing! The dogs must love that!

[Tuckervill]

I try not to sneak up on loose dogs if I can help it. If I see a dog lazing around his yard, I will make a whistle or a kissing noise or say, "hey pup pup" to get their attention well before I am within chase range. So far it has seemed to work. I haven't startled any dogs. Some have come out to meet me on the road, but it has been clear they just want to run with me for a bit.

On the other hand, if I noticed a large dog who is barking at the air or otherwise looking alert, I ride very quietly, as far away from him on the road that I can, and hope he doesn't notice me until I'm so far away the chase wouldn't be worth it. It's the only time I hope a dog is on a chain (www.dogsdeservebetter.com).

I noticed a border collie on a chain in a fenced yard today. I am certain any border collie can scale a 4 foot fence and that's why it was on a chain. But it was barking its head OFF at me, because, well, it's meant to herd things that move and it couldn't do its job, poor thing. I also rode by 4 or 5 other dogs who were loose, lying in the front yards of their homes, who barely stirred when they heard me speak to them. Three little dogs--a dachshund, an ungroomed Scottie and an unusually friendly Chihuahua--all tried to get me to stop and give them a pat. They were not a danger, except for maybe getting in my way. Then there was a very large Doberman with undocked ears, sitting with its owner, who went wild when he saw me. Luckily he was fenced in, but I was scared for a minute. All those dogs live within 3 miles of my in-laws house!

One approach is not going to work with all dogs. I wouldn't carry pepper spray and I probably couldn't get the water bottle out of the cage fast enough. But I can sprint like the wind out of his territory, if I can get a jump on the dog. I might take evasive action, trusting in my bike handling skills. I probably wouldn't get off the bike at all if possible, because I'm faster on than off. I just take the breed, the dog's attitude and body language, and the situation into account.

Karen

[rheidis73]

Unfortunately, around here there are packs of dogs roaming the fields that would be happy to give a good chase. I like the image of you screaming and cursing! The dogs must love that!

Yep, I agree with the pack of dogs..we have them here...I get quite nervous when I see 3-4 dogs ahead of me in the middle of the road. I think they tend to want to play more or whatever you want to call it, when they are with their friends....

[Tuckervill]

I'm going to invest in that Halt, though. It's a real buzz-kill to be enjoying my ride and then have to sneak past this house on either the way out or back or both.

Since this dog doesn't seem vicious and obviously knows you, how about giving him a dog biscuit instead?

When you see him next, as he's coming out, stop your bike, make him stop (if he's still doing that by your voice) and then throw him the biscuit. Make it a smelly or sticky something (cheese or bacon or something like that) so if he's distracted by you, the smell of the treat will attract him.

As he is eating the biscuit, say "good dog" and ride away. Next time you see him, do the same. Don't give him the biscuit unless he's doing what you want him to do. He probably knows the sit command. If you can make him sit before the treat, even better. Condition him to see you and think "if I stop, I'll get a TREAT!" It will take a bit of planning and ingenuity. After probably several times, you can just toss the treat as you go by, and if he's worth his salt he'll be sitting and waiting as soon as he hears you. After a month of that, you can toss him a treat just every once in a while to reinforce the behavior you want.

My mail carrier trained my dog to be quiet at the gate by giving him a biscuit (that I left in the mailbox for him) every day.

Karen