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