CorsairMac, most people don't understand the rights of cyclists but they do understand dollars and cents so that's the level I reach quickly with people. I also let that particular dog owner I had experience there.

I did something similar with a motorist this summer. Some fella' thinkin' he was all cool and stuff in his 'stang buzzed me. It was too close for comfort and he picked the wrong day for me to boot. As I rolled up to his rolled down car window at the next traffic light, I leaned in stating, "I'm an electrical engineer. You buzz me again and hurt me, I'll own your car, your house, and everything else you own." His reply, "Get lost!" However, he gave me a wide berth after the traffic light. I usually wait for motorists to get through traffic lights so they don't have to pass me twice. That's an anger management technique I use on motorists and hopefully it fosters good will towards us. This time, it just didn't work that way. I was glad to see he understood dollars and cents, too.

I don't know who I'd be more afraid of, you or the yippie "ain't he cute fella." Just kidding!