Wow, that must have been scarey. I've been cycling for over 10 years and have trained dogs for obedience for 20. Let me tell you a little about doggie psychology.

First, a dog spray (hot pepper spray) might make things worse. If you have a pit bull, or other breed who has the propensity to be vicious, you might just make him angrier. I've never had luck breaking up a fight with pepper spray - it just infuriates them more.

If you have a dog that is chasing you - they might be just after the chase. Labs, especially, (and other bird dogs) like to chase and retrieve. Unless you've got a little dog after you, and you're pretty fast, I wouldn't try to outrun him. Dogs can be great sprinters! If it's a herding dog, they'll cut in front of you & you know the rest.

The first thing to do is stop peddling. The whirling of your feet often excites the dog and makes them want to grab you. I yell "NO!! GO HOME!!" in my loudest, most authoritative voice. DO NOT act scared - dogs sense it & they'll go after you. Most dogs will retreat - or at least stop. You can evaluate whether or not it is safe to continue. Don't forget - if they cut in front of you, you're road rash.

If that doesn't work, get off the bike and put the bike between you and the dog. Use it to keep the dog away from you and continue yelling "NO! GO HOME!" If the dog loses interest, he'll leave. If he just wants to chase you & you've stopped, you aren't fun anymore.

Now, if he's truly aggressive you should not provoke him by trying to hit him with a bicycle pump, etc. You'll just excite him. Putting your bike between you & praying that the idiot owner is somewhere around it about the best you can do. Don't provoke him, but don't retreat. Stand your ground. Speak in a LOW tone and very loudly. You know how people speak to dogs in high pitched tones "Oh Fido, aren't you a good boy!" - you want the opposite.

If you want to carry pepper spray, be sure you try it out before you ever have to use it. You'll need to hit him squarely in the face, preferably in the eyes.

I'd take the idiot owners to small claims court if necessary. People who are irresponsible dog owners make it bad for the rest of us.

Good luck & let us know how things go!!

Kim in Tucson