I live in a very rural area, lots of loose dogs.

Most dogs are not bad dogs, and provided they are trying to run alongside, I let them be. Some are even fun, we had a lab mix we called "Rocky" who would run with us for a good mile before going back home. He never barked or threatened - just wanted to run where we were "running" - big grin splitting his face the whole time.

There are others, though, that are not so okay - getting in front of the bike or trying to nip heels or tire. I've had a few nasty dogs come at me and I really hate it - those I call animal control about, most times once someone from there shows up, either the dog proves itself nasty or the owner confines it.

I've never gotten off the bike. I yell NO! in varying degrees of intensity depending on the dog. I have dogs of my own, I get foster dogs all the time, so I get a bead on them pretty quick as far as what their intent is. Most times, the "NO!" is enough - most dogs know what that word means and it at least slows them if not stops them.

I also have my water bottle in hand to squirt them - it's a good deterrent also.

I unclip on whichever side the dog is on, in case I need to kick (and have). I've heard of people falling from the bike while trying to kick before - I've been a martial artist for years and years and the only kick I try on a dog is all heel. I "chamber" so my leg on the side of the incoming dog is up high, think knee-to-chest. The kick itself is straight down - sort of like you are stamping down, with your toes pulled up. It's a last resort - after numerous, nasty-sounding NO-hollers have been to no effect, the bottle is ignored, and I'm about to be unseated by a dog. I aim for the head - not the snout.

I tried the sprays but decided against them. First, it's hard to get a good hit. Second, I fear it might make them really hate cyclists and want to chase us more, with greater intent.

On a funnier note - last year my little group was resting at the top of a hill and a group of five dogs from the last farm were still barking at us from the bottom of the hill. Not chasing, just barking to hear themselves. We were discussing our route, I didn't even realize how much the barking was bugging me until I turned around to look at the dogs and yelled "Knock it off!" - just the way I bark at mine.

Would you believe they did? All five of them turned around and walked back home. I've been called the Dog Whisperer ever since.

I sure would have felt like an idiot if they had kept barking though...