When Dogs Run Loose

[HillSlugger]

During my ride yesterday I had two encounters with dogs running loose. In the first case the dog was trotting down the road towards me but then turned and ran when I got closer. The second encounter was much scarier: a big dog laying on a front lawn started barking as I approached, got up, and then ran right out into the road and came right up to me. Yes, this dog was out, unsupervised, and unleashed. Luckily nothing further happened. In each case I was wondering what I should do to defend myself if the dog got violent.

Should I be carrying some sort of pepper spray? Tactical baton?

I'm pretty sure this topic has been covered but I am unable to find it. ANy help will be gladly appreciated.

[Trek420]

start here

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ight=unleashed

[mimitabby]

stop bike, get off, put bike between you and dog.
Tell dog

GO HOME! BAD DOG!

[spokewench]

I agree with Mimi - only the next step is if the dog is still aggressive after you stop and yell and tell it it is bad - YOU USE YOUR BIKE AS A WEAPON!

It worked for me once

[mimitabby]

how awful that you got bitten. but if you didn't stop and he jumped on your bike and knocked you down and THEN bit you it would have been worse.

[songlady]

how awful that you got bitten. but if you didn't stop and he jumped on your bike and knocked you down and THEN bit you it would have been worse.

I hadn't gotten off my bike when he bit. I stopped pedaling (to slow down) and he bit my ankle. I then came to a complete stop, put my bike between us and yelled at him to "go home". If I had not stopped pedaling I would not have been bit. I should have known better because I have been chased by this dog before and he never attempted anything like this. All I want to say is that stopping is not ALWAYS the answer to dealing with these dogs!

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

stop bike, get off, put bike between you and dog.
Tell dog

GO HOME! BAD DOG!

Yep, that's what I do, depending on the situation. I also carry pepper spray right on my frame where I can grab it if I have to. It has a flip-top so you can't spray it at your own self by accident.
Had a little poodle run alongside me today twice, when I passed his house in both directions. Seemed to just want to join me on my ride.
One can often sense if a dog is going to be trouble. Labs and Goldens seem to respond very well to GO HOME if they approach to close, and they often will bark loudly but not approach. It's the rotties and dobes and boxers I really worry about. One boxer last month broke away from his inattentive owner standing chatting in the road and made towards me like a bullet with head down for business. There was no way I was going to escape. Before he got to me I stopped, I got off my bike, swung my bike between us and said "Now you GET DOWN!". In response, he slowed to a trot and looked a bit confused. I repeated GET DOWN, that's a GOOD BOY. and then he just sort of sheepishly waggled up to me to sniff. Sure, I was scared, but I acted in command and I truly think the broadside of the bike intimidated him. Didn't need the pepper spray.

[songlady]

I can tell you what NOT to do. STOP! I stopped for a barking dog 3 weeks ago and got bit. Called 911, had dog control come over, not pretty. I'll never stop for a dog again. I had read somewhere that if you aren't moving, dogs will stop chasing you. BAD idea!!!