Dogs and Frame Pumps

[ripvanrando]

I was knocked off my bike in Kentucky recently when dogs went right at my wheel and then got nipped the next day with dozens and dozens of dogs going after me every day as I made my way across the state. The dog that took me down almost got me killed by a truck behind me. I was moving but the dogs just came blasting down from the yard and one dove into my front wheel.

I now get off my bike and deploy one of the following three

1. Loud whistle (works quite often)
2. Pepper spray

I learned that getting bit is not the biggest issue

I had three dogs going after me at 1 am at the top of a 14% climb. If I had a gun, I would have shot the pitbull. No question.

[chiasticon]

Originally Posted by 11.4

Remember that almost any ranch owner is going to use the words "No" and "Off", and the dog should know those if said loud and in a deep voice

this has worked well for me so far. partially out of this logic but also partially out of just screaming "NO!" for fear's sake. I usually couple this with sprinting like hell too. but it always seems to me that dogs lie in wait and come at you when you're gassed and don't have a solid sprint in you.

[stephenmarklay]

I had a second pepper spray use today on a dog that I have trouble with. This time I did get a little in his face. I saw him licking his cheek and then going back from whence he came.

[Lewis Moon]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

I find a spray from the water bottle in the face is just as effective.

I choose spray too.

[chiasticon]

also, I sometimes wonder if it's a good idea to ride with dog treats in your pocket. or bacon. or just throw a bar or something at them.

of course, that would then make them want to chase cyclists even more, I guess.

[CunegoFan]

I don't understand how you guys cannot ride away from a dog but have time to ride one handed while messing around with your frame pumps, water bottles, squirt guns, or pepper sprays.

[makoti]

Originally Posted by CunegoFan

I don't understand how you guys cannot ride away from a dog but have time to ride one handed while messing around with your frame pumps, water bottles, squirt guns, or pepper sprays.

We are really, really slow.

[SpokeValley]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

I find a spray from the water bottle in the face is just as effective.

I do this as well with a loud "NO!". Too hard to get my pump off quickly.

[ripvanrando]

Originally Posted by CunegoFan

I don't understand how you guys cannot ride away from a dog but have time to ride one handed while messing around with your frame pumps, water bottles, squirt guns, or pepper sprays.

How fast can you climb a 14% hill? Not as fast as a dog.

How fast are you after your fifth 200 mile day in a row and its 110F out?

How much slower did you get after your 5th decade of riding?

In suburban areas, a dog's territory might only be a few hundred feet whereas out in the country, it could be half a mile.

I now get off the bike. Shout "No" or "Bad Dog" or blow a really loud whistle. This works around 50% of the time. Just walking slowly solves 40% of the other dog problems.

[sokyroadie]

Originally Posted by ripvanrando

I was knocked off my bike in Kentucky recently when dogs went right at my wheel and then got nipped the next day with dozens and dozens of dogs going after me every day as I made my way across the state. The dog that took me down almost got me killed by a truck behind me. I was moving but the dogs just came blasting down from the yard and one dove into my front wheel.

I now get off my bike and deploy one of the following three

1. Loud whistle (works quite often)
2. Pepper spray

I learned that getting bit is not the biggest issue

I had three dogs going after me at 1 am at the top of a 14% climb. If I had a gun, I would have shot the pitbull. No question.

I live in KY and fight this almost every time I ride - KY law is pretty clear, if the dog comes on public property after you it becomes fair game and you can take it out. There is no leash law in the county where I live and trying to reason with the owners is futile.

The next time I am taken down there will be a lawsuit - I am sick of trying to deal with this.

Jeff

[sokyroadie]

Originally Posted by CunegoFan

I don't understand how you guys cannot ride away from a dog but have time to ride one handed while messing around with your frame pumps, water bottles, squirt guns, or pepper sprays.

The problem for me is that they can see you from a distance and it doesn't matter how fast you are if they come straight (90deg) after you. If you T-bone them you are going down.

Jeff

[CunegoFan]

Originally Posted by sokyroadie

The problem for me is that they can see you from a distance and it doesn't matter how fast you are if they come straight (90deg) after you. If you T-bone them you are going down.

I would rather have both my hands on the bars and brakes instead of playing American Sniper with one hand and a water bottle.

[ripvanrando]

Originally Posted by sokyroadie

I live in KY and fight this almost every time I ride - KY law is pretty clear, if the dog comes on public property after you it becomes fair game and you can take it out. There is no leash law in the county where I live and trying to reason with the owners is futile.

The next time I am taken down there will be a lawsuit - I am sick of trying to deal with this.

Jeff

KY is where I was taken down and then nipped on the next day while doing the TRANSAM bike race. An owner was sitting on the porch while one dog was trying to bite me. He never lifted an eye.

When traffic is flying by at 60-70 mph and 2-3 feet from you, taking a Prime from Sparky is not much of a prize when the consolation is being pancaked under the wheels of a car.

[ripvanrando]

Originally Posted by sokyroadie

The problem for me is that they can see you from a distance and it doesn't matter how fast you are if they come straight (90deg) after you. If you T-bone them you are going down.

Jeff

This is exactly how I was taken down.

[gmcampy]

Originally Posted by FlashUNC

I find a spray from the water bottle in the face is just as effective.

EXACTLY, ask the 120# Great Dane that chased me Sunday!