Beginning Rider and Dogs!

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2009-07-12 9:40 AM

Regular
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Subject: Beginning Rider and Dogs!
I finally got everything on my bike fixed up and headed out on the same ride that I did last week. I had to deal with one dog but it was at the beginning and I figured I'd be ok.  I encountered 4 in the two miles of my ride mostly very close together. My heart was pounding so hard from out speeding dogs that I ended up asking my husband to come and pick me up

I do not enjoy riding by churches shouting at dogs on Sunday mornings.  I'm not sure that I'm going to be able to avoid the dogs and I'll admit that I don't like the things on food either.  What can I do?

2009-07-12 10:05 AM
in reply to: #2279059

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Elite
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Raleigh
Subject: RE: Beginning Rider and Dogs!

yea trying to outrun them sometimes does not work, there have been suggestions on here of taking a extra bottle and squirting the dogs with water, you can pick up halt at the bike store; it is a low grade pepper spray for dogs or change your route. Not much else you can do

2009-07-12 10:13 AM
in reply to: #2279059

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Pro
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the Alabama part of Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: Beginning Rider and Dogs!
Sometimes it is better to stop and challenge the dog.  Remember, the dog sees you as invading his/her space, and is trying to defend it.  When you leave, he/she "wins", and the behavior is reinforced.  Stop, and the dog is challenged.  If it is a big dog, keep the bike between you and the dog.  Or bike TOWARDS the dog - you are bigger and the dog will often back down, especially if you are on the street and not on the "dog's" sidewalk/lawn.

Also, if it occurs often enough, depending on your local laws, it might warrant a call to animal control.  Even if there are not actual leash laws, a dog that is threatening in the community is not under control.
2009-07-12 10:13 AM
in reply to: #2279059

Master
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Montgomery, Tx
Subject: RE: Beginning Rider and Dogs!

Some of the larger pumps that attach to the frame can be used as a deterant to dogs.  Maybe have your husband ride the route a few times to persuade the dogs to stay in thier yard. 

2009-07-12 10:16 AM
in reply to: #2279059

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Royal(PITA)
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West Chester, Ohio
Subject: RE: Beginning Rider and Dogs!

I had a dog muzzle on my leg yesterday--no bite.  My friend got him in the face with water. 

Rule 1...don't let the dog sense your fear or your leg will be his lunch

Rule 2.....keep riding, carry extra water to spray them in the face.  It stuns them and they go away.

not a rule but helpful.....ride with a friend who can get them with water while you keep going

 

Riding by churches and traffic requires being alert to turns and traffic.  Practice and patience. 

2009-07-12 12:13 PM
in reply to: #2279059

Regular
108
100
Subject: RE: Beginning Rider and Dogs!
Thanks guys. I hadn't thought of a lot of these.  I made sure to go by the churches when preaching was going on so as not to get plowed over.  I also have a hard time getting up the nerve to reach for my bottle at this point Embarassed so I'm not sure if squirting water is going to work yet.  My rides are short so I have some time to learn   I can ride on Aerobars fine but I'm still afraid to reach down and pull on the bottle LOL.  Hopefully practice will help.  The dogs I ran into today, didn't seem mean, just annoying.

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