Chased by dogs on bike - what do you do?

x2   This always works for me.  The dogs see something coming at them (the water) and back off.

I wish I could, but unfortunately I live in a socialist state. What do you carry?

If they're are leash laws in your areas, report the violations to the proper authorities. If not, maybe work to get some passed.

I am in Louisiana where we have some of the best gun laws in the country.

On the bike a Ruger LCP .380 in a desantis nemesis pocket holster.  Fits perfectly in jersey pocket on strong side.  Holster falls off.  I've carried a Glock 26 on a few occasions but its a bit heavy.  An S&W J-Frame in .38 should work ok too.  The little Ruger is perfect.

Proper training required, don't imagine you're Roy Rogers and it doesn't make you absolutely safe but after reading several of the "I felt helpless" posts over on the pitbull thread I think it is a wise practice.

We have two riders in our group that carry CO2 BB pistols and they "train" any dogs that decide to chase us.  It usually only takes one time and that dog is no longer a problem on our route.  However, they don't shoot until the dog leaves the owner's property and is either on the road or on the right of way. 

We had one house that had two dogs that were a problem and they had Animal Control visit the owner on two occassions.  One of the riders had a family member in a car following us and video taped the dogs chasing us into the street.  That was very helpful in convincing the owners they were a problem.

I think it's more practical to come up with some ideas other than "carry a gun" on your daily ride. 

I read somewhere not long ago that a bike rider, if it's apparent that the dog has the speed and intent to actually catch them, should turn to the left or right 90 degrees and dismount on the side opposite of the dog.  Hold the bike by the frame and use it as a shield keeping the bike between the rider and the dog.

Why is that? 

Squirt bottle is one option.

Yelling "Get off the couch" sometimes works...most dogs have heard that once or twice so it'll give you enough time to get away.

I came upon a pit bull in the street once, saw him at about 100 yards and stopped and just sat there a minute.  The owner eventually came from the ditch of the road to get the dog.

Sprint like their aint no tomorrow and if you know you can't win, get off the bike and put the bike between you and the dog. 

Take off your helmet and use it to cover your hand if you gotta swing and fight.

If you gotta fight...as they said in the karate kid, show no mercy.  Try to kill it...break it's leg, back, neck, whatever you gotta do.  You are not going to come away clean but you should come away. 

Wow, between this and the pit bull thread I feel lucky that I've only had a few minor run ins with dogs. I had a chocolate lab give chase a few times, the first two times he just ran along beside me and barked like crazy. The third time he nipped at my foot so I gave him a shoe to the snout and he backed down. Not enough to hurt him, just let him know that I wasn't going to go down without a fight. He hasn't bothered me since. A few weeks ago I had a very aggressive chihuahua give chase on the rail trail. Obviously I was more worried about running the thing over than it mauling me. I sprinted until it got tired but I was quite impressed with how fast it could run and how long it sustained that speed. Those tiny legs were booking it.

When running I totally ignore any dog that barks. I don't speed up or act startled or frightened. It has seemed to work so far, they see that I'm not scared.  With most smaller dogs if you turn around and give chase they will run. I wouldn't try this with a pit or big breed. 

I'm afraid that with something like pepper spray I would end up spraying myself or at least getting hit with the mist. I don't feel comfortable carrying a gun, so kicking or defending myself with the bike is the only option.

I work at an Animal Hospital and was having problems being chased by some dogs while running a few years back.  I wanted to do something that wouldn't necessarily hurt the animal, but would protect me at the same time.  The Dr. suggested that I fill a small squirt bottle with a mixture of vinegar and water.  Dogs cannot stand vinegar and will wimper away if it hits them in the eyes; however, they won't be affected by it long term.  The bottle I use is about 3 or 4 inches tall and I can either carry it in my hand or slip in into a cycling jersey pocket.

Now, don't get me wrong, if this was a "vicious" dog breed or attack, I wouldn't worry about hurting the animal to protect myself.  I, too, live in the country and see all types of dogs on my journeys, some vicious, most just out to play.  My intention is to startle them enough, so I can safely ride (or run) away.

You don't want me to carry a gun.  Trust me.  It would not be a good idea.  I may shoot myself or someone else for that matter, but the dog would probably just laugh at me

I think the best way to deal with a nasty dog is to ride with someone slower on the bike tha you.....

I'm just saying.......

FTW!

Dog chase = Intervals