I got bitten by a dog today...which is a good thing in a way

[simon.r]

So, I'm riding along by the Trent, an Alsatian on my right with its paws in the water, which I'm keeping an eye on. On my left a couple with 3 other dogs, one of which is a Westie (I think).

Ivan - I know it was called this because the owner was yelling after it - runs alongside me at about 14mph. The dog is at absolute maximum speed and keeps up with me for about 400m. After which if decided to nip me on the ankle - just enough to draw blood.

It hurt a bit, but not much. I've always been very wary of dogs, but I think this experience may have taught me that the bite is worse than the bark sometimes!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Auch!
What dog bit you, the Alsatian or the Westie?

 

[Sharky]

There have been more tragic encounters:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Buckley_(cyclist)

 

[slowmotion]

My wife was bitten by our own dog. She was in an unfortunate position between the letter box and Bertie going airborne as the post came through the door. Her index finger got ripped up by one of his canines.

The doctor at A&E told her that there was nothing to worry about.

"Human bites transfer far more infections"

 

[simon.r]

Auch!
What dog bit you, the Alsatian or the Westie?

The Westie.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

So, I'm riding along by the Trent, an Alsatian on my right with its paws in the water, which I'm keeping an eye on. On my left a couple with 3 other dogs, one of which is a Westie (I think).

Ivan - I know it was called this because the owner was yelling after it - runs alongside me at about 14mph. The dog is at absolute maximum speed and keeps up with me for about 400m. After which if decided to nip me on the ankle - just enough to draw blood.

It hurt a bit, but not much. I've always been very wary of dogs, but I think this experience may have taught me that the bite is worse than the bark sometimes!

Please come and live in our house for a few weeks. I'll pay you.
We need a glass-half-full person here for a while, especially with winter coming up. As a bonus, we have a dog and I'm sure I can attack-train it for you.

 

[rrarider]

[QUOTE 4538853, member: 45"]I have an original copy of Richard's Bicycle Book, which explains a way to deal with dogs that was omitted from later editions.[/QUOTE]
I have a 1984 edition and I was sure that his recommended method was printed in that. However on reading it again, it states that his publisher won't let his method be published. My memory is playing tricks, so I guess I must have read it somewhere else. My memory tells me that his method was to "unclip the pump from the bike, then ram it down the dog's throat". It always struck me as an impossible feat.

Please can you tell me if my memory is correct?

 

[Globalti]

I got nipped on the arse by a border collie. Was plodding up a hill on the mountain bike one snowy day and the dog decided it would be fun to run alongside me, barking. I ignored it until the little barsteward nipped my arse, which infuriated me so much that I threw the bike down, roared with anger and turned to attack the dog. By then the hapless creature was already scampering away as fast as it could, hind legs overtaking front like a cartoon dog, looking over its shoulder with an "Oh sheeeeit..." expression on its face. The owner was a useless bint in a long fur coat dragging in the snow, who wailed: "Oh... did my dog bite you?". I treated her to some choice language then stopped to pull my cycling tights down and check for blood, much to the amusement of a passing walker, but luckily for the useless owner her dog hadn't drawn blood.

My climbing buddy got attacked by a labrador while running through the park; he hates dogs so he chinned it and it fell to the side of the track yelping in shock. The owner heard it, looked up and shouted "Oy!" but my pal was already well away, fuelled by adrenaline. I doubt the dog tried that again.

 

[Yellow Saddle]

[QUOTE 4538853, member: 45"]I have an original copy of Richard's Bicycle Book, which explains a way to deal with dogs that was omitted from later editions.[/QUOTE]
Do tell.

 

[rrarider]

I seems that my memory was correct regarding the pump defence. A Google search for "Richard Ballantine" + "dog" brings up several hits. Some of them, including his obituary in the Telegraph, quote the 'pump down the throat' method.

 

[Globalti]

Was that written by Michael Heseltine?

 

[TrishE]

Bit OTT for a westie it would have to leap pretty high to go for the throat

 

[Globalti]

Not if it was on PEBs. (Performance enhancing biscuits)

 

[Glow worm]

I completely loathe dogs and am always extremely wary of them, having been chased by so many. 'Oooh he's never done that before' the owners often say as the filthy thing tries to take a lump out of your ankle. Or 'don't worry he won't hurt you' as it hurtles towards you at an unnerving pace. Then there's all the dog crap all over the place, the constant barking, worrying livestock/ wildlife, the owners yelling and howling after their dogs at full volume. I realise I may have to hand in my British citizenship for this but dogs are definately not my thing!

 

[mjr]

Yeah, I'm sorry and I know it's not British, but if people don't control their dogs and get them to back off, then I will, even if that means a rap on the nose, although I'll shout at them first. I've seen too many people taken off by dogs in local parks, including a few where the dog runs nearby before attacking the bike or rider.