Repelling dogs: any advice?

[661-Pete]

Didn't want to hijack the thread about the R2 programme, so I thought I'd start another one for serious suggestions about fending off dogs.

This is a real issue for me, especially in France where, on minor roads in rural areas, farm dogs are much more likely to run into the road at you than in Britain. I certainly don't want to harm any dog or get into a debate with a French dog-owner!

By all accounts, and I've scanned t'web for reviews, the ultrasonic 'Dog Dazer' does not work most of the time. And even when it does, it is not weatherproof so you can't just strap the thing to the handlebars.

So we're left with pepper sprays and the like - such as this. Are they legal? Has anyone tried one?

 

[montage]

A desert eagle or a colt.45 should do the trick

 

[Crankarm]

Bear spray?

 

[Brahan]

A Sumurai sword.

 

[tyred]

Take a medium sized syringe and fill with water. Aim at dogs nose and squirt. That dog won't bother you again.

 

[wafflycat]

What I'd love to try is anti-peck spray. I just have to think of a suitable delivery system. It's entirely harmless, but has a horrible, very bitter taste. Used on hens to discourage too much pecking of new hens when pecking order is being established, to reduce injury. As I say, harmless (I sprayed some on self.. don't ask.) and I'm fairly sure it would make pooch stop pretty much in its tracks.

 

[TheDoctor]

Could you dilute it and put it in a water pistol?

 

[alecstilleyedye]

i do a catty sounding growl if they get too close. usually works (see other thread…)

 

[MichaelM]

Jif Lemon

I had a behaviourist visit about one of my dogs. I basicly needed to stop dogs off lead approaching him. Jiff Lemon is what he recommended. I've used it a couple of times and it seems to work, though how you go about having one to hand on the bike I'm not sure.

 

[wafflycat]

Could you dilute it and put it in a water pistol?

You don't want to dilute it. I's just thinking os suitable way of carrit and having it to hand, on bike. You really don't want to put it in a water bottle and accidentally drink from it...

 

[DJ]

My Sister gave a raging dog a beautifully timed kick right on the end of it's nose once.......end of!

 

[Kestevan]

A 16 bore is probably about right. A 12 would make too much mess close in.

 

[ComedyPilot]

Chicken strips. Throw a handful, they love 'em

 

[Perfect Virgo]

Here in rural Canada unchained dogs are a real menace. I sympathise as I've had to re-plot various rides to avoid the worst offenders. I haven't been bitten but it's pretty unnerving to have a large, barking hound chasing alongside you with teeth bared. Pepper spray is fairly effective but the dog must be quite close for you to be accurate. The reference to bear spray is overkill. The stuff is expensive, hard to get hold of (even in Canada) and gives at best 2 long range squirts before needing replacement.

I read various articles about the four-legged beasts on Crazy Guy on a Bike and found this link a good read.

 

[Ian H]

I sometimes bark loudly back at the dog. It often makes them hesitate, and it always scares the hell out of nearby cyclists.