Repelling dogs: any advice?

[Perfect Virgo]

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

Yep, I've found that technique effective too (and good fun)! If you are forced to stop, bend down to pick up a stone, or pretend to.

 

[Norm]

Aside from steel toe caps or riding with a slower friend, barking is a good thing. Depending on the breed, walking towards them will emphasise your intent, although that might push some into an aggressive defense, so should be handled with care.

 

[Keith Oates]

I've also found that a loud shout usually does the trick but if you have to stop make sure the bike is between you and the dog!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Ian H]

The first version of Richard Ballentine's book gave details of how to pin down a dog with your bike and then, in extremis, kill it. It generated so much hate mail that the publishers removed it (against Ballentine's wishes) from subsequent editions.

 

[Crankarm]

The first version of Richard Ballentine's book gave details of how to pin down a dog with your bike and then, in extremis, kill it. It generated so much hate mail that the publishers removed it (against Ballentine's wishes) from subsequent editions.

Why would you want to do that anyway?

 

[661-Pete]

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

Thanks for the link, a useful read. It's tragic that the author is no longer with us.

The first version of Richard Ballentine's book gave details of how to pin down a dog with your bike and then, in extremis, kill it. It generated so much hate mail that the publishers removed it (against Ballentine's wishes) from subsequent editions.

I have a copy of the first edition (dating from 1975) and I'm familiar with that passage. I'm afraid that, despite having no love of dogs myself, I find it distasteful reading, a blemish on an otherwise impeccable book. Perhaps the publishers were right.

I think it boils down to the pepper after all. Something small enough to fit in the wedge bag - I don't need to have it ready to grab instantly: I usually get some warning of an approaching hostile dog...

 

[longers]

I did like the fact they left the redeye in the photo in your first link Pete.

Devil Dogs!

Or harmless big puddings perhaps.

 

[Sun Superlight]

Not quite a dog?

Mrs Superlight and I were once camping in a farmers field in Wales.
In the morning as I picked up my bike to cycle into the village, I was attacked by the farmers goat.
Fortunately it was the smallest goat we'd ever seen, (not much bigger than a cat)
but it was a quite determined and aggressive one nevertheless.
Mrs Superlight was hysterical with laughter and joined the goat in attacking me.

 

[Fab Foodie]

The first version of Richard Ballentine's book gave details of how to pin down a dog with your bike and then, in extremis, kill it. It generated so much hate mail that the publishers removed it (against Ballentine's wishes) from subsequent editions.

I still have that edition. His other suggestion is ramming your pump down the dogs throat.

 

[ComedyPilot]

Never seen a dog rappel before, but my advice would be to ensure it has it's climbing harness and helmet on, and is using a descender correctly.

 

[Perfect Virgo]

Thanks for the link, a useful read. It's tragic that the author is no longer with us.

I have a copy of the first edition (dating from 1975) and I'm familiar with that passage. I'm afraid that, despite having no love of dogs myself, I find it distasteful reading, a blemish on an otherwise impeccable book. Perhaps the publishers were right.

I think it boils down to the pepper after all. Something small enough to fit in the wedge bag - I don't need to have it ready to grab instantly: I usually get some warning of an approaching hostile dog...

Yes, a tragic loss not only for his family but for the cycling community, on and offline.

I agree about the pepper spray. Its effects are immediate but not permanent. Shouting, "human barking!," ignoring and staying passively stationary are fine in principle and indeed work most times but I like to have a real weapon handy!

 

[Cubist]

Anything containing pepper or ordered from abroad to spray on a dog is likely to be illegal.


Biteback http://www.bite-back.net/ on the other hand is made from peppermint oil and cloves and is NOT illegal. Trust me, it is very effective. We use it a lot.

 

[Danny]

The first edition of Richard's Bicycle Book recommended that you pick small dogs up by the hind legs and dash their brains out. Larger dogs could be dispatched by shoving your pump down their throat.

Richard was clearly not keen on dogs.

I actually like them, and in my experience dogs chase you because they think you are something fun to run after. So the best tactic is to stop cycling, talk to the dog quietly, pet it if you dare, and you will generally find that it will get bored with you and go off to find something else to chase.

 

[rich p]

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

What a sensible bloke and an interesting, thoughtful article.

 

[Ian H]

The first edition of Richard's Bicycle Book recommended that you pick small dogs up by the hind legs and dash their brains out. Larger dogs could be dispatched by shoving your pump down their throat.

Richard was clearly not keen on dogs...

To be fair, he emphasised that these were absolute last-resort actions.