If you ride the gravelly roads less traveled and depending on where in the world you live, you may encounter a loose dog or three. My experience has taught me most of these canines are bored and interested in a game of chase. You ride faster, they chase harder.
Riding away at speed isn’t a tact I employ, rather, I engage with / or berate the dog, typically in a playful manner. I’ve made many canine friends who at first may have seemed unfriendly, and after a bit of a chase, a bit of a run, a bark or two, enjoyed a little attention, such as being petted by the roadside. Granted, not all dogs are friendly, and in all of my years of riding since 1991, I’ve had one negative dog encounter.
I don’t believe in harming loose dogs, the extent on my defense is a warning kick, or if I were to meet an overly aggressive dog, place the bike between myself and said animal. I’ve yet to capture such interaction on camera and hope that never happens. Your experience with dogs may vary, but I hope any interactions ended well for all. I welcome feedback to this video, but please, keep it constructive. Thanks!
Dogs Chasing Cyclists Video
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In this video, I chronicle my experiences over the past year or two with various dogs I’ve encountered on the gravelly roads less traveled. No dogs or humans were harmed during the filming or editing of this video!
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Dogs mans best friend “gotta love them”
I reside in northern New Mexico (the wild wild wild West) where most people believe that dogs can run freely creating a challenge to most bike riders. Being I ride mostly every day I am well attuned to the locations needing special attention on this matter. I have learned that in most cases during a chase if you stop the thrill is gone and most dogs are confused on what the next move should be and normally back off. Yes it is of the utmost importance that if you do stop to keep your bike between you and the dog(s) it is your first defense. This tactic works 99% of the time however beware that 1% will sooner or later occur that the dog will not back off. Never wanting to hurt a dog I do carry a canister of pepper spray and have had to use it twice in the last several years of riding and it works. The experience in both cases has been positive where the sprayed dog remembers that the chase has potential consequences. If one chooses to use this method please follow the safety guidance printed on most pepper spray labels and use common sense.
Thanks Dale, appreciate your helpful insights.
Lucky you. There are some more aggressive dogs here in NC that have bitten and wrecked riders.
A good mate has felt the wrath of an NC dog, broken ankle, broken frame. 🙁
Dogs are the biggest danger in my neck of the woods in WNC. They have taken out an bitten quite a few friends.
Also some of the best entertainment.
I am a member of the JOM approach.
They are a concern, but not the enemy.
Hi. Being a pet sitter for 15 years and also a cyclist, dogs are about energy and body language. Some have a high prey drive. I just talk friendly. Since i have had an Australian Cattle dog, i give them a lot of respect. They are bred to nip at heels.
Appreciate your insight, Steve.
I fucking love this.