tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post1528293115329838075..comments2024-03-13T02:16:08.135-04:00Comments on Cozy Beehive: Psychology Of Dog-Cyclist EncountersRon Georgehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394865788996482667noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-85720256851591784372013-09-21T13:23:36.279-04:002013-09-21T13:23:36.279-04:00All dog trainer jump at the chance to suppose they...All <a href="http://www.inhomedogtraining.com.au" rel="nofollow">dog trainer</a> jump at the chance to suppose they are in control of their dogs constantly, however the actuality is large groups are definitely not. Dogs are pack creatures, and henceforth institutionally attempt to declare their power over different parts of the pack - specifically, the possessor.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08585897134435641886noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-40427213677724869392013-08-17T02:21:06.108-04:002013-08-17T02:21:06.108-04:00you have mentioned very useful and profitable mess...you have mentioned very useful and profitable message for us.<a href="http://www.ubackoff.com/item_8/Dog-Repellent-Canine-Pepper-Spray-with-Keychain.htm" rel="nofollow"><b> canine pepper spray</b></a> supplying the hottest 5.3million Scoville Heat Units and most effective pepper sprays available.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02414121948463563724noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-76306640871762410312012-08-07T15:26:32.971-04:002012-08-07T15:26:32.971-04:00My wife and I are new to biking and we have been c...My wife and I are new to biking and we have been chased by a neighbor's pitbull on 2 occaisions. The first time a stern "NO" ended the chase and the dog returned home. This morning we rode past the same neighbor cautiously and there was no dog in sight. When we returned, the pitbull and a shephard both came at us. My shouting did not end it and the pitbull lunged at my wife. She avoided a bite only by raising her arm, otherwise it would have been in the jumping dog's teeth. When we got home, I got in my car and went to the neighbor's house. After a couple of blasts from the horn he came out, with the dogs. From my car I told him what had happened. He slapped the pitbull and told me he would keep him inside. This poor dog doesn't stand a chance. The owner is an idiot. I ordered a kimber pepper II today for my wife, and I will now carry my sidearm with me on rides. I feel terrible for the dog, but I will not become a victim. I would rather use it on the owner, but I don't know how to get him to chase me into the road.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-4113468375695327372010-06-29T20:37:30.900-04:002010-06-29T20:37:30.900-04:00Hi, thanks for sharing your blogHi, thanks for sharing your blogAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-342138702659299192010-03-04T14:46:38.816-05:002010-03-04T14:46:38.816-05:00Look, I am as normal as most, but after several bi...Look, I am as normal as most, but after several bites and law enforcement telling me that the offending dog (with collar) is "not owned by anyone" or that its the fault of the non-local cycler on the county road, etc... why don't we just follow the law: 48 states allow a citizen to kill a dog in public if they feel threatened. See, among others, Georgia Law 14 § 4-8-5.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-13066797576651522272009-12-19T06:21:48.666-05:002009-12-19T06:21:48.666-05:00Interesting story as for me. It would be great to ...Interesting story as for me. It would be great to read a bit more about that topic. Thnx for giving that info.<br />Sexy Lady<br /><a href="http://www.baccaratgirls.com/london/london_night_life_escorts" rel="nofollow">London night life escort</a>Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-24785028952445009242009-10-10T21:31:02.525-04:002009-10-10T21:31:02.525-04:00Some have commented here that spraying the aggress...Some have commented here that spraying the aggressive dog caused little response and they continued on the cyclist's path. I'm curious whether some breeds of dogs have lesser substance P and pain neutransmitters in their system than others dogs. If this is the case, then spraying a dog will cause little response.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-31185695812163588932009-10-10T02:15:34.410-04:002009-10-10T02:15:34.410-04:00Crispy : You're welcome to talk as long as you...Crispy : You're welcome to talk as long as you want. :) Whether you want to cap it or ramble on is upto you. It's all getting a good read from me eitherway.<br /><br />Fritz : Valuable observations from you, and I'm sure you've more experience in getting chased by dogs than I do. I take it that Dr. Horowitz is reading these comments and may or may not choose to reply, but if some of them are true, surely she'll revise some of the notions she has about dog-human encounters. You shouldn't be farther from the truth, especially if you're an animal researcher.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12256394060474969622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-59336460910775187802009-10-06T14:55:12.464-04:002009-10-06T14:55:12.464-04:00Most of my dog encounters are fairly benign -- the...Most of my dog encounters are fairly benign -- the initial barking can be startling but they just want to run alongside of me and it's not too difficult for me to tell that.<br /><br />I've been attacked on two occasions, however. I'm talking a full on lunge and take down. In the first instance my brother was around to smack the dog into submission. The second time around I had pepper spray and the dog got a full dose in the face, and Dr. Horowitz's opinion on the effects of capsicum is worse than irrelevant, it's personally insulting to me. This was my only instance of using pepper spray on a dog.<br /><br />Both times the incidents were reported to law enforcement and the dogs were quarantined - no rabies in either case.<br /><br />Finally, regarding acceleration -- do you guys never ride in a group? The dog chases the lead rider, and the rest of us have to dodge the dog that's suddenly in front of our wheels.Yokota Fritzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04808661100114872654noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-36960633732595472562009-10-06T14:22:27.055-04:002009-10-06T14:22:27.055-04:00oh holy crap that turned out to be long! :-)oh holy crap that turned out to be long! :-)crispynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-51734530547121649632009-10-06T14:21:51.884-04:002009-10-06T14:21:51.884-04:00In my experience, a direct spray to the face with ...In my experience, a direct spray to the face with a water bottle will delay a dog for about 5 seconds. If you are moving at a decent clip, this is usually enough time to get far enough away that the dog will not continue to chase. The only time this didn't work was at the base of a very steep road, (non-state maintained, in excess of 15% grade), where I was "double teamed" by 2 dogs. I sprayed one and the other took over, sprayed dog 2 and by that point dog 1 had recovered. Repeat ad nauseum.<br /><br />The risk with trying to out-run a dog is if you fail, the consequences of a collision at 30 mph are much more severe than a collision at 17 mph. Having said that, I normally elect to accelerate when a dog begins to chase, and re-evaluate if the dog is still closing when I'm going about 28-30 mph. If he is, other options must be considered, unless I'm feeling strong enough to jump harder and do an all-out end of the race type sprint.<br /><br />Most dogs, in my experience, are not out for blood. My main concern when being chased is that the dog will miscalculate his approach and end up under my wheels, or get run over by oncoming traffic. <br /><br />If the dog is truly in "prey drive" mode, you will not hear him coming. It is these dogs you should worry the most about. Usually, these are also the fast dogs (Dobermans, German Shepherds, etc). These dogs are also not as likely to be dissuaded by a water bottle spray. Your only audible cue might be the clicking of paws on the pavement as he closes. Dogs such as Dobermans and in-shape Shepherds can typically sprint about as fast as a cyclist (approaching 40 mph), so unless you have a good lead and are very confident in your jump, don't try. A dog can accelerate from a standing start to top speed in about 3 strides. My preferred option with these dogs is a very, very loud yell or roar when the dog gets within a couple of feet. Couple this with an aggressive lunge towards the dog if possible to get the animal out of prey drive mode. You don't really have to say anything meaningful, just make a lot of aggressive, deep, loud noise. If done properly, you wont' be able to talk right the rest of the day. Whatever you do, keep spinning your legs - it makes it harder for the dog to get a good bite into you.<br /><br />I am not a fan of pepper spray or any type of spray. It's just one more thing to carry, and the last thing I want to do when being chased by a dog is take one hand off the bars, reach into a jersey pocket, and then try to ride one-handed and aim at a moving target while riding down the road at 25 mph.crispynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-35315116018109245362009-10-06T00:31:47.369-04:002009-10-06T00:31:47.369-04:00I tried the whole dismount thing with a dog that w...I tried the whole dismount thing with a dog that was waiting in the middle of the road for me at the top of a hill and I got bit on the leg. Now, if I do not think I can get away by riding, I carry pebbles in my jersey pocket that I find on the side of the road. Just one handful in the direction of the dog makes it pause for long enough to get away. I don't know if it is the sound of the rocks on the pavement, or the rocks hitting the dogs but it seems to work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-72623433591296795472009-10-04T15:20:26.882-04:002009-10-04T15:20:26.882-04:00Thanks everyone for the comments. The physiology o...Thanks everyone for the comments. The physiology of the dog affects its attacking style as well. Check out this video that compares different <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZm037jPNgc" rel="nofollow">dog attack styles.</a>Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12256394060474969622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-53773395736350322942009-10-04T10:10:10.674-04:002009-10-04T10:10:10.674-04:00My wife and I were cycling down a dedicated cycle ...My wife and I were cycling down a dedicated cycle path and from some bushes a dog ran out and bit my wife's leg drawing blood and leaving a very large bruise; she stopped in panic and the dog continued to bite her. At this point I arrived and started kicking the dog in the face to give her a chance to escape but the dog started chasing her again so I had to ride next to it and keep kicking it. The little bugger chased us for about half a mile or so.<br /> From experience obviously I'd advise you to ride like hell or use something to scare them off. <br /> I have a dog of my own by the way.<br /> It's just a shame it was too dangerous to speak to the owner or get his details so we could report him.Bodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12802199670242889328noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-77626908106552618172009-10-02T06:23:00.139-04:002009-10-02T06:23:00.139-04:00Once on a country road in Wisconsin I had a dog ru...Once on a country road in Wisconsin I had a dog run after me for two miles. Went from being upset to worried that the animal would have a hard time finding his home. It's quite disturbing when they attempt to nip the ankles for that long of time.<br /><br />A continual problem with dogs (even when fenced in) is how they bark incessantly when cycling by which triggers other dogs to start barking. Bad owners means bad dogs.<br />JohnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-11251855718696338162009-10-01T22:28:16.281-04:002009-10-01T22:28:16.281-04:00I live in dog heaven and have had close calls with...I live in dog heaven and have had close calls with vicious dogs wanting to bite me. They bite pedestrians. They chase cars. Yes, their owners are the main problem, but I don't care. If a dog is trying to hurt me, I will hurt him first. I speak from experience. One tried to grab my leg, got between wheels, and I ended up over the bars, doing a face plant on the pavement. I was knocked unconscious for a minute or so despite wearing a lid. The owners and neighbors didn't even call the ambulance. I had to do it when I came to and could see again through the blood.<br /><br />You had better believe that I will do what has to be done to keep a dog away from me and my bike, and frankly, I don't care if it hurts the dog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-83638908870905640352009-10-01T21:08:02.073-04:002009-10-01T21:08:02.073-04:00I carry pepper spray when I ride a route known to ...I carry pepper spray when I ride a route known to have dogs that chase me into the road. Mostly I just turn around and chase the dog for a short distance--this works very well and gives a bit of satisfaction to turn the tables. Only once have I sprayed a dog, one that ran into the road every time I came past so it became annoying. Shooting the pepper spray at it reminded me of the old WWII fighter battles..the drops of spray flying out like bullets. Hit the dog square in the face and it veered off into the ditch just like the fighter planes after being hit. Dog has never come into the road again. If owners would restrain the animals this would not be necessary.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-64192007987490404992009-10-01T00:16:08.279-04:002009-10-01T00:16:08.279-04:00My biggest problem is that I take my two dogs out ...My biggest problem is that I take my two dogs out for a run while I'm on my recumbent tricycle. My dogs are very well behaved and they'd have to pull really hard to get me off the bike or over on my side. The problem is with a dog in the neighborhood. The people let him out of their house to roam the neighborhood and he will charge us if he sees us. My dogs won't go after him. So far I've been able to warn him off with my voice, stopping and walking past him. I worry about the day when that no longer works or he attacks one of my dogs as they will fight him.<br /><br />I've talked to the neighbor and they say "he gets out of the door and we can't catch him." I'm ready to call animal control as this happens weekly.Creakinatorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03401388959520540587noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-45997205727528261972009-09-30T22:36:08.369-04:002009-09-30T22:36:08.369-04:00Jo Ann @ 12:56pm : You have good points. Certainly...Jo Ann @ 12:56pm : You have good points. Certainly if the dog has a negligent owner, they have to bear the responsibility of a possible mishap on the road involving their animal. You have the moral courage to go report bad cases to city officials and that's doing good for other cyclists as well. Its a nice choice of action.Ron Georgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394865788996482667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-38336888790728772212009-09-30T22:32:44.425-04:002009-09-30T22:32:44.425-04:00Bryn : Those are great observations. Thank you for...Bryn : Those are great observations. Thank you for commenting. We didn't really touch upon the territorial guarding and pack hunting aspects of dog behavior. Like I said, I'm not really a dog expert but its great to learn new things about them.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12256394060474969622noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-2127214494797775302009-09-30T12:21:33.250-04:002009-09-30T12:21:33.250-04:00A couple observations I've made as a cyclists....A couple observations I've made as a cyclists.<br /><br />1) Farm dogs are the worst. They are accustom to ruling over a wide territory and thus more territorial.<br /><br />2) Dogs will set an intercept course when they give chase. Worst case scenario: the dog gets in front of you at which point the dog isn't sure what to do anymore and will likely stop in your path. <br /><br />3) If you slow down, the dog will adjust it's line of chase. If you can then speed up, you have a chance of out running them. If you have your doubts: stop, dismount, and put your bike between you and the dog and walk out of its territory. <br /><br />4) Stop acting like "prey." Shout commands like "SIT!" or "STAY!"<br /><br />5) My favorite: bunny hops. It freaks most dogs out. Enough to make at least pause/stop the chase.<br /> <br />I agree with the Dog psychologist: most dogs are just reacting to instinct. However, Some dogs are just plain mean, so watch out.randomstringhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04222794580866024118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-26794086256593796102009-09-30T11:48:59.480-04:002009-09-30T11:48:59.480-04:00I believe you should be able to do whatever you fe...I believe you should be able to do whatever you feel keeps you safe. If at any time you feel unsafe on a public road, you're justified in taking any action you deem appropriate at the time. An animal (dog, cat, bear, or baby bunny) should never put a human at risk. They are simply animals... I'm not saying you'd mace a child on the side of the road... but a dog--definitely.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-12318398379880055392009-09-30T10:37:03.840-04:002009-09-30T10:37:03.840-04:00Pepper sprays are not worth carrying. Typically t...Pepper sprays are not worth carrying. Typically there is time to accelerate. thou i always find dogs near the top of climbs. <br /><br />I find that a squirt with the water bottle is enough to back them off as the get close giving enough time to increase the distance.<br /><br />Also i agree with other commentors, yelling at the dog NO! or GO HOME is enough to stop em'.<br /><br />www.bikesofportland.blogspot.comGeologyJoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07212488235413098715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-3758474699370258562009-09-30T10:22:22.465-04:002009-09-30T10:22:22.465-04:00First of all, I think it's not the dog's o...First of all, I think it's not the dog's or the cyclist fault... It's the dog owner that thinks that he/she can just let their dogs roam on their properity and expect them to stay within the properity lines when "prey" is running/ cycling by.<br /><br />My course of action most of the time is yelling (STOP, NO etc). When the dog comes from the front or side, I slow down. When the dog chases from the back, I speed up.<br /><br />I think I will give the whistle thing a try! :-)Kathrinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07800829648977054836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13887692.post-67734369776724842542009-09-29T22:06:24.800-04:002009-09-29T22:06:24.800-04:00Bicycle magazine did a piece on this several years...Bicycle magazine did a piece on this several years ago. One absurd thing they suggested that I’ve tried that seems to work is to make high-pitched screeching noises that imitate an injured rabbit (this does not fit my riding style or personality but it is kind of fun to hear your buddies do this). Another suggestion is to yell at the dog “GO HOME!!” in a deep aggressive master’s voice. This is my style and it does work but frightens fellow riders. Except for the psychotic dog, I’ve found that talking nicely to them works, e.g., “Hi there boy. Come on. Chase me…..you can do it.” Many moons ago, as the story is told, a nameless rider discovered a very effective way to deal with a violent psychotic dog: shoot it!C. Walkernoreply@blogger.com