Comments on: A Cyclist’s Greatest Hazard: Loose Dogs http://www.vabike.org/a-cyclists-greatest-hazard-unleashed-dogs/ Advocacy, Safety, & Education Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:52:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: JCH http://www.vabike.org/a-cyclists-greatest-hazard-unleashed-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-4870 JCH Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:50:36 +0000 http://www.vabike.org/?p=156#comment-4870 Dog's are typically reverting to their prey instinct when they chase, and often it isn't actual "aggression", though in many cases it is. In nearly 30 years on the bike I've never had a crash from a dog and only a few close calls (where the dog came out without being visibible in advance). One of the best methods is to turn the tables; you become the dominant "dog". Use a commanding voice, slow down if needed, and in some cases even move toward the dog. In most cases they will be confused by this non-prey behavior and back off if not run away. Trying to get away, shrieking, etc reinforces the prey drive. Dog’s are typically reverting to their prey instinct when they chase, and often it isn’t actual “aggression”, though in many cases it is. In nearly 30 years on the bike I’ve never had a crash from a dog and only a few close calls (where the dog came out without being visibible in advance).

One of the best methods is to turn the tables; you become the dominant “dog”. Use a commanding voice, slow down if needed, and in some cases even move toward the dog. In most cases they will be confused by this non-prey behavior and back off if not run away.

Trying to get away, shrieking, etc reinforces the prey drive.

]]> By: bruce http://www.vabike.org/a-cyclists-greatest-hazard-unleashed-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-3884 bruce Sun, 22 Mar 2009 23:57:33 +0000 http://www.vabike.org/?p=156#comment-3884 I was chased again today by a dog as I cycled along a back road, hence I googled the subject to try to get some understanding and this is why I am here. This is the fourth time. I have seen some advice that advocated slowing down or stopping. This I am not likely to do. Big dogs freak me out. Strangely, all have been German Sheperds. One I kicked in the head as I tried to out run him. The other three I did outrun. One thing I always do however, is report the incident to the city's animal control department. They always go out and while they can't issue fines on my say so, they have issued fines of $150 per due to no dog license and one house they staked out to catch the dog in the act of chasing which brought court action. They always get back to me with feedback so I know whether or not it is save to go that way again. I was chased again today by a dog as I cycled along a back road, hence I googled the subject to try to get some understanding and this is why I am here. This is the fourth time. I have seen some advice that advocated slowing down or stopping. This I am not likely to do. Big dogs freak me out. Strangely, all have been German Sheperds. One I kicked in the head as I tried to out run him. The other three I did outrun. One thing I always do however, is report the incident to the city’s animal control department. They always go out and while they can’t issue fines on my say so, they have issued fines of $150 per due to no dog license and one house they staked out to catch the dog in the act of chasing which brought court action. They always get back to me with feedback so I know whether or not it is save to go that way again.

]]> By: VA Mortgage Information http://www.vabike.org/a-cyclists-greatest-hazard-unleashed-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-1845 VA Mortgage Information Fri, 08 Aug 2008 20:35:19 +0000 http://www.vabike.org/?p=156#comment-1845 OMG, I hate loose dogs! Don't get me wrong. I like dogs. I have a beagle that is truly a part of my family. but I make sure that my dogs don't get into trouble! Dogs should definitly be leashed unless they are in an area that speciffically allows them to be un-leashed. Chad C. OMG, I hate loose dogs! Don’t get me wrong. I like dogs. I have a beagle that is truly a part of my family. but I make sure that my dogs don’t get into trouble! Dogs should definitly be leashed unless they are in an area that speciffically allows them to be un-leashed.

Chad C.

]]> By: beckette http://www.vabike.org/a-cyclists-greatest-hazard-unleashed-dogs/comment-page-1/#comment-1844 beckette Fri, 08 Aug 2008 19:00:33 +0000 http://www.vabike.org/?p=156#comment-1844 I cycle frequently on a rails to trails to stay in shape. and off dangerous roads. We have a great system here in Wpa. However, I am always surprised by the number of dog owners who think the trail is a great place to allow their dogs to run free. I've had a few close calls. To sweeten the deal, those owners I have talked to have been extremely rude and offended that I should suggest they follow the clearly posted rules (not to mention PA state law) that state their dog should be on a leash. I'm sympathetic to the desires of the dog owners to allow their animal some freedom, but certainly don't want it to be at my or any other cyclist expense. In my opinion dogs should probably be banned from these venues as they were originally intended for cyclists and runners to go long distances. I cycle frequently on a rails to trails to stay in shape. and off dangerous roads. We have a great system here in Wpa. However, I am always surprised by the number of dog owners who think the trail is a great place to allow their dogs to run free. I’ve had a few close calls. To sweeten the deal, those owners I have talked to have been extremely rude and offended that I should suggest they follow the clearly posted rules (not to mention PA state law) that state their dog should be on a leash. I’m sympathetic to the desires of the dog owners to allow their animal some freedom, but certainly don’t want it to be at my or any other cyclist expense. In my opinion dogs should probably be banned from these venues as they were originally intended for cyclists and runners to go long distances.

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