Got chased by an aggressive dog this morning as I cycled through St Mark's Park towards NEPN.
Fortunately it never made contact with my ankles as it was a relatively slow terrier and I saw it coming and was able to accelerate.
Had it got any closer I was contemplating (a)swinging a leg at it, (b) unhooking the frame-fit pump and swinging this at the beast.
Both these options are more likely to cause me to fall off then having any effective deterence but it seemed more exciting than slowing, stopping and placing the bike between myself and the dog - which I believe is the 'recommended' cause of action.
Would my more exciting options be considered 'proportionate' and therefore morally and/or legally defensible?
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help
Aggressive Dog
(12 posts)- Started 11 years ago by riffian
- Latest reply from crowriver
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Posted 11 years ago #
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Would my more exciting options be considered 'proportionate' and therefore morally and/or legally defensible?
They certainly would, however a better method, and one I use myself regularly, is to slow down a little, and try to cajole the canine to get between your wheels (you might end up getting a bite or two on your ankles, but it's worth it). Then slice it in two with your large chain ring.
Try it on the way home - it's fun!
Posted 11 years ago # -
"slowing, stopping and placing the bike between myself and the dog - which I believe is the 'recommended' cause of action."
I have done this in the past after the same dog bit other cyclists. It worked but then the owner accused me of attacking the dog. Some people see the world in a remarkably self-centred way.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Also the recommended way of fending off an attacker whilst on a bike. Stand it up on the back wheel (brake locked) and pivot both wheels towards the foe. Leave the front (now upper) wheel unbraked, so should the rapscallian grab it it just spins.
Options then include lunging the front wheel towards them or lobbing the whole bike at them whilst you hightail it in the opposite direction.
The (American) book then went on to stable pistol firing positions from a bike, at which point I lost interest.
Posted 11 years ago # -
Swift boot to the face has worked for me in the past, owner complained, I cycled on not caring.
Posted 11 years ago # -
I once had a German Shepard 'go' for me (whilst walking), I simply stopped, put on my smiley face on and said "Hallooo, how are you, hiyaaa?" in that doggie speak way, then walked towards it and patted it on the head. Tail was wagging within 10s.
I appreciate a lot of people aren't 'dog' people, but they are usually easy to placate if you know how.
Posted 11 years ago # -
@Baldcyclist That's my usual approach too but I got so fed up with aggressive dogs on one cycle-path ride that when the next dog started chasing me I picked up the pace and with the dog close behind put maybe half a mile between me and the owner before stopping. What that did to the outlook of the dog (confused, looking a bit lost) and the owner (distant, shouting desperately and ineffectually) I don't know. But I felt great.
Posted 11 years ago # -
"they are usually easy to placate if you know how"
Usually but not always.
"people aren't 'dog' people"
Particularly the owners!
In Argentina, there are lot of stray or stray-like dogs around. If you go for a ride on one of the dirt roads, you can end up with a small gang of dogs running after you. They like the sport. If you see them in advance the best plan is to avoid them by going around the block if possible (one of the advantages of a grid round system extending into the countryside).
Posted 11 years ago # -
One of the regular posters on CycleChat had her round-the-world cycling trip cut short after being attacked by a pack of dogs. Think it was somewhere in eastern Europe. I'll try to find her blog posts about the experience.
I'm a dog person and get really annoyed by out of control or aggressive dogs. I know it sounds a cliche but it's true that it is entirely the owner's fault - the dog is only behaving in the way that it has been allowed to. Doesn't help or make things any easier in the event of a dog attack though. :-(
Posted 11 years ago # -
Stickman: you beat me to it - a dog will only behaviourally 'go for' someone on a bike under three conditions:
1) Poor socialisation - curious unfamiliarity and the "ooooh, look! new sensations! let's play!" factor
2) Fear - aggression as a result of feeling threatened; partly a result of poor socialisation
3) Reinforcement of previous aggressive behaviours whereby the dog now now acts with doggy manners it has been taught to be acceptable (no matter how poor)
Of course, if the dog is aggressive by nature, no matter the thoroughness of training, the owners are negligent and irresponsible to not take every cautionary measure to ensure the safety of others, e.g. leads, avoiding behavioural triggers etc.
Mr MeepMeep and I looked into getting a dog 6 months ago. The breeders we spoke to in trying to get an idea of everything involved in buying a dog said that they wished more people took the time to really understand what dog ownership entails before buying on a whim, particularly from Gumtree or a mate of a mate.
Posted 11 years ago # -
I was chased by a dog on Wednesday when i was out for a run on the cycle path at the opening for Victoria Park just after Craighall Road. A large Lab/Retriever emerged from the bushes and started circling me. I'm not particularly comfortable with dogs that i don't know so i stopped and stood still until the owner appeared. When he did he made a kneeing motion to me. Because i had my headphones in i didn't hear what he said and thought he was accusing me of kneeing his dog. Turns out that he was actually suggesting that that's what i should have done. I find this a very strange suggestion and one i'm not particulalry comfortable with. It's fair enough him suggesting that but how does he know how the dog will react to a stranger hitting it?
Anyway a couple appeared out from victoria park and the dog decided they might be more fun so i went on my way. I got about 30-40m away when the dog appeared again. The owner just stood and called for the dog. After a minute the dog seemed to get bored and went to back to the couple with the buggy.
Surely the owner should have put the dog on its lead when he saw that it was overexcited and there was people around?
Posted 11 years ago # -
In Argentina, there are lot of stray or stray-like dogs around. If you go for a ride on one of the dirt roads, you can end up with a small gang of dogs running after you.
One of the regular posters on CycleChat had her round-the-world cycling trip cut short after being attacked by a pack of dogs. Think it was somewhere in eastern Europe.
Yes, I have found in Bulgaria the normal 'rules' that cyclists use in the West are reversed because of the threat of packs of strays, and also vicious guard dogs (not on a lead or enclosed in any way!) from warehouses/factories, etc.
In the West, we cyclists like to use minor roads and quiet streets in urban areas. Do not do this in Bulgaria (and I presume Romania) or you will be chased by dogs, singly or in packs. Instead go for the busy roads and streets (with either traffic, trams/trolleybuses or pedestrians). I much prefer taking my chances with juggernauts than with packs of strays!
Rules are slightly different in rural areas but it depends on the time of day. If the weather is warm, during the day the dogs are snoozing and will not bother you. At dawn/dusk they are roaming around looking for food: very dangerous! So stick to main roads at this time. At night, just forget minor roads/quiet streets and head onto the boulevards/big roads for some level of sanctuary from the beasts.
Posted 11 years ago #
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