Cindy asks that I post this Q&A message for her as she has no web access at the moment; she thinks (and so do I!) that our members here may be interested in commenting.


Name: Michael
Email: mohdoggies@yahoo.com
From: Q&A Contact Us
Sent: Friday, November 25, 2011 11:20 PM
Subject: Questions

Message:
I am not interested in training dogs at all. I am a bicyclist and I hate dogs generally because I do not like how dogs press people and how many are willing to attack people.

I am always looking for more self defense training and weapons training for practical purposes. One practical purpose would be to keep dogs from wrecking me or biting me while cycling.

I don't understand how you can keep dogs if you know how dangerous they are (all the stories and bite scenarios on your website), but maybe you can offer some advice.

Some of the best advice I have gotten was "get a gun" but that doesn't always apply (can't carry at work anyway and dogs come on the yard), and even if I had one, having one and even knowing how to shoot well doesn't always stop dogs. I have seen pit bulls shot in the brain with 9mms and .38s and still keep going. I've seen a pit bull shot in the chest with .45s and not stay down, though it did stop its attack. I want to psych dogs out so they leave me alone.
End message

I am tempted to say that this is a prank email.

Wow this person sounds bitter...

I think I am inclined to agree with Ram, it is so deliberately provocative, they would know how it would get hackles up - was it dignified with an answer??!!

I agree, very deliberately provocative, and look at his email address, mohdoggies?

Sorry, this is too hard for me to take serious.

 Quote: Joyce Salazar

I agree, very deliberately provocative, and look at his email address, mohdoggies?

Sorry, this is too hard for me to take serious.

LB staff thought so too until seeing that the email address has posted on rifle and bike boards as well.

Googling an email address is simple.

Sadly, it appears to be a real email.

Has anyone from LB replied Connie?

It will be in the newsletter, I believe, but LB thought that board members might choose to reply on the board as well.

Wow, I agree, very provocative. But it looks like Cindy has asked so I'm going to give my 2 cents and it's probably worth just that but here goes.

I agree, it's not always practical or effective to use a gun and especially for someone that is hesitant or questioning his own ability of its use.

An attacking dog can sprint and dodge quickly, not what I imagine to be an easy target. And gunshots, being fired randomly, by a panicked person, on pavement have an ability to shatter or ricochet, most likely not getting you but could cause some damage to other people or things in the vicinity.

I've owned dogs for years Michael, and even have one of those dogs that doesn't have a fond attitude towards stangers, the ones you detest so much.

It seems like you are a bit inquisitive about why we would own them but based on your blatant, biased, almost racially based outrage towards the species, I won't satisfy your curiosity there.

However, I do believe all people should feel safe going about their own daily business and think you're on the right track with self defense. I would think that would also give you the "confidence" to learn to control your fears.

When dogs chase bikes, you're usually dealing with prey drive (of course there's territorial, fear and defense issues as well). But prey that doesn't run isn't fun to chase.

My advice to you would be ride softly and carry a big stick. Devise or purchase something comfortable to carry. Ideally one that extends for a good swing impact and has a bulbous end. Use the bike as a barrier between you and the attacking dog.

Do not move if possible, don't scream, don't yell and most importantly, don't look the dog in the eyes. Look anywhere but, in fact the butt is a good place to keep your focus. Top of the head, shoulders anywhere but the eyes.

If you do need to take a shot, I'd be going for the temple, the area between the ear and eye - you will have to look in this general vicinity to get your aim right.

But Michael, personally, I think a lot more can be done to prepare you mentally for what you may encounter. First and foremost, a neutral attitude instead of this hatred. Be prepared but don't expect the worst from each encounter. It always amazes me how we have an ability to provoke or even determine our own fate with the attitude we go into it with.

You're human - I would suggest that you face these fears. Can you see if you have a schutzhund or ring sport club around you. Talk to the decoys (the men and women that take bites from dogs everyday). I'll bet they'd have some great advise for you.

ETA: With an attitude like your's (that's obviously going to attract/provoke these encounters) maybe just purchase one of the more modern bite suits to ride around in.

Edited by CJ Barrett (11/27/2011 11:46 AM)
Edit reason: add bite suit

Fear of dogs is common and legit in some circumstances. From bad experiences as a child, from training by parents who were afraid of dogs, for some maybe even hard-wired----ancestors who had no fear at all were likely eaten, their genes aren't around anymore. Dogs can do serious damage, that is the truth.

Bike with a short club and some cut up hot dogs. Throw some hot dog first, if that doesn't work , try the club. Do the hot dog often enough and you'll be greeted by a wagging tail.

Quit thinking like prey, like a rabbit minding your own business,but knowing you're going to be eaten one day. Think "dominion over all", be strong and calm, throw some treats ---they'll be lovin you.