Makes a statement, doesn't it Tracy?

It seems that the OP's biggest issue is that he's getting misinformation from all the wrong places (based on the links he's sharing) and it's informing all his thoughts and opinions. I would hope he would take a more balanced approach if he's interested in learning anything resembling the TRUTH about dogs. I don't see that happening any time soon.

A lot of good information has been laid out here about how to handle the situation. The best one yet, IMHO, is to deal directly with the owners, then the police.

On the flip-side of the argument, some bikers have taken extreme measures that have actually CAUSED a problem. That hasn't been mentioned here yet, so I'll share my experiences.

My dog could care less about bikes (or joggers or roller-bladers, etc.) and he's always on a leash. Even so, I was sprayed with vinegar by a passing cyclist as a "pro-active" measure. The guy was an uninformed idiot, and that behavior could actually change a dog who couldn't care less into one that hates bikes. I have almost been run off the sidewalk four times by bikers coming up behind me and my dog at a high-rate of speed and with no warning. The bike lane was about ten feet to my left, but they still preferred to nearly run me down on the sidewalk. I was only actually knocked over once, but it was plenty. Of course the cyclist didn't bother to stop or ask if I was okay.

Once I had my way forward blocked (again, on the damned sidewalk) by a cyclist who demanded that I turn around because he had his children with him and his wife was afraid of dogs. I refused and actually had to physically push my way past him while his wife stood mewling like a kitten. My dog didn't even look at them; he could have cared less that they existed. Even so, I have no doubt that the wife's over-the-top, prey-like behavior is going to get her bit at some point.

And yet, I don't have an irrational hatred of cyclists or look around online to find excuses to hate them. No matter what your point of view, you will find something, somewhere to support it. It doesn't mean the info is accurate or truthful.

My point is, we share the space and it helps to be informed and rational about who we share the space with.

I have followed this thread from the beginning. Michael, there have been some really thoughtful and helpful posts from the people here, trying to give suggestions and help to you.

You have had quite a few comments that were very broad brush, sweeping, generalized statements that just are not true. Again, the LB members have tried to help you understand.
Some of your comments continue to be very misinformed; not sure if that is purposeful or just rooted in only wanting to believe what you believe?

As for dogs being "icons of the shallow" well, that is just a pointless statement aimed to create some kind of stir...
I find it so ignorant and foolish, without any logic.

It seems to me that if you truly wanted solutions to your dilemma, you would take some good advice from some very well intentioned members and work through it.
But I am still not that convinced that was your purpose here.

Michael,

Many people on this board gave you excellent suggestions. We get it that you hate dogs, but what do you say about responsible owners who had their dogs trained well? Would you still hate them too? Will your hatred for dogs change if more dogs are well trained and always under control?

I do know how you feel because I feel the same thing about KIDS. I do not "love" kids like some people do because I have seen brat kids who don't behave well in public. They kept running into my front yard stepping on my plants too. I'm getting tired of replacing my plants and flowers. They are screaming and distracting people. Unfortunately their parents thought yelling at their kids will get them to listen better. Who raised them to be like that? Just like how dogs were raised and trained? How you feel about dogs is exactly how I feel about some kids. Do I really HATE KIDS? No, I don't, but I like kids better when they are being respectful, polite, well-mannered, and thoughtful.


I was watching one of the videos you posted. Some of them barked, charged, and chased at the cyclist by telling them to get off of my "property." If you watch it closely, when the cyclist decided to confront two of the dogs, they backed off quickly. I agree with many people on this forum who said that those dogs in the video should be contained, but their irresponsible owners are stupid to let them run loose. We don't like "irresponsible" owners.

You see, many of us do not take our dogs to the dog park either. Too many ignorant owners and not enough responsible owners. When I go for a walk, I do let one of my three dogs run loose, but when I see someone walking with a dog, riding on a bike, or riding on a horse. I called my dog back to me and re attached the leash. I trust my dog that he will come back to me every time I called. I don't trust the people who walking with their dogs, riding their bikes, or riding their horses because I don't know how they will response to my dog when they see him being loose.

I have had a horse rider waved and smiled at me after I called Ted back. I'm sure he thought my dog is going to scare his horse or something and I do understand his concerns.

Will suggest you to watch some videos of KNVP dog with bike. Move it to 12:10 (you will see a dog being called off from attacking the cyclist and biting a cyclist too).

Here it is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcblxonbMtk&feature=related

This guy is just out to ruffle feathers. He's not seriously interested in learning. He prefers using hateful words and actions against people and innocent animals than actually learning and accepting that he's got a mental issue that needs immediate attention.

Probably going to get a smack on the head for this one but my fingers lost their edit button today.

I detest bicyclists. I find their bare-all shorts forwardly aggressive and do not understand their backwards wave thing that to me could mean "FU" for all I know (just as I think you have no idea what the dogs are doing and saying and have NO desire to learn) I hate the fact that they choose busy streets over empty sidewalks and ride side by side instead of a neat single file line and swerve in front of me going 10 miles an hour less than my SUV. Can I shoot them as they fly by because their calous disregard for others is a danger and I may be injured if I don't watch what I am doing? NO! duh.
I think that I have had about enough of the "I got several good pieces of advice but choose to drag this into eternity without trying any of them in increasing degrees of intensity." It is rediculous and immature. I hope your "EGO" has been satisfied by apprearing to be a "superior being" on your wheels and pedals now and that you will just go on your merry way. We gave you what you came here for and we took your juvenile "shallow" insult. Well, get on with it. Put on your spandex and helmet and grab your dog treats and bear spray and live your life. Either do it in shaking fear all the while saying but...but...but... Or quit your sniveling about the playful puppies who supposedly want to eat you and DO something.

Thank you Tracy! Sure puts things into perspective...

Through the years my family and myself have had 6 different dogs, and were around several others. Always had young kids in the mix due to cousins and now nieces and nephews. We were also avid bicycle riders.

One of my brothers got bit once by a neighbor dog while he was on a bike. There were a couple other random nips as we grew up and we got knocked down a couple times by our dog dogs. That was the extent of dog injuries - none of which required any treatment whatsoever.

Bike injuries -

I broke two teeth

One brother fell off and required multiple stitches

Another brother got his finger sheared off in a bike chain and required plastic surgery.

And the countless times we fell off, had banged up knees, skinned up elbows, cut and bruises that were doctored at home with peroxide, band-aids and neosporin.


Quite frankly I'm starting to think that Michael is just using this forum to promote his own bike forum instead of looking for real solutions...

What the dogs really want when they chase us ...

http://www.corbisimages.com/Search#p=1&q=german+shepherd+bicycle&ColorFormat=2

I thought the suggestions made here were reasonable and helpful. If the only acceptable solution for this guy is no more dogs...well, he's just plain out of luck isn't he?

http://www.proform.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_14201_16002_29511_177903?gclid=CJfonrfc_6wCFQdN4AodqHogTA

Problem solved.

 Quote: Michael Taylor

There goes Will Rambo

Michael - you can see how to spell my name, that's insulting that you used "Rambo" - one more insult and your posting ability is gone - tread lightly here.

Will Rambeau
Moderator