I agree, I think mastering your fear of dogs would be the first step. The best way to protect yourself is to understand dogs behavior and what motivates them- knowing how to read body language is imperative in these situations. facing a dog with fear can blow a situation out of proportion and make it a problem when previously there was no problem.
I used to ride my bike to school every day and I lived in a barrio side of a border town. The larger dogs were usually just attracted to chasing the bike. Stopping, standing tall and telling them to go in a firm way always worked, I did have a couple come after my dogs but I would place myself between them and they never came after me.
I think if your irrationally afraid, just being approached by a dog may seem like an attack. Most people don't seem to know the difference between a dog jumping on them for attention and excitement and an out-for-blood attack, and its really their own fault if they get emotionally scarred over it because they were ignorant. Once you've gained some confidence it wont be a big deal, and you will stress out a lot less.

I also think the carrying of treats in your pocket is a good idea, most loose or disobediant dogs, i.e. with the irresponsible owner chasing after the dog yelling ineffectively, could easily be warded off with a piece of food, as for the owner, they won't really have grounds for being pissed off that you have thrown a goodie for them, (and it is the owner you are justified in being angry with, not the dog)

Not all dogs are wanting to bite/eat you, and it's a shame you hate them so much, most dogs are nicer than a lot of people, but if you are truly being persued on such a regular basis, maybe you are subconciously anticipating it, a self fulfilling prophecy if you like.

If you ever actually have an out-of-control-wants-to-kill-you ferocious beast on your tail, then I suppose you are entitled to defend yourself in any way you see fit, but spending some time at a local rescue centre, or as already suggested, a sports dog club, you might just change your mind about an animal you have so sadly maligned, who in reality is the most faithful, loyal, loving and amazing warm blooded creature you will ever meet.

Please give dogs a chance, it could change your life.

I too agree that dogs probably feed off of the attitude presented to them. I have approached many a loose dog that have seemed agressive, slipped a leash over their heads and walked away with a new friend to find their owner. The fear is making the situation much worse than it needs to be.
I agree that some very delicious treats would be the perfect first line of defense against unwanted advances it will make them associate you with a good experience, not one that could trigger a very real hatred for you and your bike , but for a real attack scenario, I would probably choose a bear spray. It isn't leathal, but is a mighty strong deterrant. This would be my LAST option though. I would be stuffing a pack full of treats, changing my route and calling the local animal control for dogs at large before using force. I would also be finding a way to create a respect for the animal you so despise. Would hate for someone with such loathing to be lost somewhere with their lives depending on a Search and Rescue dog.

I think that Michael the stupid bike rider has provided a lot of evidence and intent for a future lawsuit that will bite him on the butt far worse than any dog bite would have......

remember folks, don't feed the trolls.

I actually find this kind of interesting. I don't think Michael is alone in views, certainly not his fear anyway.

He writes to knowledgeable dog people, asking how to avoid an attack and expressing his detest for the species. The email is then posted for all to see. An actual dog hater on Leerburg. Wow, I think I've almost seen it all now. Who'd of thunk?

But I also think we have a good opportunity here to find out what makes these people tick. I almost wish Michael would bless us with his presence. I didn't quite understand what he meant when he said,

"I do not like how dogs press people."

There may be something in that statement regarding past pressure he's put on himself while interacting with dogs.

Sure we could ignore him, but as a collective group I'm sure we could also educate him, if he truly is looking for answers.

If not, well it’s always good to know what people like him are thinking. I live by the pretty simple motto: "Keeps your friends close and your enemies even closer."

 Quote: CJ Barrett

.... Sure we could ignore him, but as a collective group I'm sure we could also educate him, if he truly is looking for answers.

Someone truly looking for suggestions will find some excellent nuggets in this thread.




ETA
Just to clarify, the message wasn't sent with any expectation of privacy. It was sent to the section of the LB site called "Leerburg Q&A; Ask Your Training Question," where questions are submitted and Q&A are categorized and saved for others to read.

Edited by Connie Sutherland (11/27/2011 04:29 PM)
Edit reason: ETA

Just to say we have a careless person on my street who use to have a dog that chased bike. this summer the dog ran into a group of over 20 bike, injured some and got PTS by the local animal control.

I blame the owner and animal control for doing nothing before a major problem. They had numeroud call to report the person carelessness.

Poor dog and poor bikers

I come from the world of serious athletes (bike racers and XC skiers) and I see a lot of animosity toward other users out there (kids, mushers, snow bikers etc.) and especially toward dogs. A dog may chase a bike for a couple hundred feet totally in prey drive, and enjoying himself. The biker sees this as a serious threat (falling on a road bike at speed is not fun- not to mention the fear of actually being bitten).

The dog should not be chasing the bike, sure. But that's something that happens when you bike rural routes. Most bikers I know carry mace or bear spray. If needed, they will mace a really aggressive dog. Otherwise, they get to know the dogs on their route and either toss out treats, or use the dog chase as a speed-interval session. Carrying a gun while biking and then trying to shoot a dog while biking... I highly highly advise against that. Mace (bear spray) is actually considered more effective than a gun in preventing attack from a charging grizzly.

In this article: http://www.alaskadispatch.com/article/are-guns-more-effective-pepper-spray-alaska-bear-attack , well respected retired AK Fish and Game biologist Rick Sinnott responded to people's assertions that the teens attacked by a grizzly on a NOLS trip in Alaska's Talkeetna Mountains (summer 2011) should have been carrying a gun, instead of bear spray. Sinnott is a hunter and gun enthusiast himself. Bear spray is proven more effective in stopping bear attacks, due to the ease of deployment, wide range of spray coverage (less need for accuracy), reduced risk of missed shot or inaccuracy due to fear-induced jitters (there have been several cases recently in Alaska where a friend was shot rather than a bear due to nerves, poor aim, etc). A pitbull is not nearly as large or as serious a threat as a 700 lb mama grizzly. Carry bear spray in a waterbelt while you ride, know how to use it, and you'll take care of any K9 threat.

As for the obvious dog hatred, I don't get it and never will. I was chased by a large german shepherd on my morning paper route every morning when I was a kid. I was a small child on a too large bike, and the dog was nipping at my heels. It didn't traumatize me and certainly didn't make me dislike shepherds. I adopted my german shepherd without hesitation. So, if a small child can handle a dog chasing a bike without freaking out- an adult male can certainly handle the problem (and if this were to happen today, I would handle it differently, as the dog was certainly in prey drive since I was never bitten and a dominant posture and treats would have taken care of problem).

Unfortunately I can somewhat relate to this question. I too have become extremely leery of other people's dogs. Just like the people who don't pick up their dog's poop, and so we are all now banned from state parks and many city parks, there are way too many dog owners who don't train their dogs, and we are getting bit.

Kasey and I have been 'attacked' by several dogs now as we were just walking on leash in a public park or beach esplanade. I don't make a habit of calling people idiots, but there are many out there now who know darn well they have an aggressive dog and choose to walk it on a public trail or walkway where there are children and other dogs, like Kasey, who can't or won't defend themselves.

Why should the rest of us have to forfeit walking in a beautiful place because stupid people bring dangerous dogs out in public without the slightest knowledge of how to control them?! I have to carry protection items and be always diligent and on the lookout instead of being able to enjoy our walk. As you can tell, this really bugs me!!

(I love dogs, and certainly don't blame them)