Here in the real world, if loose dogs bother me in a particular place, I don't go there again. Because people DO let their dogs run loose, and very often people DON'T train their dogs, or even encourage their dogs to be wantonly aggressive. Telling people to change doesn't change them. Being mad about it doesn't change things, either.

So maybe OP should just go someplace else. I have to do that to walk my dog, drive someplace to avoid loose dogs. I was also thinking about getting one of those cool squirt guns, the fabulous giant colorful ones that will squirt a very long way. It would also enhance my image locally.

"... It would also enhance my image locally..."

that made me laugh after a crap day, thanks Jody!

 Quote: Jody Steel

I was also thinking about getting one of those cool squirt guns, the fabulous giant colorful ones that will squirt a very long way. It would also enhance my image locally.

snort

I'm totally thinking statues, of you mounted on a giant stallion ..... huge water-guns blazing (or
squirting) .....

 Quote: Cindy Shepard

... I didn't read any trollish-ness .....

No. While I completely agree with Bob and Michael and certainly about the foolishness (or worse) of considering using a firearm while cycling, I don't believe there is any question of trolling. Perhaps the O.P. will join the board and expand.

I also thought this was trolling. However, today reminded me that there are people who are really afraid of dogs. While on a walk in the park today, my dog was busy sniffing a tree (actually, scent of squirrel that just ran up trunk) about 15 feet from the sidewalk. Our of the corner of my eye, I noticed movement and when I looked there was a man on the sidewalk swinging a pole about3-4 feet long with some kind of a jagged metal object attached to one end. He kept saying loudly to me, get back, get back .... My dog never even looked at him so to me it seems very irrational. My husband thought it was probably not the dog but me that scared him. If only that was true.

I think it's a person that doesn't like dogs and probably isn't very bright. We all know that person, unhappy with life, they feel they never reached their "potential" and it's always someone else's fault, blah blah blah. This passive aggressive email is just pathetic and sad, trying to get people to notice him. Who knows, maybe the senders parents liked the family dog better than him when he was a kid as soon as they figured out what a mess they made. Whiny little bitch

I sincerely hope this is a prank, albeit an unkind and deliberately provocative prank. However, if it is not a prank, it should just be ignored as this person is dangerous. Anyone who would hurt an animal may eventually hurt a child and next, an innocent adult.

Talk about issues ! This person thinks he can defend his privilege of being able to ride his bike on public streets by shooting dogs ! In most locales, unless one's life or grievous bodily injury are at stake, using deadly force is unjustified. A law enforcement officer told me a long time ago that a good way to end up dead was to mess with someone's children or dogs. How can you hate a dog ? A dog is a creature placed here by our creator and is the only creature designed to bond to man. I think if you hate dogs something is wrong with you. Anyway it brings us to a little side story. I use the bike paths here to walk my dog, and many times these bicyclists, you know, the ones with the colorful jerseys and all the gear will come down hill over a blind spot at dusk and never use any type of warning to announce that they are hurtling past in excess of 50 mph. The stupidity of the situation is that if they were to hit a dog at that speed, they would be launched at the very least, possibly killing the dog and themselves. BTW the "bike" paths here are for all citizens to use whether dog walking, running, biking, or rollerblading. Actually though, I quit walking my dog at dusk because of the danger, so the arrogant win again. Did the subject bicyclist ever think about using pepper spray ?

I'm going to ask that everyone refrain from name calling. That means EVERYONE. We can all agree to disagree but let's keep name calling out of it.

I've been unable to get to the board to read OR post until tonight but as a person who loves dogs, trains dogs, owns dogs AND bikes with my dogs I have to say I can sympathize with Michael.

My take on it is you have to do what you need to in order to keep yourself safe. Would I ever shoot a dog? Probably not. Would I carry a gun on my bike rides? I doubt it. Do I condone shooting dogs? NO! With that said, I now carry a telescoping ski pole for defending myself and my dogs. It is so bad on our public bike trail (where there are posted leash your pet signs) that I called the park ranger that is supposed to be policing the trail. He didn't seem too anxious to get out there and start ticketing people so I've started documenting every bike ride I take, with a list of the number of dogs I see, how many are leashed, and if I have an altercation with the dogs. I even have cell phone photos of the dogs and usually their names as well (the owners stand there and scream the dog's name over and over)

I figure I can write a letter to the editor if nothing else.

We can all take Michael's email and run with it and make assumptions but the bottom line is that the non dog owning public are the very people we need to educate. Promoting understanding of both sides of the argument is the only way to make things better, no matter what your gut reaction may be.

As dog trainers and owners, our very right to have our dogs out in public with us could be in jeopardy.

First, depending on how this rambo wanna be rides his bike......wondering does he ride aggressivly, and wildly.....does he purposely provoke dogs....are the dogs he meets loose, and without an owner? My doberman is well trained, very even tempered, loves kids etc.....BUT you come riding close....wildly like a jackass....and yes my doberman (on lead) will react/ I know this and am prepared......if someone rides by on a bike..normally......no reaction at all as any well trained dog.......

I too, have no patience with people who let their dogs loose, my dobe and I have been threatened by several loose dogs......at nite I carry a big stick.

To the person who suggested this guy throw treats...good idea..but I'd be afraid he
would poison any dog treats.......I really hope he seeks some type of mental health help...personally.