rcd@opus.UUCP (03/27/84)
If you don't read net.bicycle, you should do so for the sake of the
discussions with the above-mentioned subject. The bicyclists are in a real
bind as to how to defend themselves - and I think that most of them are
interested in doing so without harming the dogs (tho many of them would
probably feel no compunction about harming the owners who let vicious dogs
run!) One cyclist, commenting on the seriousness of the problem, offered
to show dogbite scars on the legs to any non-believers.
Anyone here care to offer some constructive suggestions to the cyclists?
--
{hao,ucbvax,allegra}!nbires!rcdmrl@drutx.UUCP (LongoMR) (03/27/84)
Something that has worked rather well in the past is to carry a water pistol with you and squirt the dog in the face. If this doesn't work, prepare a noisemaker by putting about 10 pennies in an empty pop or beer can and tape up the top so that the pennies don't fall out. When the dog chases, give the can a hefty toss NEAR the dog (not at it, Please!) and startle the dog. At the same time, give a good shout (the word "OUT!" is great for this) This is usually enough to stop the dog and make it think twice about chasing you further. Both methods have the desireable effect of implanting negative responses to the action of chasing (which, by the way, is nothing more than a natural hunting instinct) and not harming the animal. If you have recurring problems with the same dog, you should approach the owner for help (they are usually more than happy to set up some "controlled" attacks to break their dog of this habit) and ask for simultaneous correction from him/her by putting the dog on about a 20 foot cotton line with a choke collar on one end and the owner on the other. Just before the dog hits the end of the rope, the owner should turn around and, with a firm grip on the line, walk at a very brisk pace in the other direction. A few days of this should break the dog from chasing.
mark@gatech.UUCP (Mark Johnson) (03/28/84)
The best way to deter dogs that want to chew on you is to squirt them with your water bottle. It is MUCH more effective than a water pistol because it sends a heavy stream of water at the dog.
grass@uiuccsb.UUCP (04/08/84)
#R:opus:-27900:uiuccsb:16500004:000:214 uiuccsb!grass Apr 6 11:56:00 1984 Dogs are a problem when riding horseback too. Some horses react rather violently (rearing, bolting, ...) and it can get dangerous. I have heard of an occasional dog getting nailed by a well placed hoof as well.