lechatnoir Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 Here's the scenario: Riding a remote road that has only foot, and cycle access (and possibly horses, but very stoney). Pass two walkers with two dogs off leash walking the opposite direction. Hello, pass round slowly and I'm on my way. Hit my turnaround and head back. This time I approach from behind. I slow right down, greet again and I'm off. 100m later, one of the dogs races past growling and barking. Stops about 30m in front of me and charges back towards owners while growling. I'm uncertain if I'm giving up blood and flesh here, so stop and try and get some bike between me and the hound. I back track towards the owners who've been calling the dog back. I indicate that I don't intend being a dick but their dog it offsides. "oh, he's never done that before", to which I reply "well, it's not the last" and leave a big "but" hanging for them to deliberate and head off again. So my question is this: my safety is my primary concern, so what do I do? Ignore and blase' past the whole thing, or neutralise the dog? these are opposite extremes, so need to choose something in the middle. But what? Note that I did NOTHING to provoke the incident, but consider this: dogs chases rider. Rider falls, breaks bike/clavicle. What then? or... dogs chases horse, horse throws rider, horse runs into traffic causing who knows what? All because of a pooch off leash. Help me out here.
Jurgens Smit Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 Here's the scenario: Riding a remote road that has only foot, and cycle access (and possibly horses, but very stoney). Pass two walkers with two dogs off leash walking the opposite direction. Hello, pass round slowly and I'm on my way. Hit my turnaround and head back. This time I approach from behind. I slow right down, greet again and I'm off. 100m later, one of the dogs races past growling and barking. Stops about 30m in front of me and charges back towards owners while growling. I'm uncertain if I'm giving up blood and flesh here, so stop and try and get some bike between me and the hound. I back track towards the owners who've been calling the dog back. I indicate that I don't intend being a **** but their dog it offsides. "oh, he's never done that before", to which I reply "well, it's not the last" and leave a big "but" hanging for them to deliberate and head off again. So my question is this: my safety is my primary concern, so what do I do? Ignore and blase' past the whole thing, or neutralise the dog? these are opposite extremes, so need to choose something in the middle. But what? Note that I did NOTHING to provoke the incident, but consider this: dogs chases rider. Rider falls, breaks bike/clavicle. What then? or... dogs chases horse, horse throws rider, horse runs into traffic causing who knows what? All because of a pooch off leash. Help me out here. Normally trainers advise not to run away from large, aggressive dogs as their instinct kick in to 'hunt' you. I'd say if you felt in danger do whatever you feel would save you. Whether it be pepper spray or to shoot it.
Quagga Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 Like I said in my other post, I dont understand why people don't follow simple rules. There is a LAW(nevermind a rule) that your has to be on a lead at times when not in YOUR property.Unless otherwise specified by signage.
dave303e Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 Depends where you were, but dog owners in certain areas should be aware of some municipal lawshttp://www.news24.com/SouthAfrica/Local/Amanzimtoti-Fever/Dog-owners-reminded-about-law-20151013
Blokman Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 If you have nothing else a squirt in the face with a water bottle will in some cases buy you a few seconds.
Fat Boab Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 If you have nothing else a squirt in the face with a water bottle will in some cases buy you a few seconds. Owner or dog?
Pure Savage Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 I hate dog walkers, they are worse than strava wankers. Their dog has "never done this before" , was in the park where dogs are allowed off the lead, big dane was galloping around park, knocked over 3 year old on balance bike, causing the poor kid to lose a lot of skin on face. Owner seeing this, calls dog and makes a B-line to car. Do what you need to protect yourself.
coppi Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 Its an ongoing problem......I have constant arguements with dog owners on the braamfontein spruit doing the same thing! Dogs are supposed to be on a leash, not running around chasing people and getting into fights with other dogs.
Fat Boab Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 For me, I try and separate my response to the dog, and the owner. Largely the dog is following its instinct and unless one feels genuinely at risk, I try and ignore it. Otherwise pepper-spray has worked for me. The owner is either ignorant, unknowing or anti-social and a calm, easier said than done, bit of education for the owner is ideal, but often thankless. Re the OP's situation, if the owner said "he's never done that before", then I would have pointed out that it's an admission of guilt, so going forward what are you going to do about it so you and your dog don't seriously injure someone else? Pointing out the potential risk to their dogs well-being of some future pistol wielder might work too?
Pure Savage Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 For me, I try and separate my response to the dog, and the owner. Largely the dog is following its instinct and unless one feels genuinely at risk, I try and ignore it. Otherwise pepper-spray has worked for me. The owner is either ignorant, unknowing or anti-social and a calm, easier said than done, bit of education for the owner is ideal, but often thankless. Re the OP's situation, if the owner said "he's never done that before", then I would have pointed out that it's an admission of guilt, so going forward what are you going to do about it so you are your dog don't seriously injure someone else? Pointing out the potential risk to their dogs well-being of some future pistol wielder might work too? Re the OP's situation, if the owner said "he's never done that before", then I would have pointed out that it's an admission of guilt, so going forward what are you going to do about it so you are your dog don't seriously injure someone else? Great point!
Rocket-Boy Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 Meh I dont see the problem really. Its highly unlikely the dog is going to bite you in a situation like that.I have my dogs on a leash if there are people or other dogs around but once its all clear and its just us then they come off leash again. They also want to have some fun and enjoy the outdoors a bit.
Fat Boab Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 Meh I dont see the problem really. Its highly unlikely the dog is going to bite you in a situation like that.I have my dogs on a leash if there are people or other dogs around but once its all clear and its just us then they come off leash again. They also want to have some fun and enjoy the outdoors a bit. But do they need to bite someone to cause an accident? Dogs are hardly the most predictable animals whilst they 'enjoy the outdoors', so as the OP mentioned a fall, broken bones etc, due to a negligent owner is still relevant.
Pure Savage Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 Meh I dont see the problem really. Its highly unlikely the dog is going to bite you in a situation like that.I have my dogs on a leash if there are people or other dogs around but once its all clear and its just us then they come off leash again. They also want to have some fun and enjoy the outdoors a bit.Same as when I ride on the road if no one is around I skip red lights, ride 3 abreast and ride on the N2. Just wanna have some fun.
T-Bob Posted June 26, 2017 Posted June 26, 2017 Maybe it's because you are a black cat riding a bike... I doubt the pooches were ready for that occurrence.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.