Bloody dog owners

Chips Lovell

I got chased by a Rottweiler this evening on Stocking Lane. Fortunately I was going downhill rather than up, as I didn't fancy my chances outsprinting the dog in the other direction. No sign of its owner.

Five minutes later and a little bit further down the road a woman walked right out onto the road with her dog on a leash. Had to grab a fistful of brakes to avoid bisecting a Highland Terrier. There were a couple of cars ahead of me and it was the usual story. She waited for them to go by and then walked out without checking.

kenmc

they're pretty crappy dogs though, so wouldn't have been too much of a loss had you bisected it...
aparently spraying chasing dogs with water though is a good deterent. If I hear a dog nearby i grab the bottle...

Raam

I've been nipped by the same little mutt twice. I haven't seen him in a while now.

blorg

There is this little thing in Glencullen that used to run out into the road barking at me. I'd be concerned for it's safety as well as mine, it generally went flying out into the road and could be under a car as easily as my wheels. Well one day it came flying out as usual, so I screech on the brakes, turn around, and cycle back towards it. It stops dead in its tracks, petrified, whips around and starts legging it up the street. I chased it along for a good distance until it ducked through a gate to safety. Haven't had any problems with that one since

Bicyclegadabout

Another reason not to use footpath/cycle track combo's: If it's late and it's dark you may be able to make out the figure of a person walking, but it's very difficult to see the little puppy they have strolling alongside them. It's a scary moment when you know you were damn close to crushing a little scamp while he was still on his owners leash. Imagine! :eek:

Dogs tend not to wear hi-viz also.

studiorat

My biggest fear. Meeting a dog going up hill.

Still it's what we carry pumps and water bottles for.:D

oobydooby

Bicyclegadabout wrote: »

Dogs tend not to wear hi-viz also.

I've seen some dogs on Sandymount strand at night with those hi-viz bands from Lidl with the flashing red LEDs on them. They look class running around the beach.

I got chased by a Rottweiler this evening on Stocking Lane. Fortunately I was going downhill rather than up, as I didn't fancy my chances outsprinting the dog in the other direction. No sign of its owner.

That's just shocking. Owners like that shouldn't be allowed keep such dogs.

fish-head

Isn't the DSPCA up there? I'll bet you get all kinds of creatures around Stocking Lane!

Chris Peak

Raam wrote: »

I've been nipped by the same little mutt twice. I haven't seen him in a while now.

If you see him out on the road again, just call the dog warden in South Dublin County Council. They'll either fine the owners or give them a bollocking, as the dog is a danger to the public / traffic.

I thought Rottweiler's were on the banned here? Isn't there something about the Dangerous Dogs Act from the early 1990's?

Explosive_Cornflake

I find staring them out of it works for me. Bloody hate small dogs though.

Victor

I agree on the dog warden.

Chris Peak wrote: »

I thought Rottweiler's were on the banned here? Isn't there something about the Dangerous Dogs Act from the early 1990's?

Controlled, not banned. I think they need a muzzle in public.

Raam

Chris Peak wrote: »

If you see him out on the road again, just call the dog warden in South Dublin County Council. They'll either fine the owners or give them a bollocking, as the dog is a danger to the public / traffic.

I gave them a ring after the second time, but they said they can't do anything because I didn't have the owners address. Although I did have the dogs name and the general area that he lives in.

WicklowRacer

After been bitten and pulled off the bike by a pikey alsation (encouraged on by its owners), I invested in some pepper spray. I've only used it in anger once but it was a very impressive deterrent. Some might say its a little nuclear, but the dog gets over it eventually.

kenmc

WicklowRacer wrote: »

After been bitten and pulled off the bike by a pikey alsation (encouraged on by its owners), I invested in some pepper spray. I've only used it in anger once but it was a very impressive deterrent. Some might say its a little nuclear, but the dog gets over it eventually.

Did you use it on the dog or the owners?

Victor

Oh, fit your bikes with a helicopter style wire cutter for those times when theres a long leash between dog and owner.

http://www.heliaust.com.au/images/product/extra_image/Wire-Strike-Cutter-Below.jpg

Fion_McCool

WicklowRacer wrote: »

After been bitten and pulled off the bike by a pikey alsation (encouraged on by its owners), I invested in some pepper spray. I've only used it in anger once but it was a very impressive deterrent. Some might say its a little nuclear, but the dog gets over it eventually.

Pepper spray is the way to go for the cyclist to bite back... but is it legal here ?

A dog's nose is so much more sensitive than a human's, so even a few molecules of pepper spray will teach a lesson he is unlikely to forget. The effects will wear off in half an hour and you are probably doing the dog a favour by making it less likely that he will chase cyclists in the future.

The ultrasonic Dog Dazer http://www.dazer.com/dog-deterrent.jsp sounds fine in theory, until you meet a deaf pitbull.

Malari

If the dog is small or obedient enough, a loud, sharp "GO TO BED!" will send it scurrying away :pac:

I get such a fright though when see or hear a dog making a beeline for me.

The worst is when you see one behind a gate in a driveway yapping his head off, and he suddenly nips off in the opposite direction and you just know he's going to appear out of a hole in a hedge 50m down the road! :eek:

Chips Lovell

fish-head wrote: »

Isn't the DSPCA up there? I'll bet you get all kinds of creatures around Stocking Lane!

Yes, it is. I wondered for years why there seemed to be so many barking dogs in that valley until I realised it was there. However, last night's dog was encountered near the entrance to the Hellfire Club, which leads me to suspect it was someone out for a walk who'd let the dog off the leash.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Chris Peak wrote: »

I thought Rottweiler's were on the banned here? Isn't there something about the Dangerous Dogs Act from the early 1990's?

No such thing as a banned dog list in Ireland.

We have whats called a 'restricted breeds list', which basically mean's that the dogs on the list should never be allowed in public without a muzzle, a short leash, in the care of a person under 16, licenced and wearing a collar and ID disc.

Bicyclegadabout

Explosive_Cornflake wrote: »

I find staring them out of it works for me. Bloody hate small dogs though.

Dogs don't think like humans usually, but in this case they do. Like humans, staring a dog out of it can be taken as an act of aggression by the animal. It's not something I'd recommend.
I haven't been chased by dogs very often, but a firm loud command should usually send them away. That's not aggression, it's just you letting the dog know you're more important than him.

Normally, they aren't interested in biting, they just like barking because they're dogs and that's what they do.

When they do bite, you gotta blame the owners. I like how this thread is titled "bloody dog owners" rather than "bloody dogs".

Chips Lovell

Bicyclegadabout wrote: »

I like how this thread is titled "bloody dog owners" rather than "bloody dogs".

You know I almost entitled it "bloody dogs" until I realised that it was hardly a dog's fault he was loose on the road.

Having said all this, I've had more near misses with sheep. At least dogs are somewhat predictable. Sheep just seem so dumb and you never really know what they're going to do.

Raam

el tonto wrote: »

You know I almost entitled it "bloody dogs" until I realised that it was hardly a dog's fault he was loose on the road.

Having said all this, I've had more near misses with sheep. At least dogs are somewhat predictable. Sheep just seem so dumb and you never really know what they're going to do.

While running on the West Highland Way recently, we had to pass through a narrow section full of these lads.



I've never been so frightened of a cow in my life.

Chips Lovell

Raam wrote: »

I've never been so frightened of a cow in my life.

Looks like he should be in the Ramones.

Fion_McCool

Judge Judy solves the problem...

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/07/cyclist-injured-by-dog-gets-his-day-in-court.php

.

EhBenDisDonc

Fion_McCool wrote: »

Pepper spray is the way to go for the cyclist to bite back... but is it legal here ? ... The ultrasonic Dog Dazer http://www.dazer.com/dog-deterrent.jsp sounds fine in theory, until you meet a deaf pitbull.

Bought a Dazer II a while back and can report that it is easily the most useless gadget I ever threw money away on. If I stick it right in my dog's earhole he might just look a little puzzled but he sure doesn't run off yelping like the literature says. It seems to be functioning, as I can see dust vibrating on the piezo when I activate it.

Pepper spray is considered a weapon and is indeed illegal here.

Dogs on leads are definitely a big danger. My brother was descending in the Dublin Mountains once when a dog owner stepped out and took my bro' out with the lead. He was unconscious for a day or two and was lucky he wasn't killed.

Vel

el tonto wrote: »

. However, last night's dog was encountered near the entrance to the Hellfire Club, which leads me to suspect it was someone out for a walk who'd let the dog off the leash.

I walk my dog in the Hellfire Club and up in Cruagh Wood and see that dog hanging around, often standing in the middle of the road. I think it lives in one of the houses around there and is sent out to walk itself :rolleyes:

Chips Lovell

Vel wrote: »

I walk my dog in the Hellfire Club and up in Cruagh Wood and see that dog hanging around, often standing in the middle of the road. I think it lives in one of the houses around there and is sent out to walk itself :rolleyes:

Not what I wanted to hear. I don't use Stocking Lane that often as I prefer the climb up Edmonstown Road, but I was starting to use it more now by doing a few loops in the evenings. Keeping an eye out for that dog isn't going to add to the fun.

blorg

I go down Stocking Lane very frequently (and up it occasionally) and I have never had any dog problems, so I'd say you can cycle easy.

Fion_McCool

EhBenDisDonc wrote: »

Bought a Dazer II a while back and can report that it is easily the most useless gadget I ever threw money away on. If I stick it right in my dog's earhole he might just look a little puzzled but he sure doesn't run off yelping like the literature says. It seems to be functioning, as I can see dust vibrating on the piezo when I activate it.

Pepper spray is considered a weapon and is indeed illegal here.

I agree with you about the Dazer... I tried it too and found it to be a complete waste of money.

Thank you for confirming my suspicion that Pepper spray is illegal here.

There seems to be quite a varied attitude to pepper spray in various European countries. For instance in Germany pepper sprays labelled "for the purpose of defense against animals" may be owned and carried by anyone (even minors).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pepper_spray#Legality

Chips Lovell

If this were a US forum, we could start talking about how many of us are packing heat when we ride.

Fion_McCool

el tonto wrote: »

If this were a US forum, we could start talking about how many of us are packing heat when we ride.

LOL

I found this idea on another thread on the same site !

SerialComplaint

Raam wrote: »

I gave them a ring after the second time, but they said they can't do anything because I didn't have the owners address.

This is just nonsensical. There is no way that anyone can be expected to have the address of a dangerous dog. Are you expected to wait for him to stop attacking and then follow him home?

It could be that is an excuse from a lazy warden. First step would be to get this excuse/reason in writing. If they do give it in writing, then escalate to Director of Services and/or councillors and/or Ombudsman to get this sorted.

Vélo

Fion_McCool wrote: »

Judge Judy solves the problem...

http://www.treehugger.com/files/2008/07/cyclist-injured-by-dog-gets-his-day-in-court.php

.

I enjoyed that, Shirley Temple looks like a real weapon.

Raam

SerialComplaint wrote: »

This is just nonsensical. There is no way that anyone can be expected to have the address of a dangerous dog. Are you expected to wait for him to stop attacking and then follow him home?

It could be that is an excuse from a lazy warden. First step would be to get this excuse/reason in writing. If they do give it in writing, then escalate to Director of Services and/or councillors and/or Ombudsman to get this sorted.

Yeah it's a bit of a cop out from them. Maybe if it happens again I'll force their hand.

EhBenDisDonc

I've an old copy of Richard's Bicycle book where R Ballantine gives some interesting advice to those faced with an aggressive dog on the road. He recommends shoving your pump down it's throat. If you don't have a pump, he suggests sticking your arm down the dog's throat until it suffocates. According to him, you should do this with a clear conscience, since all blame lies with the irresponsible owner who placed their dog in the position where it could endanger both you and it.
Seems a little bit extreme, and it was removed from later editions. Still, if I'm ever faced with a crazed pitbull, I'll let you know how the arm trick works out.

BTW - I see Maplins have an ultrasonic pet deterrent on promo at the moment. Looks like a raygun and, in bold print, carries the rather arresting boast "No More Pussy!" Save your money folks.

blorg

EhBenDisDonc wrote: »

I've an old copy of Richard's Bicycle book where R Ballantine gives some interesting advice to those faced with an aggressive dog on the road. He recommends shoving your pump down it's throat. If you don't have a pump, he suggests sticking your arm down the dog's throat until it suffocates. According to him, you should do this with a clear conscience, since all blame lies with the irresponsible owner who placed their dog in the position where it could endanger both you and it.
Seems a little bit extreme, and it was removed from later editions. Still, if I'm ever faced with a crazed pitbull, I'll let you know how the arm trick works out

I think that might work better with a traditional frame pump (e.g. the long ones.) As for sticking your arm down a dog's throat, I have seen this suggestion, but often in the context of "sacrificing your arm to save your life" - it is very definately an "if all else fails."

doozerie

Over the years I have tried various intimidating (or so I thought) methods of "discouraging" dogs that have chased me on the bike, including swinging my foot at them, swinging a pump at them, shouting at them, etc. Mostly I found that the dogs were very good at avoiding being hit, but even when I did connect it often just mad the dog more aggressive (shouting at them had this effect too - I suspect that several of these dogs were abused by their owners and were used to being shouted at). The one time I did get bitten was just after I had successfully hit one determined dog on the nose - it obviously never read the dog training manuals that said it should have backed off at that point

The only consistently successful method that I have found is to spray them with my water bottle, or spit at them if you don't have a bottle or can't reach it in time. Few animals like being sprayed and as they probably don't expect it, the shock of a blast of water is often enough to stop them in their tracks. It doesn't seem to make them more aggressive either which can only be a good thing, and of course it causes them no physical harm which is a good thing too as, as already mentioned, such behaviour from a dog is almost certainly the fault of their owner as dogs are rarely aggressive by nature (bringing out their aggression usually requires the careful, or careless, "nurturing" of a human).

As for sheep, usually a startled sheep will run towards other sheep so if you see a sheep at the side of the road you can often predict which direction it will run in based on where the other sheep are hanging around.

Fion_McCool

doozerie wrote: »

Over the years I have tried various intimidating (or so I thought) methods of "discouraging" dogs that have chased me on the bike, including swinging my foot at them, swinging a pump at them, shouting at them, etc.

This article from a bicycle touring website deals with a lot of dog deterring strategies...

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=3Tzut&doc_id=194&v=11

doozerie

Think I'll stick with spraying water. Apart from the personal objections I have to spraying a dog with pepper spray, getting close enough to it to hit it reliably in the eyes is just putting yourself too close to the dog's business end.