Why is it only dogs?

**Timbuk2**

Why is it only dogs that tend to chase cyclists?

I've cycled near cats, who always run away from me. Even yesterday, when I did a 100k cycle, I cycled by cows and I had a fleeting image of them chasing after me, but they didn't Sheep also run away from you, albeit slow and you catch up with them after about 10 seconds.

But why do cyclists annoy dogs so much? Even if I am cycling, a dog in a house across the road can be throwing itself at the locked gate just to get out at me!

Chips Lovell

Cos its in their nature.

Cows aren't programmed to chase after their prey.

rottenhat

Tell me it's Friday....

OK, sheep - not predators. Cows - not predators. Cats - predators who only pick fights they think they can win.

Dogs - predators who kill by chasing animals down and attacking with their powerful jaws. Often operate in packs and are unafraid to attack prey larger than they are. Strong territorial instinct, which is often reinforced by training from human owners.

In short, millions of years of evolution means that dogs tend to act like dogs.

Caroline_ie

Blorg does that too ... sometimes, he sees a cyclist pass by and start going after him like a mad dog ...

so ... it's not just dogs ...

ednwireland

my cat attacks my spokes when i wheel the bike past him (particularly stupid cat) either that or he thinks i should have gone aero and not SS DB

rottenhat

ednwireland wrote: »

my cat attacks my spokes when i wheel the bike past him (particularly stupid cat) either that or he thinks i should have gone aero and not SS DB

Shiny, silvery spokes glinting in the sun? Just playing...cats are always into shiny, flickery stuff.

However if mine gets claw marks all over my Brooks again, there'll be no tuna for a week.

**Timbuk2**

I understand what you are saying, but some dogs only attack when cycling by. If you walk by the same dog, they don't move.

Why?

Chips Lovell

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

I understand what you are saying, but some dogs only attack when cycling by. If you walk by the same dog, they don't move.

Why?

It's the speed of movement. More than likely the dog's instincts is to pursue fast moving things, as their prey would immediately flee from them. Something strolling along isn't likely to be prey.

Lumen

el tonto wrote: »

It's the speed of movement. More than likely the dog's instincts is to pursue fast moving things, as their prey would immediately flee from them. Something strolling along isn't likely to be prey.

In your case it might be an Italian dog objecting to your frame-mounted pump.

Jawgap

They are also territorial in a way that cats aren't.

Cats are also quite snooty - maybe they run away in disdain at your bike and your kit.......

DePurpereWolf

It has nothing to do with predatory instinct with dogs, but the fulfilment it gets of a job well done in chasing away the sweaty weirdo from its property.
Cyclists are at a speed that is just right for chasing, joggers are too slow, cars are too fast (and don't smell like sweat)

They just like to chase away sweaty things.

Vélo

There's a good chance this cat would chase after you.

thebouldwhacker

The worst thing is when you think they are gone, you have done your best to out pace them and you have lost them...

Jawgap

Aquinas73 wrote: »

There's a good chance this cat would chase after you.

Him? No problem!! Even I'd out pace that tubby lump. This guy however, might be a bit more of challenge......

Chips Lovell

What is it with dogs these days. I'd never been chased by one until last Autumn and now its practically a weekly occurance. Got chased by a springer spaniel last night.

rottenhat

el tonto wrote: »

What is it with dogs these days. I'd never been chased by one until last Autumn and now its practically a weekly occurance. Got chased by a springer spaniel last night.

Maybe that aniseed aftershave wasn't such a bargain after all.

Chips Lovell

rottenhat wrote: »

Maybe that aniseed aftershave wasn't such a bargain after all.

Aniseed aftershave? Nah. Sex Panther FTW.

**Timbuk2**

Jawgap wrote: »

Cats are also quite snooty - maybe they run away in disdain at your bike and your kit.......

That's actually quite possible... I do use Shimano SPDs on a road bike

Raam

el tonto wrote: »

Aniseed aftershave? Nah. Sex Panther FTW.

Where can I get this Sex Panther aftershave?

Vélo

el tonto wrote: »

What is it with dogs these days. I'd never been chased by one until last Autumn and now its practically a weekly occurance. Got chased by a springer spaniel last night.

The little bollix!

Enduro

I can remember being told that the spokes on bikes emmit a high frequency noise that dogs can hear and that we can't, which annoys them no end. Would explain a lot if true.

thebouldwhacker

Ohhh yeahhh

**Timbuk2**

Enduro wrote: »

I can remember being told that the spokes on bikes emmit a high frequency noise that dogs can hear and that we can't, which annoys them no end. Would explain a lot if true.

An interesting theory.

But what would happen if there is a dog sitting on the road up ahead, which you know will try to attack you when you cycle near (as often happens).

So you dismount, and lift the bike up onto your shoulders, and walk past. Would there still be noise from the spokes?

Raam

Some dogs barely look at ya when ya go by. Must be more chilled

paddy's hill

Irish and English dogs are worst. Dogs in Italy and Spain don't chase. I reckon they are acting out the feelings of their owners. On the continent cyclist are respected members of community, in Britain and Ireland cyclists are considered loonies and a nuisance.

Frank3142

**Timbuk2** wrote: »

I've cycled near cats, who always run away from me.

not this time......http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1_U64fXzLg

E@gle.

if you ever cycle in the offaly area the locals will tend to chase you as well

Chips Lovell

E@gle. wrote: »

if you ever cycle in the offaly area the locals will tend to chase you as well

Is he that desperate for votes at this stage?

thebouldwhacker

E@gle. wrote: »

if you ever cycle in the offaly area the locals will tend to chase you as well

I used cycle in Offaly. You'd swear I was on a magic wizard machine...

'LOOK' they would shout...
'da horse has wheels...'
'dats no fecken horse...'
BOOM *shot gun blast* 'DAMN... missed him again...'


Or was that a movie I once watched, the memories of my time up there is are bit hazy now:rolleyes:

:D