31 Dec, 2011
However deserved the canine moniker of humanity’s best buddy might be, there is no question that dogs and bikes do not mix. Something about cyclists drives dogs nuts. My suspicion is that there is some high frequency sound that comes from bikes which is near the register of dog whistles. This would explain why dogs will appear from behind a house to chase a seemingly silent bike while cars pass by unrecognized. How should you respond when one of these angry beasts attacks, you ask? Here are a few tips.
FOR HUMANS ABOUT DOGS:
The first thing that you need to know is that most dogs will stop attacking you once you pass a certain point that they associate with the boundary of their property. You can observe this most notably in the video below. Note that the boundary can be very large, as you can see in the video above.
Occasionally, a dog will seriously threaten you. Many cyclists will tell you to carry pepper spray for such occasions–particularly when cycling through Kentucky, which has the reputation for the dogs most aversed to bikes. I picked some up in Ohio after a golden retriever nipped at my shoe. I keep the spray handy, but I have never used it. In fact, I doubt I ever will.
My approach is the following: talk calmly to the dogs; never yell at them; keep your pace if the dog is behind you; if the dog is in front of you or beside you, slow down and speak to it as calmly as possible. If you follow those tips, it is likely you won’t have a problem with a dog. A few might make you check your shorts, but it is unlikely they will bite you. Oh– and it is comforting to know that my rabies vaccine is up to date.
The regional phenomenon of attack dogs is significant. Out West, you will probably never have trouble with dogs. The angry dog phenomenon is almost exclusively from Appalachia eastward. East of the Mississippi is a better though more vague assessment. Always good to keep your eyes and ears attentive to dogs wherever and whenever you are on a bike.
TO DOGS ABOUT BIKES:
When you hear the metal dragon drawing near, make haste! Do not waste time barking; it will only slow you down. It doesn’t matter how big you are. To catch this evil beast, you will have to give it your all. Do not tarry with the spinning legs. Go for the creature’s fleshy middle. You are a fast dog. Believe it, and the metal dragon is yours.
(If you have never read Dave Eggers’ story “After I Was Thrown Into the River and Before I Drowned,” stop what you are doing and read it now.)
