[routerman]

From S. Calif. Hit twice in 3 months by loose Pitbulls.
Total surprise, no chance of out running them.
Would very much appreciate knowing what you riders do to protect yourselves from loose bad dogs.

[wild]

I use a spray, Dog Repelent it is used by the post men seams to work without hurting the dog, thay just seam to stop and walk away, NO rubbing of the eyes or yelping

[Hazy]

Originally Posted by routerman

From S. Calif. Hit twice in 3 months by loose Pitbulls.
Total surprise, no chance of out running them.
Would very much appreciate knowing what you riders do to protect yourselves from loose bad dogs.

You were attacked? Or bark worse than their bite type of deal??

If surprised, quickly dismount and use your bike as a shield until help arrives or they get bored. I have pepper spray mounted on my bike but have yet to need it as a quick squirt from my water bottle has done the trick on surprise dog appearances.

I have several routes of which I am familiar with where dogs usually appear and I use those as Interval training

Might try to find out what the leash laws are in your area as well and notify proper authorities if applicable.

[routerman]

Bitten. Thigh and thumb once; ankle the second time whilst on blood thinners for heart problems, 2 miles to get home whilst leaving a trail of type A all the way.
Spray is welcomed x these beasts. Will take more than a bike shield.
One dog ran off, the other quaranteed x dog authorities only to be freed 10 days later; back to owner with reprimend.
Looking for a more black and white deterrent, thank you.

[Gandalfe]

If it happens again, consider seeing a lawyer. It's for the good of the community, not just about money. If you can't afford a lawyer, many will take these kind of cases pro bono publico.

Here's another take on a dawg problem.

[Noel]

Although, I love dogs and find that most stop chasing when you stop riding and that dogs I encounter on a regular basis usually get used to me and stop coming after me when I go by. When it comes to pit-bulls, I take no chances. By all means contact the authorities, carry pepper spray and avoid that route if at all possible. The owners of these things are irresponsible for having them at all, let alone letting them run free. My brother has one and I hate it. Even after it supposedly got to know me it came at me onetime without any provocation. I was lucky to have a a door behind me, through which I could escape. These things are not dogs they are monsters. Their record of unprovoked attacks says it all. TAKE NO CHANCES.

[photosbymark]

Not all pit bulls are mean anymore than all people are mean, but it is one breed that does deserve extra caution. Owners are not necessarily irresponsible for having them, but they shouldn't be running free in an urban area. It is one thing to let a dog run free when you own a 1000 acres and the dog stays totally on your land. That dog shouldn't be harassing anyone on a public street anywhere. As far as turning on an owner the dalmatian is far worse than the pit bull. It just looks cute and is supposed to be the dog on the fire truck. Yet it often has serious hearing problems, and needs space to run. If it doesn't get that space to run, it often gets aggressive.

Many breeds outrunning them isn't an option. Trying to speed up often triggers an instinct in the dog to chase. Pepper spray is a key. Often you do not even have to get it on the dog to teach it not to mess with you. A dog sense of smell is so much better that just getting close and the smell means this guy isn't one to mess with. Getting the bike between you and the dog also offers a level of protection.

One other thing you need to consider. Were those dogs vaccinated when you were bitten??? If you don't know for certain they were, you need to talk to your doctor. Depending on how much time has passed from the last bite, you may need care. No not from the wound, but if the bite drew blood, you are at risk for some possible health problems that the shots are designed to prevent.

Now here in Texas, the dog would have a whole different set of problems.

[Xela]

Here's another take on dealing with dogs from a Bicycling Mag blog.

Cycling Around Aggressive Dogs | Rambling Man | Bicycling.com

[bobbeuke]

Here on the Oklahoma-Texas border home owner are supposed to be liable for there dogs. A couple of years back I was attacked by a rotweiler,and 2other muts. While none of the dogs bit me, one did get right in front of me and I t-boned Hume with the front wheel at about 20 mph. After 1 titanium plate, seven screws, 3broke ribs and $25,000, I hired a lawyer and got my money back thanks to their homeowners insurance.

After that happened I started carrying more "halt" and a small .22 revolver that is about 2.5" long.

[bobbeuke]

Just make sure you have the carrying licence for the pistol.