My second dog attack.

[reppans]

Well, I'm a motorcyclist, so I don't know how much this would apply to you, but.....

There was a dog on a regular route of mine that was occasionally allowed loose. He was one that would hide out at the end of the driveway and wait to the very last second to come out barking and chasing bicyclists and motorcyclists. He once got so close to my front wheel and causing an accident, that it threw me into a fit of rage.

I stopped and pulled a U-turn... the dog ran back onto his owner's driveway, stopped and stared at me.... I rode up into the driveway... the dog ran up on the lawn, stopped and stared at me.... (I was still absolutely livid)... I rode up onto the lawn and chased him.... he ran a full loop around the house and I chased him, on the lawn, all the way, honking my horn and hooting/hollering at the top of my lungs. The dog's face was priceless as he turned back and looked at me every ten yards or so.

No chance I was ever going to catch him, so I cut the chase and left. I never ever saw that dog give chase again - either he learned his own lesson, or the owner witnessed the spectacle from inside his home and locked that mutt up for good. Either was OK with me .

(FWIW, this was a Lab of some kind... no 100lb Put Bull, although I was in such a rage, I don't know if it would have mattered.)

 

[J. W.]

Personally, I've seen enough inhumane antics from humans for me to really give a damn about busting a cap in an aggressive animal. I despise people who let their anamials run loose just about as much as the ones that let their animals **** in my yard. People really need to take a little bit responsibility and take care of their animals.

<<Rant mode off>>

 

[Faulkner]

I've shared in another thread about how I was attacked last month by a neighbor's dog and how I dealt with it. Short version, while riding my bicycle on a rural country road a pack of dogs allowed to run loose by my neighbor chased and harassed me as I rode by each day. I advised my neighbor of the issue, he did nothing. One dog in particular became more brazen and eventually bit me. Afterwards I went home, fetched my 1911 and walked back down the road. As I neared where the dog lived it came out into the road heading in my direction in an aggressive manner. As it got within pistol range I shot it between the eyes. Police were called, no charges filed, dog owner was advised to keep his dogs up. The incident has since died down.

The second attack was just in the past few days and nowhere near the original incident. While riding my bicycle down a slight incline at just over 20 miles per hour I looked ahead and catch a glimpse of the familiar site of a big dog coming in for the chase. Only thing is, this one is running right at me, never waivers, and slams right into my front wheel. I flew over the handle bars onto the county road's chip seal pavement and my brand new high dollar bike tumbles to the side of the road. As I sit up to take stock of the situation, the dog is just a yards away, the hackles on its back flared and he's barking at me quite aggressively. With blood running down my right knee and elbow, I crawl a few feet over to my bike and retrieve my OC spray. I was not otherwise armed. The dog was just out of range of the OC spray, but I sent a couple of spurts in its direction and I guess he got the hint because he lost interest and pranced his happy self back where he came from, his mission accomplished. I was able to ride back home but as I write this I have a bandaged knee, a brace on my right elbow and my wife has me on anti inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling.

I'm giving due consideration as to how I want to follow up with this incident. Had I been armed I would have shot the dog on the spot. OC spray has been working as a dog deterrent for the most part, though I've been through two cans in the last two months. I'm not on a crusade to kill every loose dog in the community, but once word got out about the first incident I received a lot of positive feedback. I'm a dog owner and have been all my life, but I don't like coming out on the short end of a meeting with someone else's dog that that's allowed to just run loose. I certainly don't want my wife and son to either. I don't plan to go confront this dog like I did the first time, though once I heal up I will be riding fully armed. I realize killing other people's dogs is not real humane, but as I look at my bandages I'm not feeling very humane at the moment. I may go talk to the dog owner if I can determine who owns it.

Just for conversational purposes I'd entertain some feedback from the forum on addressing this situation.

UPDATE: A week after the 2nd incident I was able to determine who might be the owner of the dog. Based on my investigation, I drove up the gravel driveway to a rural home sitting on a couple of acres near where my incident occured. As I got out of the my car, my arm still in a brace, a man in his mid 30's was mowing the yard on a riding mower. He cut the engine and came over to speak to me when I got out of the car.

I introduced myself and asked if he lived here; yes it was his place.

I asked him if he owned a medium sized gray dog. He looked puzzled and said he did but not anymore. Now I was puzzled. I told him I'd had a run in (literally) with the dog last weekend, explained the situation, and told him I wasn't looking for anything other than to advise him of the issue and that it was a problem letting the dog run loose like that.

At that point he told me the dog was dead. It had been run over by the UPS delivery truck that runs the route in this area. He said the dog belonged to his cousin that recently shipped out to the Sand Box and he was keeping it for him 'til he got back. He'd only had it a couple of weeks. His cousin had lived in a rented house in town and his back yard was fenced in so the dog was not used to running loose, and once it got "out in the country" it just ran wild. The dog ran out in front of the UPS truck which hit it. The UPS driver stopped but the dog was DRT.

He apologized for my trouble, we shook hands, and agreed the problem was resolved.

 

[old curmudgeon]

Well, I'm a motorcyclist, so I don't know how much this would apply to you, but.....

There was a dog on a regular route of mine that was occasionally allowed loose. He was one that would hide out at the end of the driveway and wait to the very last second to come out barking and chasing bicyclists and motorcyclists. He once got so close to my front wheel and causing an accident, that it threw me into a fit of rage.

I stopped and pulled a U-turn... the dog ran back onto his owner's driveway, stopped and stared at me.... I rode up into the driveway... the dog ran up on the lawn, stopped and stared at me.... (I was still absolutely livid)... I rode up onto the lawn and chased him.... he ran a full loop around the house and I chased him, on the lawn, all the way, honking my horn and hooting/hollering at the top of my lungs. The dog's face was priceless as he turned back and looked at me every ten yards or so.

No chance I was ever going to catch him, so I cut the chase and left. I never ever saw that dog give chase again - either he learned his own lesson, or the owner witnessed the spectacle from inside his home and locked that mutt up for good. Either was OK with me .

(FWIW, this was a Lab of some kind... no 100lb Put Bull, although I was in such a rage, I don't know if it would have mattered.)

There re three ways to cure a dog forever of chasing. Well, the 4th way is to kill him.

First, if the owner will cooperate, a shocking collar. The collar and the transmitter are expensive, but one could find a hunter and borrow.

Coon, fox and rabbit hunters use them all the time to break dogs of running deer. So do bird hunters use them to cure their dogs of pointing trash game.

The second way, and I guess I should have put it in 1st place, is to get some dog spray. Bicycle shops carry a good grade and it does work if it is not too windy.

The third way, and what would be the easiest and best for shooters is to get a .22 and load it with rat shot.

About three or so encounters with rat shot will cure any dog.

It would be the preferred method for anyone on a bike.

Of course, the dog owner will think you are using real bullets and so there is a need for a frank discussion with the owner.

I have more than 20 foxhounds, so I know what I am talking about. I use the combination of shock collar and rat shot.

 

[Bicky Robby]

Glad your injuries are not to severe. Before you decide to carry a gun for protection, please check your local laws in order to determine your ability to do so. This is especially important since you are in a populated area.

Now if you were in my area and shot your gun, neighbors here would have a contest trying to fiqure out what caliber was used.

Continue to carry pepper spray and maybe a weighted stick until you decide to carry a gun or not.

 

[Rangerpat]

"The dog ran out in front of the UPS truck which hit it. The UPS driver stopped but the dog was DRT."
Sir, that is called KARMA....
I carry a NAA .22 mini revolver with two rounds of ratshot and three 22LR, mainly for Mr. Noshoulders but they will work on feral dogs.

 

[photoman]

I realize killing other people's dogs is not real humane

I realize that letting one's dog run loose and being a danger to the public is not humane.

 

[celticfisherman]

A couple of years ago in GA we had several people killed by packs of feral dogs in their neighborhoods. NOT the woods. Not the middle of nowhere. But in subdivisions. Dogs running wild is just not acceptable anymore. they breed with coyotes and other feral dogs and the issue just compounds itself.

Sorry that dog got a bad deal by the guy who it was left with. But I would have shot it myself.

 

[terryn4iy]

Faulkner,

You are a heck of a nice guy, that is for sure.

I am a bicyclist and have plenty of trouble with dogs and a scar to prove it.

You did right by talking to the guy and fortunately the dog is dead. I am glad that it all worked out for you.

I almost always bring pepper spray or my Kel Tec P32 or both. The almost part of the above is because I am absent-minded and forget, that is when my neighbor's abused pitbull broke its chain and bit me while I was still on the bike. Forgetfulness is costly sometimes.

If I lived in Arkansas I would find it an honor to ride with a man so even-tempered as yourself.

Best regards,

Terry

 

[mc5aw]

The aggressive dogs I've encountered are either barkers or biters. The former make a lot of noise but pose no imminent threat. The latter group is the problem. Any biter over 30-40lbs can be a serious problem, one that requires lethal force more often than not. My first choice is a pistol ... then spray. The baton isn't practical IMO as using it means the man vs. dog confrontation is now hand to paw, and way too close for comfort. A well placed shot or two will prevent the altercation from getting into CQC. If I was encountering threatening canines on a regular basis, I'd consider the Governor with mixed .45 & .410 loads.

 

[MLeake]

If I were the dog's actual owner, I would be seriously ticked at my cousin when I got home from the sand box. Doubt he realized his dog would be left to run loose...

 

[Kanewpadle]

The aggressive dogs I've encountered are either barkers or biters. The former make a lot of noise but pose no imminent threat. The latter group is the problem. Any biter over 30-40lbs can be a serious problem, one that requires lethal force more often than not. My first choice is a pistol ... then spray. The baton isn't practical IMO as using it means the man vs. dog confrontation is now hand to paw, and way too close for comfort. A well placed shot or two will prevent the altercation from getting into CQC. If I was encountering threatening canines on a regular basis, I'd consider the Governor with mixed .45 & .410 loads.

The baton can also be used as a break stick.

A Governor? 410? No disrespect but I think you underestimate mans best friend and just how hard it is to hit a moving target at full speed. No 410 for me. If I had to shoot it would hard hitting 45 Colt not wimpy 410.

 

[amazingflapjack]

I make an effort to communicate with the owner if possible, I was raised that way, especially when the dog is a yard bound barker, and they don't seem to care. I try to be polite, but tell them plainly that their dog is a problem. In a couple of cases, I have filed the paperwork to have annimal control fine, and eventually cause the owner to appear in court to possibly have the dog taken away. There is a progression of increasing fines-starting with 50 bucks and doubling each subsequent time. The animal control guys will tell you that "hitting them in the pocket book" is a sure fire way to get their attention. But here, you have to have 2 people sign, and many neighbors are reluctant to sign. Animal control can and should be called in the case of roaming dogs. The report of a loose dog here gets a priority response, and it also is helpful if you do have to do something, to protect your self after the fact. I don't like to harm the dog, because as one poster said, I understand what the dog is doing. I used to live in the mountains of Georgia, and had 2 mountain bred shepherd-retrever mix dogs-a brother and sister. They were sweet pups, unless you were intruding on their turf. I had put on an old knit cap one winter day, and gone out to walk around the road, which horse shoed around a deep draw, that the dogs just cut right through to come up on the other side. They didn't know I was out, so when they came up out of that draw and saw me, I got a taste of what a stranger had to deal with. Whoa!! I was glad they were mine, and they were embarassed when they found out old Dad had "tricked" them. So I try to talk to folks. I had a dog several houses up from us that would run down the street and challenge me right at my front door. At the time, I had doctors orders to walk my wife around the block, and when I did, I had to deal with this dog almost every time. I finally found the wife home one day, out in front, with the dog loose, and naturally, it came after me. I asked if her husband was home, and she said no, so I told her who I was and where I lived so that her husband could find me, and asked her if she thought is was ok for her dog to challenge me right at my front door? No. Then I told her about walking my wife around the street, and I told her that the next time their dog came after us, I was going to hurt him, real bad. Then I asked her if she understood what I had said. Yes. Never saw the dog again. I am an animal lover from for ever, but I can and will do what I have to do to protect others. I have had cases where I just gave a strong command to a dog, sometimes in the name of Jesus, and that was all that was necessary. Flapjack.

 

[Deltaboy]

Carry and be careful! I carry when I ride or walk since I cannot run any more due to a busted ankle. I almost had to kill one a few years ago it came running out in a aggressive manner and I had my daugher who was 8 at the time with me. I grapped her and set her in the back of a parked pick up that was on the street and crowned it with my solid brass headed cane. After that I always carry my Snubed nosed 38.

 

[tommy F]

invested in Bond 45/410 just for that reason. When they get to close, unleash the 410. Tested #6s and very large pattern. Planning to try #4s. Would be devastating at point contact.

 

[TX58]

a Governor is the answer

I agree with MC5AW: For those of you who don't own or have not shot a Smith & Wesson Governor, I own one and have recently shot over 100 rounds through mine. Not a lot, but enough I can give a reasonable assessment of what effect/patterning they have. Now, I will/would not critize anybody for their choise in caliber. I believe (as I have for over 25 years of teaching firearms) that you should carry the gun/caliber you shoot the best, then shot placement is the key. That said, my Governor will put (in just one round) four 000 buck rounds - per EACH round - in a four inch circle at 25 yards, and I believe that an aggressive dog (or any other "animal") would be much closer. I walk my puppy on a leash at night and the Governor is my choise of weapons (and I have "several" to pick from). I put two rounds of Winchester .410 PDX, then two rounds of the Federal .410 (four shots per round) 000, then two Gold dot .45 colts. Anything that attacks at 10 yards or closer is not going to attack again. Be safe.

 

[Hook686]

From what I have read those multiple shot balls essentially act as one bullet. Thus there seems to me to be no real advantage of a handgun that shoots buckshot over a conventional handgun loaded with HP ammunition. My 200 grain GDHP also shoots a one shot in a 4" circle at 25 yards.

 

[TX58]

Advantage

Hook686: It depends on the situation. The Governor can shoot "just" one round of .45 colt, .45 ACP or .45 GAP, however when you have a moving target (bird or animal, or whatever) and you shoot .410 four bullets each time you squeze the trigger, you have a much better chance of hitting the target. An example would be if we both get five inch groups and yours is just a bit left or right, you may miss. If I have four round going to the same area, I have a better chance (75% better) of hitting the target - based on my four rounds vs your one. No, I'm not advocating "spray and pray", just a specific gun/load, for a specific purpose - like walking the dog late at night, responding in your own home late at night, less penetration, etc. with the 000 buck rounds. Just some examples, there are (I'm sure) lots of others.

 

[1965]

...chased and harassed me as I rode by each day...became more brazen and eventually bit me...I shot it between the eyes...a big dog coming in for the chase...I flew over the handle bars onto the county road's chip seal pavement and my brand new high dollar bike tumbles to the side of the road...With blood running down my right knee and elbow, I crawl a few feet over to my bike and retrieve my OC spray...he lost interest and pranced his happy self back where he came from, his mission accomplished....my wife has me on anti inflammatory medication to reduce the swelling...I'm not feeling very humane at the moment.

Sorry you got hurt, but you sir are a very good writer. Your style of writing is entertaining.

 

[cmort666]

The third way, and what would be the easiest and best for shooters is to get a .22 and load it with rat shot.

About three or so encounters with rat shot will cure any dog.

It would be the preferred method for anyone on a bike.

The problem with that is that these days, bicyclists are facing an increasing danger of TWO legged predators. Bicyclists have been the victims of several recent gang attacks. I don't want to save an aggressive dog's life at the cost of my own in the event of a violent robbery.

Of course, the dog owner will think you are using real bullets and so there is a need for a frank discussion with the owner.

...because you ARE using "real bullets".

Rat shot is every bit as much deadly force as a Mini-mag. If you were to unlawfully shoot a human being with rat shot, that would be a felony, indistinguishable from shooting them with a plated hollowpoint.

 

[holyfield]

As an Officer in two states over 28 years, you need to daily daily daily go to local PD, Sheriff, LEO office and complain. After your 10th or 20th complaint, if you use a firearm on a animal it will be well more tolerated than just shooting a dog while riding passed. I would also, personally, just chat with an attroney, one like those ambulance chasers on the morning judge shows, just to have a name to throw around. Lawsuits, and documentation are two things that scare the **** out of Police management, and supervision.
You also need to go with an Officer in attendance and discuss the situation with any suspect dog owner. Documentation is the key to not losing your home. If a judge/jury sees you as a bicyclist with a trigger finger, you will lose everything. Believe me, I have seen it.

 

[jimmyj]

Consider giving up riding a bicycle and foot chase girls at the park for exercise.

 

[holyfield]

I was involved in a case where the owner of a puppy Rottweiler ( 9 Months ) gave the dog away because of his wife's premature labor. Papers were signed to show ownership of dog transfer and signed by a notary.
Long story short, the dog supposedly jumped the fence and bit a person holding a toy throwing it to dog/puppy to retrieve. The person claimed a bite in thumb, admitted the dog did it accidentally as he jumped to retrieve his toy. The new owner admitted to lying and signing a false name on transfer affadavit, and did not actually live at address given. ( She was just looking for a lawsuit )
Case went to trial, original dog's owner, insurance company would not assist because incident happened off property, and bottom line, original owner had to pay $10,000 out of pocket. Even worse, dog had to be put down because now he was a PROVEN biter. Be very careful about your advice, your willingness to draw a weapon, and worse use it.
Just for your consideration, poor dog died, homeowner sued, and scum who adopted dog got 10,000.
Wrong jury, wrong judge, non documented transfer, person was lucky not to lose their home to this animal, not the Rotti I am talking about.

 

[Hook686]

The people signing the document did not have to show ID to the notary ? The seller did not ask to see ID, yet used a notary ? The paper was signed in the presence of a notary ? The fraud buyer was not charged with a fraud ? There must be more to this story.

 

[old bear]

I appreciate your feedback. The only problem is this is out in the country in the Arkansas Ozarks. There'll be no police reports or getting lawyers involve to solve this issue.

Well if that is the case, it just opens up an entire world of possibilities in fluffy abatement doesn't it, all of which are in your favor. Use a little imagination.

 

[holyfield]

Lady had a fake license, notary was a $2 fee, civil matter so no fraud/police were involved. Owners wife was in hospital, plus he had a premie boy at home already, his head was probably already up his arse, working full time midnight shift, and just wanted to get dog a good home. Nothing more, that simple. Some human lower than life human animal came along, saw an opportunity and had nothing to lose. Personally, I hope they died a miserable death slowly and a long time ago.
I Was an Officer at scene, and believe me there was nothing more than a newspaper ad for dog adoption, a response by some piece of sxxxxtlawsuit seeker, and a dead animal, after the stress of months of going to court trying to keep the animal alive. Fake licenses, pictures of property that are not yours where dog is supposedly going to reside are real easy to obtain. Dog put down, Judge ordered a $10,000 verdict for pain and suffering, even though potential owner lied, hopefully if their is a higher power, the potential owners children all died of cancer too. Beautiful loving animal put down for 10,000 cash. What a shame. And that is being kind. And no, I don't think that people like that should be allowed to breed, so please save negative comments, My opinion.

 

[Bassleg]

I am to old to ride a bike so I walk if a Dog tries to bite me I yell at them it has worked so far if they try to bite I would let the air out of them.

 

[oldman45]

What many people fail to understand is certain breeds of dogs are not covered under their owners homeowner insurance.

Owners that allow their dogs to roam off their property is asking for additional liability for not keeping the dog in a fenced yard.

I have three Yorkies and a Sheltie and none are biters or vicious but they all stay on this property.

Dogs are not just aggressive toward bicycle riders but also joggers, walkers and other dogs.

A good taser is handy to carry for dogs and less lethal.

 

[Beans]

I am not in favor of any dog running loose, but I have been in situations where I wanted to get out of my car and bite the bicyclist for ignoring the rules of the road, weaving in and out of the lanes of traffic, running red lights when you have the right-a way to turn right on a red light, or just plain running the red light.

Just as there are irresponsible dog owners there are irresponsible bicyclist.

If you have a bike lane only then use it.

 

[Protected One]

One failed experience with canned spray is all it took to convince me not to rely on it. I was working for a utility company doing field work after a storm when a rotwilder caught me by surprise. The company issued spray was clipped to my belt, and I gave him a face full ot it - to no effect! Thank God for the high voltage "hot stick" we were also required to carry.
My biking days are for the most part over, but were I a regular biker I would certainly be carrying. And if someones dog (kid or not) chose to attack me I wouldn't be thinking about anything but accurate shots...let the owner suffer from the carelessnes of his actions - not me.