CYCLING: HOW TO HANDLE AN AGGRESSIVE DOG
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- čas přidán 5. 09. 2024
- DOGS are a real danger to YOU when you're on a bicycle. Here's how to handle dogs that chase you. This is what I learned as I cycled over 100,000 kilometers across twenty-three countries and four continents. I started long-distance cycling in 1976, long before the internet, and I hope to keep pedaling into my seventies and eighties.
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🚲 About me:
As a young boy in England, I completed a school project about India and that led to a deep yearning to explore that place. As a young man, I embarked on the journey using, of course, a bicycle. For me, two wheels were the ideal means of escape-I’d learned to cycle off and find respite from warring, alcoholic parents.
In 1978, I set out in search of meaning, in search of something beyond an everyday existence. That journey took me through thirteen countries, across 14,000 kilometers. I’ve been a bicycle wanderer ever since, regularly taking long trips on two wheels.
#bikepacking #worldbybike #biketouring #bicycletouring #bicycletouringadventure
I have use one trick that has worked every time. Take your water bottle and squirt it at the dog. It stops them in their tracks. I don't know what they think it is, although I have an idea, but it works.
Ha, yeah. That makes sense. I traded my plastic bottle for an aluminum one years ago. Maybe I need to get back to a squeezable plastic one.
Your observations are very similar to my own experiences. Dogs are very territorial and also tend to show off their ability to scare bicyclists, when they are close to their owners. Stopping and getting behind your bike, is of course always a good idea when you feel that you can not outrun them, throwing or pretending to throw something at them, also seems to be a universal dogs experience.. Just like you, I have also been able to outrun some very determined large German guard dogs (both times they looked like twin brothers) in both Thailand (near the Cambodian border) and Laos (on Route 13), but I think what saved me in those cases is that I reached the boundary of their property, before they did. Lately I have resorted to just bribing them, I stop and maybe even sit down near them, and give them some food (dog biscuits), it is amazing how friendly they can become when you offer them food. In every country dogs behave slightly differently though, so the first encounter can be kind of scary, but I carry some dog snacks with me everywhere now.
What a great idea. I've never tried that: carying dog biscuits. I can see why that would work. I'm going to carry some on my next tour, this summer. I really like the idea!
Thanks for this. I did more or less what you recommend when cycling in Romania last October. I also shouted at the pack leader and eyeballed him. The rest will follow his lead. I used up a year's worth of adrenaline though
😂I know what you mean about the adrenaline! That sounds like good advice.
Thanks for tips.
In Thailand, Hua Hin, I struggled with aggressive dogs, until I started using my ring bell passing them. They seemed to get paralyzed by the ring bell
Oh, that sounds like a good tactic. I'm going to try that.
I agree with William Spencer about not just trying to outrun them. Slowing down works better. Look to engage, not flee. …Here’s my method, which worked every time in more than a dozen encounters with dogs during a three-month ride across the U.S. … As soon as you see a dog or dogs chasing toward you, call out to it (or them) in a sweet voice-as if you’ve been friends for a while. “Hey buddy! How ya doin’?! Good to see ya!” I almost always saw this take some of the urgency out of the dog’s sprint. If it kept coming, as it neared the road I shifted from the sweet voice to a sharp, stern (authoritative not angry) voice. “HEY! GET OUT OF THE ROAD! GET BACK TO THE HOUSE! GO ON! GIT!!” When I saw they had stopped, I’d switch back to sweet voice, praising it for being good. I did slow down to carry out this interaction. Worked every time.
Love it, I'm adding this to my "toolkit" of responses.
After 50+ years of being chased and zero bites and never stopping, here's my order: 1) Outrun if you can--but remember most dogs can run about 20 MPH; 2) If no traffic, weave. Your back tire keeps you safe; 3) Sonic alarm. I use Dog Dazer II. Doesn't work on extremely agitated or hard of hearing dogs, but about 90% effective; 4) Pepper spray. Get the stream (I use Sabre), not the mist. Have to slow down to let them get within 4-5 feet. Doesn't work well in a lot of wind. I've also tried veering straight at them. It freezes or sends them running away, but it's a dangerous move.
Yeah, a number of people have said the stream of pepper sray vs mist is the way to go. Haven't tried that, but it makes good sense.
Dogs are the reason I don't ride my bike since we moved away from greenway trails to the country. I was hoping this great video (thank you very much!) would help and it does! I have seen loose pit bulls, however, that keeps my bike in the barn. They are a fierce and unpredictable animal.
Loose pit bulls. Terrible! Other people have mentioned in the comments here the idea of doggie treats. Would that work, I wonder?The idea of not being able to ride your bike because of a few ducks sounds frustrating. As they say in the USA, that’s the tail wagging the dog!
Have read if you do get attacked, clench your fists so as not to lose a finger and the best place to get bitten is the calf or forearm for least amount of damage, also use your advantage of 2 arms to one mouth and lift its back legs. Twisting the scruff of the neck from behind can get a dog to release its bite. Try and keep the bike between you and the dog as above.
Wow. I hope I never get in that position. There is a book in the UK: Richard's Bicycle Book. In that, he writes that if the dog gets really close, trap its head between the wheel and frame. But I can't possibly 😅imagine how one could make that happen!
I yell Shut Up and Go Home in with authority, because I think they know what those words mean. I started carrying pepper spray after a German Shepard popped my tires and bit me. When you get behind the bike there could be a silent pack member attacking you from behind. That happened to me with two Dobermans.
Several people have suggested that talking/shouting is a good additional step. I'm adding that to my arsenal! I found that, when there were several dogs, there would always be one in the front, and I had to turn the bike and myself to get the bike between me and that dog. I had to swivel like this sometimes more than once. I never had the situation where I had two coming at the same time from opposite directions. That must be real scary when that happens. Being bitten by the German Shepherd? That must have been terrible. I was bitten by a huge German Shephers when I was 12--one of the reasons I'm skitish around dogs!
A product called "HALT", works very effectively and is available in a lot of bike shops. It is basically Tobasco sauce that shoots out in a stream about 10-12 feet.
"
A stream of liquid sounds more lilkely to actually reach the dog, vs the best spray where you need to be 6 feet or closer.
The few times a dog has come at me, I just slowed right down and talked very calmly: "What a pretty dog you are. You are so good looking", and etc." They calm down and start wagging their tails when they realize I am not a threat and that I am their friend.
Ah, you sound like a dog person. Good for you! For better or worse, I'm not (I was bitten by a German Sheperd when I was 12 and that memory is still in me somewhere!)
I was surprised to see that you made no reference to the ultra sonic frequency repellents (e.g. Daz-r brand) that pulled my bacon from the fire on numerous occasions.
I don't feel worthy to comment.
😂
61 years old, getting ready to start my 5th year of adventure/touring/packing!
I've recently upgraded my skill level from ambitious beginner to intermediate amateur. 😉
It appears appears I've been doing everything correctly. 👍
I am a dog person so that helps.
I do carry bear spray!
My best dog story.
On one of my regular routes there are a pair fairly good sized aggressive dogs that hated me the 1st time we met.
So they're running out to the road being all mean, and stuff!
I don't retreat, that's a good way to gett bit.
So I'm standing there, armed with bear spray!
So I just talked to them until they calmed down, dismounted, and walked out of their territory.
No 🐻 bear 🐻 spray required!
Now we're buddies and I've even met the owners.
I used to read water meters, I've had to deal with all kinds of dogs.
I was curious to see if I was doing it correctly, it appears I have been!
Thank You.
Take Care,
Safe Travels.
New Subscriber!
Congrats on moving up to intermediate amateur! I imagine the medal is in the post. 🐹🐹🐹Great story! Yes, on my longest trip UK to India, I traveled with Rudy, a dog lover. He had a way with dogs. He could make friends with the wildest dog. I guess I start out fearful: I was attacked and bitten by a German Shepherd when I was 12 years old. So, no matter of self-talk will help my fear response.
Sometimes I run into the same problems walking my two small dogs in the neighborhood (not everybody adheres to leash laws). I carry a small airhorn used on boats and blast the horn if the dogs start running toward us. It startles them and they avoid us. Worked so far.
Sheila… that sounds like a great strategy…
yeah, I was doing my solo hike in Armenia 😭😭
Great video. Thank you! I've usually done these things, although I need to be more aware of getting the bike between me and the dog. I also yell at it to go home, and a well-trained English-speaking dog will often do that. I have two herding dogs and they'll chase anything that moves fast, so I imagine that's a fairly universal response for a dog. I bought some pepper spray but stopped taking it with me for the reasons you cite. Another thing that sometimes works is to slow but not stop until the dog stops and then pedal as fast as I can. Sweet-talking the dogs also sometimes works, and/or throwing one of my snacks past the dog's shoulder (if I can - not the greatest in the aim department). I've also kicked a dog in its side when it was running right next to me. Good discussion!
Ah, those well-behaved English speaking dogs.🦴. is the idea of throwing the snack that the dog then turns its attention to the snack? Or, is it just that snacks are the items that are readily to head? Another person commented that they always carry dog treats with them. I really like that idea, and I can imagine that it would work well. I’m gonna try that for my next long tour of this summer (Lands end to John o Groats)
William, we yell and if they pursue we spray our water bottle in their face. Worked for us, Also, throwing or pretending to throw rocks stopped them. Good job William!
Number of different people have suggested spraying water from your water bottle. I plan to try that when I next need it.
Thank you William. In my humble opinion and experience. 1. Stop 2.Show no fear 3. Make the motion of picking up a stone and throwing is exaggerated as possible ( almost slow motion ) 3. Start walking towards them if needed with confidence 4. Slowly get out of their territory without turning your back to them and repeat previous steps if necessary
Joao. Thanks. These sound like great additional steps. I'm learning a lot more from all the comments here...
@@bikepackingandbicycletouring thank you for covering interesting topics. I have subscribed 🙂
@@joaomarveloso1049 Thanks. I hope you find the videos helpful to you. Where have you cycled?
@@bikepackingandbicycletouring All of my cycling has been in Serbia up to now. This year I am planning to go further. We have a huge stray dog issue here, and it's even more complicated for me because I ride with my dog in my back basket. My biggest problem is restraining her not to jump at them when they start chasing us. It happened once and we both fell down. She is a lovely and very calm dog, but when someone attacks us she becomes confrontational. Lately she's been better at staying in the basket. She is old now, so hopefully she will decide to just enjoy the ride and ignore the attackers 🙂
@@joaomarveloso1049 I can see that having a dog with you makes things so much more complicated. Yes, let’s hope your dog stays in his basket!
Great to see you on CZcams William! I agree- dogs even give me trouble while on jogs in my hometown in the United States.
Hey George. Thanks. Yeah, it's been a while coming. How's things with you? WHERE are you? Somewhere exotic, I'm guessing....
When I see a dog in the distance, I usually whistle or ring the bell, I believe it's good practice to let dogs know in advance you are approaching, that way they are not startled. You are correct about cycling slowly, it will not appear aggressive to the dog, they may run to your side barking, but I've yet to be bitten ..... knock on my chromoly frame for that :)
Great additional tip. Lucky you: chromoloy frame...
I carry pepper spray but had to use it only once, thank you for your video!
Thanks for the comment. I'm curiuos: when you used the spray, did it reach the dog? That was the issue I found problematic: I could never get close enough...
@@bikepackingandbicycletouring Thank you, yes, dog was very close, had no other option. Best!
I use pepper spray maybe 4-5 times a month average. They've always stopped and went straight home, most always remember but sometimes there's always one or two that know the range of pepper spray stream and keep that distance. I don't mess around anymore. I think it's safer for dogs in the long run, probably saves their lives from automobile traffic or being ran over by the cyclist. The smaller chihuahuas or terriers especially, always seem to run too close to the front wheel, running one over will probably kill these smaller dogs or cripple it for life. Might be better to spray them rather than play a running game with them.
I've lived and work in rural South Sudan. A couple of the staff had encounters with wild lions when they were younger. Apparently throwing rocks works for lions too! I guess they aren't used to objects being thrown and coming close to them.
PS. For dogs in Africa I actually found them to be more respectful of humans. Any aggressive dogs are killed and they get stones thrown at them regularly so just bending down to pick up a stone is usually enough.
I should note that my African experience was not biking so it is probably a bit trickier on two wheels.
Wow. great additional info. Thanks
I've had lots of similar experiences with dogs. Usually try to out cycle them but once or twice Ive had to stop and put the bike between myself and the dog and slowly edge away.
Yes. There seems to be a difference between dogs in different parts of the world. What countries have you cycled in?
Very helpful. I didn't know many of these things. Thank you for making this video. I'm curious to read your book.
Misuse of pepper spray is NOT a reason to NOT use one. Using it effectively IS what to do.
Yes, I see what you mean. The main issue, in my experience, has been the blowback of spray due to wind, and/or that the spray doesn’t reach the dog because as soon as you put your arm out, the dog backs away out of range. The one trip I did with pepper spray, each time I used it it was useless because the dog backed away. As it happens, I was certified many years ago by an FBI trainer on how to use pepper spray, and it was awkward at the best of times (part of the training was being sprayed in the face yourself - so that in a legal action you could truthfully state that you knew the impact of pepper spray). However, comments from people here have talked about a device that releases a stream versus a spray.. I’ve never used that, but I can see how that would be much more effective and there would be a lot less risk of blowback. I’m sure the dog is going to back away in this case, also, as soon as you raise your arm and point at him… Without trying it I wouldn’t know whether the stream is powerful enough to reach a dog who has backed away. Anyone here have experience with that?
I carry an alarm that I clip to the sleeve of my jersey. When a dog approaches, I hit the alarm. It emits a piercing noise that dogs dislike. That sound chills them all the way out!
I've heard of these. By chance do you have a link to the specific product?
What about high pitching sound devices? Never tried them, but I saw some very small handheld devices with a button, when held pressed it produces a high pitch continues sound, which is not loud but irritating to a human ear in close range, but I would imagine it would be unbearable to a dog's ear... I wonder if such devices could be a good tool to scare off chasing dogs on a bike tours?
Good question. I have wondered about the same thing. I also wonder, if you are travelling light, if a high-pitch whistle that you blow could emit the same frequency? (vs. another electroc device you have to carry.
ive found the same to be effective... stop.. get off the bike quickly.. and yell... that usually does it... if not... i keep a machete attached to my left pannier... the side i typically dismount from... just incase of meth heads... dogs... and firewood cutting and splitting.. but usually showing more aggression to the dogs than theyre showing to you scares the hell out of almost any dog...
the bikes speed sets off the chase instinct... the fact that youre not from there sets off the protect their terf instinct... but the deciding factor in whether an aggressive dog attacks usually is based on YOUR BODY LANGUAGE... are you afraid... or are you another predator not worth the trouble to mess with...
Wow. Really? Machete. You mean business!
Never had to use it... but yes I would if i had to... long before I let a drug addict steal gear I need.. or harm me... or a dog maul me... and any MAN would... I'm just willing to admit it to myself... and to be prepared incase God forbid i ever have to... I'd prefer to carry my 45/410 Derringer ... first chamber loaded with rubber buckshot to scare off any problems and the second chamber loaded with real buckshot incase it doesn't work as a deterent... but it's such an act of congress to get permits for everywhere you're going to go on a tour thanks to all of the crybaby cowards... but machetes are legal most anywhere... and scare the croap out of most people... and are lethal enough to use against an animal dead set on attacking you... so..
More sense than other videos. Liked & Subscribed. Question: Why a butterfy on the cover of your book on cycling? God bless.
Ah, yes, the butterfly. In the deserts of NE Iran, where little grows (and surely a butterfly could not exist), I was accompanied by one for four or five days. I heard it moving around at night, near me as I slept. It was strange, inexplicable. That journey, from the UK to India, too a year and changed my life on every level. Thanks for asking. And you, do you travel long distance on a bicycle?
czcams.com/video/uwJx6EpqiWI/video.htmlsi=nuS_rwGiYvUeMPUl
I say yes to all of your suggestions, but disagree with you about carrying pepper spray/bear spray (so long as it's legal). Carry it, and deploy it if necessary. Practice so your aim is good. Consider attaching an air horn to your bike; a high-decibel blast will likely dissuade most menacing dogs. A loud shout can also cause a dog to back off, shouting something such as, “Get out of here,” while making strong eye contact. Have seen videos on how to use your bike and your superior weight to pin a dog that gets way too close to you or to swing a heavy chain lock or U-lock if things get really threatening. I do like dogs that are domesticated, social, people friendly, but I am obviously aware that they can be a serious threat to cyclists if allowed to run loose and challenge people.
Thanks for adding more insight to this post. Yes, others have suggested the air horn, also. I can see how that must work.On pepper spray, The main issue, in my experience, has been the blowback of spray due to wind, and/or that the spray doesn’t reach the dog because as soon as you put your arm out, the dog backs away out of range. The one trip I did with pepper spray, each time I used it it was useless because the dog backed away. As it happens, I was certified many years ago by an FBI trainer on how to use pepper spray, and it was awkward at the best of times (part of the training was being sprayed in the face yourself - so that in a legal action you could truthfully state that you knew the impact of pepper spray. That was a HORRIBLE experience. However, comments from people here have talked about a device that releases a stream versus a spray.. I’ve never used that, but I can see how that would be much more effective and there would be a lot less risk of blowback. I’m sure the dog is going to back away in this case, also, as soon as you raise your arm and point at him… Without trying it I wouldn’t know whether the stream is powerful enough to reach a dog who has backed away. Anyone here have experience with that?
@@bikepackingandbicycletouring Appreciate this information. Agreed, blowback can be an issue with pepper spray. The one I use deploys at a pretty high velocity like a stream; so, the wind would have to be pretty strong to prevent the squirt from working 5-10 feet away. All self-defense tools have risks/short comings as you know. My view is to travel with several defensive resources and to use whichever one seems best suited to the situation. As for dogs backing off when they see you aim or raise your arm, this would be a good thing, especially if you end up not having to deploy pepper spray. Basically, we just want the menacing canines to leave us alone.
@@dolittle6781 Yes, having several different options seems like a great idea. Wild dogs in some places are an extreme danger that can cause real damage. I could have been clearer: when I raised my arm to spray the pepper spray, dog backed away.. then immediately resumed attack posture when I lowered my arm. So, no net benefit on that front. I had that experience several times. I’m curious… have you ever managed to actually reach a threatening dog with your stream version?
@@bikepackingandbicycletouring Jokingly, I consider myself a “black belt” in cycling self defense when it comes to dogs in a small but densely populated city-well prepared but never had to use any of my “tools” against menacing dogs. Once I had to yell, “Get out of here.” Fortunately, that worked! So, no. No pepper spray stream deployed. Yes, I can imagine an aggressive dog resuming an attack posture after lowering your throwing arm. That would be a very serious situation. I tend not to be adventurous when cycling, following roads, neighborhoods, and paths known to be “safe.” Seems like the only reliable response to any attacking wild animal would be to use the kind of force that would likely be illegal in most jurisdictions.
Oh, and the concern about blowback is certainly a valid one but virtually nonexistent when using a stream. Also, I find it much easier to aim with the stream, and use just a short burst then. One more point - I'm hoping that this experience of getting pepper spray in the face will also teach the most aggressive dogs to keep some distance to cyclists in the future, but this could be wishful thinking, haven't met the same dog twice yet.
Great video! It would be interesting to tell us how did u manage to escape from the Caucasian Mountain Dogs pack!
Happy to tell you. Here it is, from my book:
The road crosses a low pass, and then slopes steadily down. The wind
whips tears from my eyes and I feel them pass along my temples into my
hair. I relish speeding downhill on a silent piece of machinery that I can
trust to carry me safely. The terrain settles into hills with moderate climbs
and satisfying descents. I approach the top of a long ascent and become
aware of something out of the corner of my eye. To my left, a little behind
and above me, a patch of gray bushes is outlined against the sky. Odd, since
scrub here stands no more than a few inches high. The bushes move and
for a moment I’m confused.
Then I see it is a large pack of wild dogs. They’re huge, with broad heads
and shaggy, matted coats. There are fifteen or more, but I don’t stop to
count. I’m almost at the crest of the rise and they’re some thirty yards away.
There’s no time for deliberation; I must try to outrun them. They rush at
me as one, yowling wildly. Given their size, it’s more galloping than running.
My fear fuels extraordinary acceleration and speed. I race to the top and
glance over my shoulder. They’re in pursuit, with the leaders just a few
yards behind. The giant in front has bloodshot eyes and huge yellow teeth.
He’s no more than fifteen feet from me. I pedal like a man possessed, downshifting
quickly from one gear to the next.
A mile passes before I dare to stop my frenzied pedaling. The adrenaline
and my pumping heart roar in my ears. The dogs are nowhere to be seen.
Another wave of shock passes through me. When I first saw them, I thought
to face them. It would not have gone in my favor. Dogs gather in threes or
fours. A pack this large is rare.
I later learn that these are Caucasian Mountain Dogs. These wild
dogs, descendants of escapees from camel trains of the Silk Road, are
legendary. The locals describe them as “tall as an ass” or “the bear who
crushes wolves” because of the size and strength of their paws. This
dog’s massive face can appear like a bear’s. Breeders caution against
direct eye contact with an adult male, even if he’s domesticated. The
look may be taken as an act of aggression and could provoke an attack.
The Caucasian is territorial yet trainable, so it makes an excellent guard
dog. The Soviet government bred Caucasians in state-run kennels for
service throughout the former Soviet Union. The Caucasian has a mythic
reputation for aggression and fierceness. Indeed.
@@bikepackingandbicycletouring Amazing! Thank u very much! I am from Greece and after some thousands kilometres of cycling, I have no fear any more about dogs. I have learn that the best defence is the attack. So, when a dog attacks me, I stop the bike and I attack it also with rocks, sticks or my bottle of water. Yes, the water has wonderful results when it hits the dogs in the nose! But, I have never been and I wish I will never have to be in a situation like this with the pack of Caucasians. In Greece the sheperd dogs have a smaller size and many times they just bark, they don't attack. The most times they stop chasing or even barking when they see that you are going out of their region. Thanks for the responce, have safe trips!
@@ApolloniosTyaneas Thanks. Where in Greece are you? On my long journey to India, I cycled in from Yugosalvia, to Igoumenitsa, then to Volos and Milopotamus--as well as s stay in Samos
@@bikepackingandbicycletouring I live in Ioannina, a city about 75 km away from Igoumenitsa. Maybe you passed from here if you traveled from the national road.
@@ApolloniosTyaneas Yes, I cycled through Ioannina, if I remember correctly. What I remember most is the LONG hill up out of Igoumenitsa!
Only speak...how u handle when a real time...how about 40 doggy run attack u...what u explain that?
Yes, that is a terrible, terrible situation. I'm not sure what you can do if a pack of 40 dogs all run at you at the same time. When I was cycling in NE Iran, that happened to me, In that case, I was lucky--I managed to out run them. If I had see than I could not out run them, then I think my best chance would be stop, and then keep the bike between me and the leader--and keep moving the bike to be between me and whatever dog is in front--this I have done a few times. But, as you say, this is a very dangerous and tricky situation. I am sure that being stopped and dealing with them is better than being on the bike, moving, and dealing with the situation. For me, I prefer my chances stopped vs moving.
More about my 8,500 mile journey from UK to India, here: czcams.com/video/uwJx6EpqiWI/video.htmlsi=nuS_rwGiYvUeMPUl
Sounds like you are more concerned about defense than offense. Cyclists need offensive tools such as an air horn canister to blast in a dog’s direction (very effective in my experience). There are also devices that emit a high frequency sound that dogs can hear, and it generally repels them. Too bad firearms are generally illegal in most jurisdictions. No one really wants to inflict serious harm on a dog, but wild dogs definitely would do that to you or worse given a chance.
Yes, I guess that's right--my focus has been on defense. The air horn sounds like a good offensive tactic. I wonder about where to carry it, so its ready, and at hand, when a dog unexpectedly rushes me. Where do you caryy it? Do you use it only once you've come to a stop?
@@bikepackingandbicycletouring I had to improvise a mounting location for it. I had a cup holder that I had attached to the handlebar so I could put a soft drink in it and hydrate myself as I cycled. But decided not to use the cup holder for that purpose. Instead, I mounted it horizontally (on its side) to the stem that inserts into the head tube. And then I put the air horn canister in the cup holder, using duck tape and other materials to keep the canister from rattling around. So, the air horn canister lies on its side facing forward. I spray painted the improvised horn assembly so it matched the color of my bike. I left the stock red button red. Basically, it looks nice, like it belongs there. People have taken an interest in it from time to time-complimenting me on how “prepared” I was. I had to use it once in the last year or so in my small, leafy city. Was approached too aggressively, for my taste, by a dog. The dog immediately turned around and ran as fast as it could for dear life, vanishing from sight down the path. I was shocked and very pleased. I even had to laugh at how effective the horn was. Caught the whole thing on my action camera! So, yes, the horn is always right there, a couple of inches from my right-hand brake lever. It’s ready to go instantly. Before I found the current mounting location, I tried wearing the air horn canister on my belt using another water bottle holder. Decided against doing that since I didn’t want to ride and use the horn at the same time with only one hand on the handle bar. If I have to fight a dog, I want to be stopped and off my bike, which puts me in the best position to protect myself. If the dog wasn’t deterred by my horn, I had pepper spray attached to my belt with a retractable, lightweight chain device as Plan B (wouldn't want to drop the spray canister) I would have used. And I have an aluminum walking stick attached to my down tube for quick release I could have used… Glad the dog wasn’t hurt though. The horn just scared the dickens out of "man’s best friend." All is well that ends well.
@@dolittle6781 Gosh. Thanks for all these specific details. I appreciate that. Makes sense to arrange it so it is right to hand. I had wopndered about takig a hand off the handlebars--never a great idea, esp at speed. I never had any success with pepper spray: as soon as I'd raise my arm and point, the dog somehow knew, and backed away. And, if it was windy, the spray blew back towaards me . Arrrgggghhh. I like the idea of a lightweight pole as a 'sword'. Thanks again.
Man's best friend? No. czcams.com/play/PLjgcFv2e36W-CwrXLWN4Nc9-j4UftSk_G.html