Bad Dogs – Watcha Gonna Do ?
Nothing gets Doug Landau’s heart rate up like being chased by a big dog while running or riding ! Even the Triathlon Trial Lawyer has had easy training sessions turn into all out sprints when a large canine decides to attack ! While The Athletes Lawyer can usually smile after his heart rate returns to normal, dog and animal attacks are not always laughing matters. For an excellent treatment of this serious subject, by two experienced cyclists, read, “How To Deal With Bad Dogs,” by Fred Matheny and Ed Pavelka
The authors cover such topics as “dog psychology,” what to do if you are bitten by a dog, and steps to take if you are repeatedly harassed by the same animal. They note that “the majority of dogs who chase cyclists are merely defending their territory. When you pedal off the section of road that they consider their turf, you no longer pose a threat to their ancestral instincts and they lose interest. Incidentally, this is why you’ll rarely be chased by a dog you encounter way out in the boonies. He’s not on his turf so he couldn’t care less about you.”
The authors also note that, “if the same dog accosts you every time you ride the road, report this to the authorities, too. You have a right to life, liberty, pursuit of cycling happiness and public roadway access free from fear of fanged attack. Keep following up with calls to make sure steps are taken to put PupPup on a rope.”
