Just curious - seeing you're claiming IOWA - do you know that IOWA is an acronym for Idiots Out Wandering Around?

 

Never a warning shot. You never know where they will go. Aim at what you want to shoot.
Sometimes just a squirt of water will do it and you could try pepper spray.

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Never a warning shot. You never know where they will go. Aim at what you want to shoot.
Sometimes just a squirt of water will do it and you could try pepper spray.

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A squirt of water you say? Riiiiight.

 

shooting around here for the same circumstances will not end well with l e!!

 

She said.....
she mentioned the dog seemed friendly enough and didn’t possess any aggressive behavior. She said the dog probably didn’t see many cyclists and probably had no intention of hurting me.

I say, no intention of hurting you, like just a friendly bite on the ankle....It wouldn't have been good if he had pulled you over.

Try pepper spray in the face once. Then if that doesn't work, the lady will be looking for another dog.

 

Do you know who owns the dog and it's shot records? A big concern could be rabies. Are those bites or scratches?

 

The dog had it’s shots according to the sheriff. One laceration and the rest teeth scratches. Fortunately it caught me on the ankle through the sock where it couldn’t get a grip. It’s jaws felt very strong.

 

Hate to sound like an internet badass, but I would take "warning shot" off the list as soon as the dog bit me.

If you are talking about doing something before actually being bitten, I would think either of the sprays would be more effective and more safe than a warning shot.

I do a lot of running and live in a rural area and a dog taking a run at you halfway through a 10 - 15 mile run sucks. I carry an LCP 380 due to the size / weight and although I've had to draw or grab it a few times, thankfully I haven't had to shoot a dog yet. Was thinking about getting a small canister a bear spray for the same reason.

Although you have a much better chance of out running a dog on your bike than I do, getting pulled down would really suck and put you at a real disadvantage.

 

Although you have a much better chance of out running a dog on your bike than I do, getting pulled down would really suck and put you at a real disadvantage.

Exactly. You’ve got 3 scenerios on a bike. Outlast/outrun but get bit, fall down and get pummeled, stop confront and hope for the best.

 

What's a 'clip'?

 

Your right. Fixed it.

 

one to the head and keep on truckin

 

brain dead response!

 

If you are in iowa city, all pets must be leashed at all times or confined to the owner's property. This is true for almost anywhere in the US.

The owner should have been ticketed for having an animal at large.

If I felt like the dog was intent on harming me, I wouldn't hesitate to shoot it. I've been chased on bikes many times by dogs as a kid while they bit at my tires and feet. These same dogs would lick you all over then roll on their back for a belly rubbing when approached on foot.

One of my dogs bites moving tires for some reason. Wheel barrow, bike and law mower tires. She's confined to my fenced yard and spends most of her time inside the house. Don't know why but she seems to have fun doing it.

 

I've been chased by a few dogs biking. A squirt of water from my bottle has always done the trick. Also I use clipless pedals. They load a good amount of energy into my foot for side kick.

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I’ll try the water squirt next time. Might be a little tricky since I carry a bladder though.

 

I have had dogs chase me while riding my bicycle on rural roads, mostly in the country. Most if not all these critters are yard dogs. Their job is to keep people away from the owner’s property.
One tactic I have used successfully is, if the offending dog has the angle on me and I cannot outrun him, stop and dismount, keep the bike between me and the dog. Walk slowly away from his turf while talking to the dog. Once the dog has lost interest remount and haul a**.
Also a small spray bottle with a mixture of 1/2 ammonia and 1/2 water sprayed into their face works well for annoying dogs. Just keep the bottle in your riding jersey rear pocket.
Was once jumped by 3 pit bulls out in the Mississippi countryside while riding with three pardners. I hauled, I mean I do not think I ever rode my bike so fast.
The old saying I just have to be faster than you applies here.

 

Also a small spray bottle with a mixture of 1/2 ammonia and 1/2 water sprayed into their face works well for annoying dogs. Just keep the bottle in your riding jersey rear pocket.

^^ This ^^

I use a small squirt gun with a bit less dilute ammonia solution. Easy to carry and aim, works wonders causing no permanent injury. A drop or two to the eyes, dog gone!

 

A couple of thoughts:
a) Most pitbulls aren't huge and they can sprint quite quickly for short distances. Hence, your marksmanship must be better than average to hit such a moving target.
b) If a pitbull already had me by the ankle, I wouldn't be comfortable shooting so close to my leg/foot, unless it was my only option, especially if the dog were pulling/shaking my leg, as they are wont to do.

I think spraying the SOB with pepper spray would be preferable. Plus, you get the "shotgun funnel-effect" with pepper spray, minimizing the need for precise accuracy. I shouldn't think it too difficult to mount a can of pepper spray on a mountain bike.

 

I mean we all love guns, but this^. Drawing and firing a pistol while riding a bike at a dog which would probably be near the edge of someone's yard seems risky, to say the least. I have zero sympathy for the dog, but plenty of concern for the kids who might be in said yard, and for your femoral artery.

I would also add an anecdote, a local LEO shot a boxer that belonged to the in-laws of a friend of mine with a .45 ACP JHP. The bullet lodged in the dog's shoulder joint. It incapacitated it, but still... It's worth remembering that a dog is a very small target, especially when you're amped up on adrenaline, and are probably tougher than you think. I think bear spray would likely be MORE effective for that reason.

 

Doing my usual gravel ride today but decided to go a little farther then my normal route. I crested a hill and felt a hard pinch on my left ankle. When I looked down there was a black Pit Bull looking to readjust his bite. I stood on the pedals and grabbed some gears but your not going to outrun these guys on a mountain bike. The dog had me so close to the edge of the ditch I almost lost it.



The whole time I was praying it didn’t dive for my front tire because that would’ve been catastrophic. So many things go through your mind at that time and reaching for a handgun wasn’t one of them because quite frankly, I don’t think I would’ve had the time or the coordination to use it.

I did have a hydration pack on my back and there’s a place for pepper spray on the front strap which wouldve been faster and easier.



After 100 yards or so this hell hound gave up the chase and at the next intersection I collected my thoughts and took inventory. Other than a slight laceration and some swelling, the ankles fine but that’s not what has me concerned. What if I crashed, then what? Does the dog grab some face or worse yet the neck?



When I got home I called the sheriff and told them the story. I said I didn’t want to cause problems press charges or anything, I just wanted to be/ride safe and to make sure the dog had its shots. When the sheriff called me back after visiting the dogs owners she mentioned the dog seemed friendly enough and didn’t possess any aggressive behavior. She said the dog probably didn’t see many cyclists and probably had no intention of hurting me. The real stunner is when the owners asked the sheriff why I didn’t turn around and tell them what had happened. :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:



I told the sheriff I was licensed to carry and had I been carrying my P365 I would’ve turned around, lured the dog from it’s friendly confine and get some pay back. I was told I was within my right to do so if I felt threatened.



So here’s my question, for those who have used it, do you recommend pepper spray, bear spray or warning shots? I’m not going to give up gravel riding and I will continue upon the same road/route. I’m also a dog lover and have no wish to injure or kill somebodies pet but I do expect owners to train their dogs appropriately. I ride by many farm houses with dogs and never once had one chase me down the road until now so I know it can be done.

I have bear spray for the woods and carry a 365, Glock 26, Shield and G19 or M&P 2.0 compact depending on my situation, but when I go biking I carry my S&W 637. Very easy to carry and you can put it right up against an animal that may be latched into you. Being able to press it up against the body I think takes a lot of the risk out of accidentally missing and hitting a bystander.


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I have bear spray for the woods and carry a 365, Glock 26, Shield and G19 or M&P 2.0 compact depending on my situation, but when I go biking I carry my S&W 637. Very easy to carry and you can put it right up against an animal that may be patched into you. Being able to press it up against the body I think takes a lot of the risk out of accidentally missing and hitting a bystander.


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I’ve always wanted a revolver and this might give me a reason to purchase one.
Thanks!

 

Wasp spray, laser beam focus for up to 25’

Also great if you can’t carry (like at work) where pepper spray is also typically a no no or are out and about. FYI also kills bees.

 

I would not suggest this. A friend of mine sprayed wasp spray and the wind blew it back into his face and he inhaled some of it. Spent a month in the hospital and died from it. The amount of damage that stuff can do to you if you accidentally inhale it is unreal.


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We lived on a private road in CA 30 years ago (my how the time flies when you're being chased by a pit bull). Neighbor let her dogs run loose and they chase after my golf cart or golden retriever. Hosed her 3 dogs down with bear spray. Small amount blew back on me and my dog (who was on the seat beside me). When we got home it was horrible - I'm sure the neighbor's experience was worse. She was not happy, but I'd warned her before.

If you can get off the bike while the dog is charging out, get the bike between you and the dog, the bike can be a good defense or delaying tactic. Then either hose it down with bear spray or shoot it. I would skip the water idea unless that's all I had.

 

Ah P365, looking at your wounds you definitely have an action against the owners and it would cost them serious money.

Ever thought of carrying a Taser Pulse? Perfect close in (15 feet<) protector for the kind of situation you describe where you are in fear but not necessarily for your life. I do. For situations where firing live rounds could do more damage than is prudent (dog attacking you and tunnel vision issue - what is beyond & richochet problem).

I bought mine 20% off at the USCCA convention this year. After you fire the dart it is also good as a stun gun.

 

trouble using bear/pepper spray if the wind is toward you ,,
you may well put your self in danger if you have a
breathing ailment that might cause an attack with
the inhalation of the spray ..

Even a small amount might cause a life threatening
asthma attack .. A few years ago a woman watching
the Peoria Pirates an indoor football team .. after
having fireworks/smoke bombs set off after a win in
the indoor stadium which had very poor ventilation
had an asthma attack and died on the way to the
hospital before anything could be done to help her ..

So be very careful if one does have any breathing ailments..

May well be better to use a mix of ammonia and water ..

 

This is a very rare reaction with pepperspray. Yes, OC causes airway constriction, and yes, in rare instances when someone who has asthma that is triggered by certain circumstances, it can become an emergency situation, but you're talking maybe 1/1,000. Anyone who is thinking to use pepperspray or any other chemical agent, should before they carry it, use it in a controlled/semi-controlled environment, so they know how it may feel to be exposed to splashback, and how they may react to it.
In the scenario of the OP, spraying the dog with OC would be totally justified, especially with your physical injuries, on an etihical level, but your state laws on the possession, and use of it, is what is at play.
As far as using your pistol, again your state laws dictate what is legal, but generally speaking, what it comes down to, is did you believe you were in immediate, imminent, threat of great bodily injury and/or death? Given the circumstances, being at a disadvantage, due to the surface you were riding your bike on (gravel road), I think it would be reasonable, to assume that the dog attack, would likely result in great bodily and/or death. In your OP, you state your concern was the dog grabbing your front wheel and the ensuing results of an attack carried out, once you were dismounted from your bike. You had a genuine concern for your safety, and kept your cool. You correctly assessed the situation, your abilities, and came to the conclusion, that your pistol was not the ideal option at that moment. I have shot a dog before, and I shoot rats and gophers on a regular basis, with my pistol. I am willing to say, I don't think, I would have shot that close to my own leg either. Maybe a shot to the rear of the dog, to create separation, and space to get a better placed shot, to stop the threat, but if the first shot accomplishes to stop the attack, well, now you have a seriously injured animal, and probably an angry owner to deal with. Depending on your state, county, and municipal laws, you likely aren't going to be able to just leave the scene of where you just drew and discharged your firearm.

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If it were me, I would pay a visit to the owner. Tell her that you've already been bitten once, and that her dog may not survive the next encounter. Tell her that the sheriff has already advised that you are justified in using deadly force if necessary, and that any further injuries to you will result in her facing legal action.

Having thus been given a warning, it's her job to keep the dog in her yard and not out on the road, biting people. If she's smart, she'll tie the dog up or put up a kennel.

 

Unfortunately you don't have the option of shooting the real culprit - the moronic owner who lets an aggressive dog run free.

 

Always pepper spray with dogs. Dogs naturally like to chase bikes, even friendly ones. In the woods then a pistol would be my choice.
One word of “reality”, you shoot a dog with a pistol while on your bike, you may be legal but your wallet will pony up to a potential lawsuit from the owner and liberal PETA just looking to make a political statement. They will twist the incident to make you look like a monster. It happened locally to a guy mowing his lawn and it was ugly as they said he was provoking the dog.
The flip side is, you have a lawsuit against the owner if you want to initiate one. I can almost guarantee you medical and damages $$$ by your pictures.

 

So here’s my question, for those who have used it, do you recommend pepper spray, bear spray or warning shots?

In the late 1970's and early 1980's I and a small group of fellow graduate students rode road bikes quite a bit on the county roads (coarse asphalt) of northwest Ohio. We would accelerate to zoom past dogs who had left their homes intent on intercepting us. (Really flat land, straight roads--unless by the river; you could see the dogs coming at quite a distance.) Occasionally we had to swing our tire pumps at dogs who got too close. I smacked a couple, myself.

We also carried pepper (typically cayenne pepper, but any pepper, really, that we would grab from the kitchen cabinet on our way out) that we could use to "dust" a dog. I recall only one instance when one of us "peppered" a dog. Stopped the dog. Either that, or the dog was tired and was satisfied with its effort.

I don't think pit bulls, etc., had been "discovered" yet, though.

rx7sig

 

As you all know some dogs love to chase, be it a car or bike or jogger. If that pit was wanting to actually bite he would have latched on to your leg, instead he nipped you. I think he was just playing with you, so I would first opt to spray him with some pepper spray. In the unlikely event a dog gets past that then you can go to the final option which would be a gun. Maybe you ought to go by in your car and talk with the owner and see the pup, makes friends with him, pits are great dogs, just bad owners.

 

Agreed. That's very good sensible advice.

 

I have a friend who is an avid cyclist, he swears by a (very loud!) air horn he has mounted to his handlebars.

 

p265 If you have to ask your really not prepared at the basic levels . I not using pepper spray on a dig if I'm carrying a handgun . Work on your awareness , both seeing and hearing or change were to play bike rider . No ear buds ether . Pay attention as that one dog could have been two or a pack or a moma bear even . No more being an IOWA .

NO warning shots , shoot to kill , no playing around .

 

What I failed to mention in my original post was I didn't see or hear the dog and it wasn't until I passed the home, it came from behind which scared the bejesus out of me. I would agree with others that it probably was just playing but at that moment bias was determining my actions.

 

It's hard to say what a dogs intention is and the outcome you must take to protect yourself is also wide open.

The teeth grazing and lack of puncture wounds tell me that he probably was trying to get your attention because he wanted to play. That said it's 100% the irresponsible owners fault for not keeping a better eye on him. My dog always has that look when bikers come by and I always call out and make him sit. He's never chased or bit a biker but I can see it in his eye that he probably wants to. It's pretty instinctual for a lot of dogs I think.

My coworker had his wrist broken by a smallish mutt dog that had jumped into his fenced yard to "play" with his dog. He told me that the doctor told him ANY 35lb dog had the bite strength to break and adult humans wrist bones.

Kudos on the restraint - I think a solid choice would be to find an alternate route. If not I'd go sit down with the owner, bring up the issue, and meet the dog. Perhaps if he gets used to you - you can stop by and pet him a couple of times and overtime he will stop chasing you as you'll just be the guy that rides by from time to time.

 

Kudos on the restraint - I think a solid choice would be to find an alternate route. If not I'd go sit down with the owner, bring up the issue, and meet the dog. Perhaps if he gets used to you - you can stop by and pet him a couple of times and overtime he will stop chasing you as you'll just be the guy that rides by from time to time.

That would be the magnanimous approach. If successful, you would win some new friends and our hearty applause.

(Edit. And we are all reminded that the least amount of force in the Force Continuum is, Prevention.)