Water
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Water Bottle
Perhaps the simplest tool you have on your bike to get a dog away from you is water. The downsides of using water as a weapon are aim, accuracy and distance, especially since you might not want to wait until a dog is close enough to your leg to use it. But if it's all you have, try a squirt near the eyes or nose. If you're accurate, this should stop the chase long enough to get away.
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century rideA Rock
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A Rock
Rocks are everywhere and easily found. Carry one or two in your jersey pocket. And don't worry, animal lovers—the rock isn't meant to inflict pain on your furry friends. It's for misdirection. Drop the rock behind you as the dog nears. It may just be dumb enough to stop and sniff, leaving you with a big enough gap to get away. And the extra rocks in your pockets add weight to your bike, which is called resistance training.
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century rideDog Treats
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Dog Treats
For those of you with a real problem (such as a dog waiting on the same path for you every day), try dog treats. It won't make them go away, but it will make them stop chasing you. On the downside the dog will probably get used to this routine and start expecting treats daily, which could increase your grocery bill and make your spouse confused by the big box of dog treats you store with your cycling gear.
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century rideRide Harder
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Cyclist Rides Hard
In general, most dogs can run between 15 and 30 mph for a mile or so. The most practical and efficient (if training for a race) way to get rid of a chasing dog is to get in your big chainring. Time to play. Unless you've got a greyhound on your tail (which can run about 45 mph and get to 30 mph in 2 to 3 seconds), you could have a good race on your hands.
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century rideTurn
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Cyclist Chased by Dog
Unless it's a stray dog it probably won't wander too far from home unless it really hates you. Make a few turns if possible to get them in a neighborhood they aren't as familiar with. I call this tactic confusion, and if you're lucky they'll turn around and head home so they won't miss dinner.
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century ridePlay Chicken
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Play Chicken with Dog
If you're on a road and there is nowhere to go but straight and heaven forbid you see a big giant dog slobbering all over itself waiting for you to pass, I suggest playing chicken. Get into the biggest gear you can sustain for an all out sprint and ride straight at it. One of you will move or you'll both learn your lesson.
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century rideStop and Pick Up a Stick
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Dog with Stick in Mouth
More times than not, the chasing dog doesn't mean you any harm. It simply wishes to play with you. In essence, the dog thinks that you the cyclist is a form of playing fetch. Instead of being the stick, stop and pick one up. Toss it a few times and let the dog know you're friendly.
When you've had enough of the games and you're ready to go, throw the stick as far as you can, which should give you enough time to get away before the dog comes back with its retrieval.
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century rideHug it Out
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Cyclist Hugs Dog
Chances are the dog chasing you is much nicer than the first impression you're receiving. If you aren't in a hurry and the dog chasing you isn't an old yeller style rabid Rottweiler, get off your bike and show the dog some love. A few minutes of friendly hugging and you'll be on your way.
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