One of the worst fears of many cyclists is having an encounter of the canine kind while on a ride. This is especially likely on country rides, and is something that every cyclist should be prepared to cope with effectively and safely. The real danger is not being bitten by the dog, but rather having a collision with the dog which could cause severe injuries.
There are a number of ways to deter a dog from chasing you when you cycle past them. The simplest and least expensive method is to squirt him in the face with a water bottle. The problem with this method is that it requires some agility and aiming accuracy in a high stress situation.
Another method is to carry a small air horn attached to a 50g compressed air canister which can be bought at Walmart or K-Mart for about $3.50. This is good for about 200 short blasts. These horns are usually quite effective in deterring dogs, but you have to be careful you don't blast it in your own ear or the ear of your riding partner!
My personal favorite dog-gone device is the DAZER™, which is a small electronic device powered by a 9v battery. It works by emitting a very loud ultra sonic sound which sends the dog scurrying. Dog's find the sound very discomforting and confusing, but humans can't hear it.
I have been using a DAZER for about five years with great success. You don't have to aim with accuracy. Just point it in the dog's general direction and it will usually stop him dead in his tracks, even if he's 10-15 feet away.
Don Seals recently bought a DAZER and will attest to the fact that it really works! By the way, thanks to Don for the idea and title for this article.
The DAZER is available locally for $34.95 at Adventure Sports, 333 N. I-10 Service Road in Metairie.
The DAZER is also available directly from the manufacturer, K-II Enterprises, 1-800-262-3963, for $32.00 including shipping and battery.
Dave's personal website, Laid Back in the Big Easy, contains information
on pursuing his favorite hobbies -- bicycling, ham radio, and amateur astronomy -- in New Orleans, Louisiana, known as both the Crescent City
and the Big Easy.
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