So what do you do if you are harassed by a dog? A
certain bike book once advocated either ramming your bike pump or
clenched fist down the dog's throat; or sprinkling pepper on its
nose. The British RSPCA had this advice removed from later editions.
In any case how often do you carry a pepper pot in your top pocket?
A dog ran off with a friend's pump connector - serve him right for
trying to whack the dog on the nose with his pump!
In my experience the easiest and most effective method of dog
control is your voice.
If you let the dog know that you
are the boss, you will always win the argument.
As you approach farm buildings (the dog's home territory), clear
your throat and be ready to shout. If a dog comes out, first gently
speak to it, say "Hello boy"
(this is often all you need to do). If the dog appears to be agressive,
shout a strict command such as "STAY"
in a deep rough voice. It does not really matter what words you
shout, as long as you sound assertive. Appear confident - don't
let the dog know that your knees are knocking and you need your
mum to wipe your bum.
Be the boss, and
even the biggest and most scary of dogs will stop in its tracks,
turn around and run away. No dog is going to pick a fight that
it might lose. Also, most dogs in country areas are working farm
dogs trained to obey a command, so sound just like a farmer.
Don't try to out-cycle dogs. They can always run faster than
you think, and they're likely to do a 90° turn straight across
in front of your wheel. It is better to slow down and shut at
the dog. If necessary, get off your bike and place it between
you and the dog, like a fence.
Never turn your back on a strange dog, it's taken as a sign of
weakness, and you may get your ankles nipped (that's what farm
dogs do to cows and sheep). If there is more than one dog, don't
turn your back on any of them!
Note: dog psychologists say you should never make eye contact
with a dog, it's an aggressive act. My advice is to always keep
an eye on the dog without winding it up into a frenzy by staring
straight into its eyes (although the staring technique could be
used, as long as you are confident enough to back it up with some
very assertive shouting). Just remain confident and you will be
okay.
Avoid eating fatty foods when cycletouring. However tempting
a full English breakfast may seem, it weighs you down on a long
ride, and you'll waste energy having to break down the fats. Best
to eat high energy carbohydrates such as cereals, muesli, bread
etc. These break down slowly and give you energy over a long period.
If you are cycle-camping and don't want to carry much food with
you, a very simple, tasty, healthy breakfast is:-
Soak some muesli and your favourite dried fruits in water overnight
(in a plastic bowl with a lid). Use twice as much water as muesli.
By morning the muesli will have soaked up the tasty juices from
the fruit, and will save you having to carry milk. This will keep
you going till the morning coffee stop.
