Dog Attacks Whilst Biking.

[chinthee]

Maybe one of those wooden penises from the other message thread would be effective...

I have a very large plastic one with a scary sounding pump. Do you think if I attached that to my handlebars and pumped furiously when they approached it would help?

[CalicoConsulting]

I have a Harpo Marx style horn. I'll have to try that some time. I've only been chased once, aside from the dog bite I wrote about a little while ago.

[stao]

Same problem for me many times...

Local folk consider it "normal" to have a gaggle of dogs all the way from brand new pups to the ones on obviously their last leg. Also considered "normal" behavior is for their brood to engage any who come near their property including on public roads & walks

I... like you became tired of such nuisance & so confronted not the mindless hoard but the lazy owners

No local folks like a very serious face foreigner informing them face-to-face that if chased or bitten it won't be a matter of a few hundred Baht & could involve much more "serious" repercussions

Another effective way... The old rubber powered "sling shot" & some nice ball bearings, marbles or rocks. No dog will stand it's ground while being struck in the body or head causing pain & injury

[BikeThailand]

Usually I recommend (and use) the following techniques when it is not such a fast and unexpected attack. Have a water bottle with a squirt valve on your bike so you can pull that out and squirt them. This does not cause any permanent damage to the dog but they usually don't want to get squirted since it resembles bathing. The other bicycling gear that can come in handy is one of the compact bicycle pumps that will extend as you swing it at them and usually scare them enough from pursuing you. Once again, this is meant to not harm the dog but scare them instead. If the dog continues to chase then you may have to show them who is the Alpha Dog and whack them with it. Another thing that frightens them is simply skidding the back tire. If they are close enough it will surprise them and distract them to the point where you can pedal away, usually.

I would avoid the use of a gun at all cost. You may very well get shot because someone misunderstands your intentions or thinks it is something more than a BB gun.

[bankei]

When I was a monk we were 'chased' every morning by dogs. Being the newest monk meant I was at the end of the line. We had to walk past this very nasty big dog who used to come out barking furiously, but the monks just ignored it and went along. It came so close to me that I could feel its breath on my calf muscle. I was scared I was going to get bitten, so I ended up going with some other monks on a different route, but there were dogs there too - though they were less vicious. There is not much you can do as a monk.

[a2396]

I am told that Thai dogs are considered a culinary delicacy in Vietnam. Maybe some enterprising Thais will decide to make some money & get rid of these multitudes of worthless mutts of the streets and alleys of the country at the same time. However, I doubt if anything will be done to cull these Thai versions of the sacred cow.

[Thaddeus]

I am told that Thai dogs are considered a culinary delicacy in Vietnam. Maybe some enterprising Thais will decide to make some money & get rid of these multitudes of worthless mutts of the streets and alleys of the country at the same time. However, I doubt if anything will be done to cull these Thai versions of the sacred cow.

Really..... what makes you think that doesn't happen already.

They seldom offer money for dogs, it's usually a couple of plastic buckets, something that most of my neighbours already have a plentiful supply of.... no money, no incentive ... and to reduce the problem would cost money, it isn't going to happen.

[CalicoConsulting]

If I can be serious for just a moment, I believe http://www.carefordogs.org is on the right track regarding the stray dog problem. I wrote several pages about their work in my newsletter, but I'll spare you.

In other news, I met the lovely lady cat who is my avatar at the Hong Kong SPCA in Wanchai. Years later, she was standing at the door of our apartment in Shaoxing, China, and she suddenly puffed up like a blowfish. Every single fur straight out, not just the usual tail fur trick. It was almost instantaneous, and very weird. She might not have even known why it happened. I moved her aside, opened the door, and bumped into a dog. I guess Miss Picasso isn't a big fan of doggie odor.

We were on the second floor, by the way. Doggie was just hanging out in the hall. Probably sleeping before I bumped him/her with the door.

Oh, and the "colorful background" in the avatar is my arm. She's quite affectionate, but I'm not going to say doglike. Dogs are doglike and cats are catlike. Simple, innit?

Edited August 5, 2007 by CalicoConsulting

[Thaddeus]

There is not much you can do as a monk.

That's so true isn't it.

You get free board and lodgings anywhere you show up, you get free travel, free food and donations that well exceed what you need to live as a monk..... you actually shouldn't need money as a monk (btw, I'm not pointing this at you, but at the monks in my vicinity)

I've lost count of the amount of times I've been to the Bangkok Bank and ended up in a queue behind a saffron robed leach carrying a suitcase full of cash.

Why not take some of that donation money and do something good with it, sterilise some stray dogs, feed some hungry people, anything for the common good ..... ah but the abbot want's a 72 inch LCD TV first.

Sorry, in my time here I have learned to accept almost all the things that I can't change..... the one that I don't think I will ever be able to accept is the hypocrisy within the rural version of Buddhism.... it's about as far away from a life philosophy as you could get.

Apologies for the off topic rant.

Back on topic.

A really violent dog will usually already been taken care of by the local community, they seriously don't last that long, and they have mostly been subtracted from the gene pool (unnatural selection) I have nine dogs, all of which (apart from the lazy one) create stink when any vehicle/cycle/walker passes by their territory, but as long as it keeps on moving without any returned aggression, all is well.

Anyone who walks up my driveway will be barked at, every westerner I know that has come to my house has been unmolested, mainly because they make the right noises and show open palms, therefore they are no threat to the pack or to the leader of the pack that feeds them.

Without fail, I have to escort the man that reads the water meter and the man that does the same job for electricity, as the first thing they do is pick up a stick or a rock, guess what, you can only threaten one dog at a time, there will be eight others just dying for a chance to advance their position.

My first contribution to this thread started with a statement about how little people understand dogs ...... I haven't read very much between the first post and this one that will make me change my opinion.

[Thaddeus]

Additional.

I should have made this point in an edit, but it is fairly important and warrants it's own post.

Most of the dogs that cause real problems, with regards to harassing people aren't Thai.... they are the breeds we brought with us.

Som nam naa.

[CalicoConsulting]

Most "problem dogs" are, in fact, the result of problem owners. Anybody wanna help me pepper spray some people?

[jetjock]

Most "problem dogs" are, in fact, the result of problem owners. Anybody wanna help me pepper spray some people?

You hit the proverbial 'nail on the head'! The good thing is that if a dog has an owner that unwittingly touches or pets the dog after he gets pepper sprayed, some of the pepper residue can be transferred to the owner making him burn and be extremely uncomfortable until he washes it off. The problem with the soi dogs is that I doubt if some of them have any real owners.

[Thaddeus]

Most of the dogs that cause real problems, with regards to harassing people aren't Thai.... they are the breeds we brought with us.

Really? I didn't bring any dogs with me to Thailand.

Soi dogs are a constant menace. If one goes for me it lives for not long after. I have swerved and crushed a couple with my pick-up after being attacked for no reason.

They are a dirty, hazardous pest and have no place in a modern society.

I am truly shocked, they speak very highly of you..... it must be a misunderstanding.

[burgdawg]

Dealing with dogs..... a tale (tail?) of various approaches.........

17 April 2555

Pattaya

I used to be a newspaper boy when young (dates me right there), delivering The Detroit News. I got bit by dogs because I was so locked up with fear. Had plenty of tetanus shots, which is a good thing to keep current. You need a tetanus booster every 10 years, how current is yours?

If the dog--any dog--senses YOU are afraid, they will really run after you! Nipping at your heels. Dogs have the best Fear Radar on the planet. They can sense it kilometers away. They are really just doing their job when you stop and think about it. Look at it from the dog's point of view: "...if they do not bark and chase after you, what will they say to their owners?"

I do not precisely recall how my attitude shifted, but one day I was not afraid anymore and I considered the dogs my buddies! "Buds" for short in Yank slang.

No more bites. I have wracked up about 5,500km pedaling all over from Pattaya-Sattahip-Rayong-Klaeng-Chanthaburi-Trat-Chantahburi-Soi Dao- Klong Hat-Sa Kaeo and looping back through Chachoengsao and back to Pattaya. And all roads big and small in between. Never any problems with any Tai dogs. I am happy to see them and they pick up on this right away. If they give chase, I encourage them to catch me! "...c'mon buddy, you can do it! Hurry up! Reoh-reoh!" All in Tai, Angkrit and Spanish. Yak it up with the dogs.

What's my secret sauce? It helps to have a jersey pocket well-stocked with doggie biscuits. Bribery works. ALL dogs on the planet could use a snack.

I also have a กระดิ่ง--gra ding---ringer bell --which announces my arrival in advance. The dogs are more curious than anything since we are much slower than any motorbike. Making any aggressive action TOWARDS any dog just escalates the situation needlessly. I would not go down this route....pepper sprays, rocks, etc. Bad call. You'll could be dealing with an irate owner before you know it. Not good!

One time, I got surprised by a big dog and I just slowed and stopped. Held out the BACK of my hand. Do not show your palm. I just help my hand out, fingers down and encouraged "Bud" to have a sniff kiss for himself. I wasn't afraid.

"C'mon buddy, you can do it!" Don't make any sudden movements. Just speak English, Tai or sing a song, hopefully off-key. Ya see, the dog wants to "save face" as well and now that he has "caught you" he really is at a loss at what to do. I just got down on my knees and put my head down. Dogs know what this means.

Now he IS my buddy.

I doubt if anyone reading this is shocked by the statement that "...one is almost always watched in Thailand." You can almost sense the various eyes upon you.

Soon, I had "Bud" on his back and I was rubbing his belly, his paws folded down. Some watch dog!

The dog's owner was watching all and came out to thank me for not being mean to his dog. He related that previous bicyclists have been mean and thrown stinks and rocks which is uncalled for.

We began chatting about things in Tai as my own passah Tai is getting better and better. I can already read and write Tai well.

Before you knew it, I was invited to dinner and had a grand time getting to know their whole family!

You bet I stop in there when I am near their moobahn and yes "Bud" wags his tail now when he sees me coming. A perceived threat is really an opportunity.

The bicycle riding IS the adventure. The sanook is the destination.

Having Tai dogs and cats run free is fine by me. We are all GUESTS here. Once we forget that, we get into problems, fast. It is our adopted country.

Yes, it would be better if the Tais saw to pet maintenance better. Like mange, open wounds, neutered, the list is endless. You do not need to contribute to the problem.

Juxtapose all I have written above with the following: tonight's ride from Pattaya to Rayong and back with Kiwi buddy in the dark! Yeah, I love night riding as it is cool and I know all the routes well. Yep, have a GPS mounted on my handlebars, not really needed after a few mapping rides. My Kiwi buddy is a much stronger rider than me and is deathly afraid of any and all dogs. It was almost an embarrassment riding with him tonight. He spoke of weapons and aggro measures. I hadda bit my lip and just let him vent.

The dogs we encountered on our ride went wild chasing my friend, yet ignored me. By the end of the ride, he was finally noticing that the dogs did not bark nor chase me. He asked why? I just shrugged and said "...ya gotta speak Tai with them. They don't understand your accent. They're Tai dogs, haven't ya noticed?"

Got him laughing a bit and our exchange lightened his tense mood.

I know my story got a bit long here, but really, dogs will be dogs. Just stop pedaling and chat 'em up. Ask a dog chasing you the football score, anything. If you are flipping out snacks, DO NOT throw at them like a rock. Just drop behind you. Don't worry, they'll find it.

I think the dogs on my various route know me quite well now. My ringer bell goes "gra-ding" and makes the Tai kids smile. Mount a cool bell on your bicycle and enjoy the adventure.

If you enjoy road rage, well, head to any falang country. They love that stuff.

Mai bpen rai.......

PS: I have two front white headlamps. Made by Planet Bike, they had 3 settings: Off, flashing and solid beam. I use the flash setting the most day and/or night. I get 5-6 months out of a single set of AA batteries. I use two red fai ka bpip (flashing) on my rear and strips of reflective tape on my downtubes, top tubes, forks, etc. Reflective 3M bead in my tyre's sidewalls. I want to be seen!

[endure]

Dealing with dogs..... a tale (tail?) of various approaches.........

17 April 2555

Pattaya

I used to be a newspaper boy when young (dates me right there), delivering The Detroit News. I got bit by dogs because I was so locked up with fear. Had plenty of tetanus shots, which is a good thing to keep current. You need a tetanus booster every 10 years, how current is yours?

You do realise that you're replying to a thread that's four years old?

[simon43]

You do realise that you're replying to a thread that's four years old?

But still very relevant...

I agree with the posters who offer the solution of chasing the dogs whilst wailing like a mad banshee. If you have the courage to do it, then it definitely works, and the locals have some good entertainment. On my bike rides in Phuket, I do not give any aggressive dog a second to contemplate staring me down. I'm straight off the bike, (growling loudly at the same time), and then chase the dog as fast as I can whilst making a terrible noise. I can say that on every occasion that I have done this, the dog looks absolutely petrified and I have never been bitten.

If all 'farang' bike riders were to adopt this policy, then maybe Thai dogs would evolve into associating all farang with a bad experience, and stay well away from us

Simon

[milkycheese]

Your not an avid rider obviously. ... The dog is scared ... stop ... wait for the green light.... move. Honestly.... get ya self some suntour huns, XXTR, Hope rims and a lot of bottle ... Peace.

[bunta71]

I was a sentry dog handler during the Viet Nam war era in the US ARMY. Sentry dogs are crazy. That is their main "qualification". These are not "patrol dogs" as you see a K-9 cop with. Those dogs are well mannered and not crazy. They attack only on command. Sentry dogs are one man dogs. So mean that sometimes it takes a week for a new handler to be able to "move in " on a dog and become it's handler. These dogs are often acquired from owners who cannot control these dogs. Did I mention that they are crazy??

The first day of my training we were taught to NEVER stare at a dog as it is a challenge. Some of the advice given here will work with normal, not particularly insane dogs. With a crazy dog, all normal traits go out the window.

I have some terrible Thai neighbors next door with three dogs. One is crazy and has attacked me and my family several times. When I asked the lady if she would be so kind to keep her dog in here yard, as I have a beautiful 8 year old daughter and don't wish her to be attacked. Her reply..." I don't care if my dog bites her because I have money!" .Her and her husband are apparently quite well to do from their illegal gambling house. Also well connected to the marauding thieves called police. For some personal reasons I do not need trouble in any way shape or form. That is another story for another day and cannot be told here while I live in Thailand.

[whistleblower]

It never ceases to amaze me how little people know about dogs.

They are a non-nomadic pack animal, in remote locations they are on the verge of becoming feral..... a lone stranger entering their territory will always be treated the same way, lots of gesturing accompanied with loud barking, they are sussing you out as an unknown quantity, throwing rocks or sticks may alleviate the situation temporarily but if you take that action once, you will have to do it every time.

Hit the brakes and stare out the leader of the pack, you will normally be considerably bigger than him, so he will not make the first aggressive move, if you manage to out-stare him and pass him without violent action, the pack will remember and let you pass without incident the next time..... you are just a big dog passing through.

If you don't manage to out-stare him (i.e. more than twelve seconds and he hasn't looked away) retreat from whence you came and never go back.

Who are you? Crocodile Dundee?

All stray dogs should be rounded up and shot. They are an eyesore, most of them are scabby and in every street you go in there are at least 10 of them. After being bitten once and having to go through the whole rabies jabs thing, I am in the corner for wiping them out!!!!

[Eff1n2ret]

Dealing with dogs..... a tale (tail?) of various approaches.........

17 April 2555

Pattaya

I used to be a newspaper boy when young (dates me right there), delivering The Detroit News. I got bit by dogs because I was so locked up with fear. Had plenty of tetanus shots, which is a good thing to keep current. You need a tetanus booster every 10 years, how current is yours?

You do realise that you're replying to a thread that's four years old?

But the discussion is as valid now as it was 4 years ago. The bl00dy dogs are still there.

[Pacificperson]

I know that this thread is about riding and dogs, but I want to ask if anyone has had problems with fighting cocks in the villages. I had one come out of nowhere head high and claws first. It was doing a screaming eagle imitation straight at my head. It scared me pretty good for a moment. All I saw was two open claws and outstretched wings. I ducked and it missed. The villagers had a pretty good laugh from it though.

[thequietman]

Happened to me awhile back. I was riding my mountain bike a long a river here in the Phetchabun district (a daily ride i've done everyday for months). A dog from no where came up and bit my leg. It was a pretty good sized bite. I stopped at a local restaurant and the lady helped me clean the wound and taped it. I then went home and got on my motorbike and went to the local clinic. They gave me about 3 shots and cleaned the wound with antiseptic and cotton swabs. Then they said to come back every day to clean it and get new dressings everyday. They said they didn't want to stitch the wound. So every day I went there and they cleaned it and new dressing was put on for 2 weeks. Total cost was about 1500 baht. I also found out, the owner of the dog was supposed to pay. So I told my livein to go there. She said, can not now. You have to go to the police the same day it happened and the police will collect the money, or go with you to get the money. But, you have to go there the day it happened. A day late and a dollar short.

We did go back and tell the owner of the dog. I offered to buy the dog so I could put it away. But, I didn't have to. I never seen the dog again.

you kick a dog in thailand and the owner will come out and shout at you that it is his dog, so leave it alone.

the same dog bites you or you hit it with your pick-up and it does damage. ask the same guy- is this your dog- you will get a resounding.........no.

not acountable for themselves or their animals. TiT.

[bunta71]

I know that this thread is about riding and dogs, but I want to ask if anyone has had problems with fighting cocks in the villages. I had one come out of nowhere head high and claws first. It was doing a screaming eagle imitation straight at my head. It scared me pretty good for a moment. All I saw was two open claws and outstretched wings. I ducked and it missed. The villagers had a pretty good laugh from it though.

I wonder how the locals were betting on the outcome...

[thequietman]

I know that this thread is about riding and dogs, but I want to ask if anyone has had problems with fighting cocks in the villages. I had one come out of nowhere head high and claws first. It was doing a screaming eagle imitation straight at my head. It scared me pretty good for a moment. All I saw was two open claws and outstretched wings. I ducked and it missed. The villagers had a pretty good laugh from it though.

but I want to ask if anyone has had problems with fighting cocks in the villages.

seen 2 guys fighting over a woman in our village. does that qualify.

[robblok]

you kick a dog in thailand and the owner will come out and shout at you that it is his dog, so leave it alone.

the same dog bites you or you hit it with your pick-up and it does damage. ask the same guy- is this your dog- you will get a resounding.........no.

not acountable for themselves or their animals. TiT.

I let my dogs roam free in the village around 3 times a day for around half an hour. Then they either come back or i get them back. Once my dog was playing with an other dog and ran out of the gate, a motorcycle 3weel with card had to brake and hit a parked car.

I took full responsibility for both the car as the guys motorcycle. Though he did go fast through the soi this is a gated moo bahn so your not supposed to drive fast. Anyway i wonder what the outcome would have been if it was one of the other dogs of the Thais.

[toybits]

This has happened to me. The Alpha dog bit me on the thigh - but fortunately did not pierce the skin. I was lucky. This happened at a temple. There were around 5 to 10 dogs. Never went back there.

[TheLaughingMan]

Trying to be as delicate as possible here but... ah hell:

You got surprised and slammed on the front breaks sending you OVER the front of your bike unto the ground amidst 12 snarling dogs thereby making your situation a zillion times worse?! Dude you might want to reconsider the risks you take if you are so feeble as to react so horribly under pressure. You knew the dogs were there, and they still surprised you into oblivion.... Rich seriously, think you better play it safe and not go exploring on a bike alone in rural Thailand.

Also blaming the "owners" of these aggressive dogs is supremely naive, most dogs in Thailand have no owners and that's why they act like wild pack animals, because THEY ARE.

[geronimo]

Have had the same problems with dogs/bikes here, BB guns are useless, the dogs will fall around laughing it won't even ruffle their mangy fur!. Catapult is more effective, but honestly, the best approach I have found is to slam on the brakes, jump off the bike and make as much of a noise as possible whilst running towards them, they look extremely shocked and most cases run like hel_l away from you - the locals get a good laugh too - never had 12 dogs at me though, it certainly works against 5  or 6, and the best thing is, when you go back - THEY DON'T FORGET - so you generally don't need to repeat the show again.

The other thing to do is return home, get in your 4X4, go back and squash em, this works a treat too, and as before, you don't need to do it twice.

The last thing you want is a bite of course, what with rabies etc.

I do the same thing, especially if I think I'm going to pass by on a regular basis.It has to be poker faced and done with determination and they just hi-tail it every time. I remember one such incident, I came around the corner and there they were. Ten of them, teeth showing, hackles up ..... I stopped about thirty metres from them, spat my small cigarillo butt into the sand and squinted a Clint Eastwood stare in their direction. This didn't seem to be having much effect so I just let go of my bicycle and it fell to the ground beside me. Well, they were off!!! Aint gonna mix it with a farang who treats his bike like that!!! I chased the leader over two hedges, a chain link fence, barbed wire and jungle (just to make sure) and they never bothered me again, although thinking about it ... I never did venture back there!!!

[KKvampire]

Usually aggressive Dog problems are Owner issues but this is Thailand and many dogs have no owners and they breed like rabbits

Owners on T V who say they let their dogs "roam around the village alone" are stupid and irresponsible(falang?) no matter how timid they think their dog is. They could end up one day with a dead dog and/or an angry victim.

Edited April 17, 2011 by KKvampire

[happyrobert]

Beg to differ with you, fully realizing that things are different in various parts of the country.

On Koh Kood, you will see very few dogs, and almost none running about. It's a wonderful enviroment and the locals fully approve of how it comes about.

A couple of times a year the military and police go about poisoning them if they are off someone's property, or if they act aggressively at the officials as they walk down the road.

It used to be that way on Koh Chang, too, until a woman from across the Pacific came here and set up a clinic - even though she is not a vet - and started protesting this practice. Twelve years later dogs run rampant on Koh Chang, attacks and bites are common, feral dogs come down out of the hills from time to time, numerous motorcycle accidents occur every month due to dogs running across the streets or chasing the bikes. They form packs and become even more aggressive. I myself have been attacked many times on Koh Chang while hiking or riding my bike. (I carry an asp, by the way, works wonders on a dog's nose, especially if you can strike the philtrum.)

Tourists have died on Koh Chang after hitting dogs while on motorbikes. In short, people, including children, are injured and maimed because the policy of killing all the strays was revoked at the constant nagging of an outsider.

I think the locals on Koh Kood have the right idea. I'll place the facial skin and muscle tissues of a 5 year old over a dog, anyday.

And yes, I have three dogs, love them like my kids and have had 'em for ten years. But then, I took the time to train them, but if I hadn't, I would keep the tied up or fenced in.

Edited April 17, 2011 by sbk
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