Going for a ride on my push bike and 5 dogs blocking the way

[lucjoker]

Ask for "blue powder" in a shop ,it works well.

[Regyai]

Or do as most adults do

Leave the kiddie toys behind at maturity

& wrap yourself in a tonne + of SUV or pickup

Never found a pack o dogs braver than those steel bars

[chiang mai]

When you get close to them, reach down suddenly as if to pick something up, they'll run fast enough. Option 2, carry a large stick and wave it around at them, same result. Thai dogs are all noise and no go, even in packs.

An estimated 31,000 human deaths occur annually from rabies in Asia. As of 2007, Vietnam had the second-highest rate, followed by Thailand; in these countries, the virus is primarily transmitted through canines (feral dogs and other wild canine species)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prevalence_of_rabies

So your point is?

Those deaths via rabies are deaths, I would imagine, of indigenous people, people who do not understand the risks and don't have the money to fund treatment, the OP is in neither category. None of which has anything to do with picking up stones or carrying a large stick, jeeze, if it's that much of a worry, stop riding the bike!

[tpazzi]

" I kept quiet and stood my ground for a minute or so at one point. "

By standing your ground until the dogs calmed down you've already started the best process to handle the situation. Continue to do this each time you encounter them and you will find that the duration of the interaction gets less and less.

Just stand in an at-ease pose, relax, and do not make direct eye contact. You want to communicate calm assertiveness. The dogs will usually calm down within 2 or 3 minutes.

It can be a little disconcerting if you are doing this with a pack of dogs because they will encircle you. But you should easily be able to figure out which one is the pack leader. That's really the only one you need to pay any attention. Wait until the leader shows some sign of submission before.

If you do it right, you'll find it won't take many encounters before they accept you. You don't need to bribe them with food, which may not work anyway, and you certainly don't need to harm them in anyway.

One final thought, since you want them to accept you on your bike you need to include it in the equation. The first few encounters, I would completely dismount and stand in front of the bike, or at least to the side. As things progressed, on later encounters I would stop but not completely dismount, just stand straddling the bike instead.

[thailiketoo]

When you get close to them, reach down suddenly as if to pick something up, they'll run fast enough. Option 2, carry a large stick and wave it around at them, same result. Thai dogs are all noise and no go, even in packs.

An estimated 31,000 human deaths occur annually from rabies in Asia. As of 2007, Vietnam had the second-highest rate, followed by Thailand; in these countries, the virus is primarily transmitted through canines (feral dogs and other wild canine species)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prevalence_of_rabies

So your point is?

Those deaths via rabies are deaths, I would imagine, of indigenous people, people who do not understand the risks and don't have the money to fund treatment, the OP is in neither category. None of which has anything to do with picking up stones or carrying a large stick, jeeze, if it's that much of a worry, stop riding the bike!

My point is soi dogs bite. I know I have one. You wrote, "Thai dogs are all noise and no go, even in packs." That is not correct.

[ozyjon]

As the dogs start to bark,, you bark louder and be the dominant dog.

If they bite you then the trouble is far worse than avoiding them, as

you know many dogs are not cared for so might carry diseases,,

bark loud, bark really really loud, then run for it.

[chiang mai]

When you get close to them, reach down suddenly as if to pick something up, they'll run fast enough. Option 2, carry a large stick and wave it around at them, same result. Thai dogs are all noise and no go, even in packs.

An estimated 31,000 human deaths occur annually from rabies in Asia. As of 2007, Vietnam had the second-highest rate, followed by Thailand; in these countries, the virus is primarily transmitted through canines (feral dogs and other wild canine species)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prevalence_of_rabies

So your point is?

Those deaths via rabies are deaths, I would imagine, of indigenous people, people who do not understand the risks and don't have the money to fund treatment, the OP is in neither category. None of which has anything to do with picking up stones or carrying a large stick, jeeze, if it's that much of a worry, stop riding the bike!

My point is soi dogs bite. I know I have one. You wrote, "Thai dogs are all noise and no go, even in packs." That is not correct.

I've been around dogs all my life and one thing I know to be true is that dogs only bite people who are scared and/or if they are cornered and/or in pain.

[NomadRip]

You already went by them twice. And nothing happened. What do you need help with?

[MediaWatcher]

chiang mai, on 29 Sept 2014 - 18:01, said:

MediaWatcher, on 29 Sept 2014 - 17:47, said:

AnotherOneAmerican, on 29 Sept 2014 - 16:42, said:AnotherOneAmerican, on 29 Sept 2014 - 16:42, said:AnotherOneAmerican, on 29 Sept 2014 - 16:42, said:

Ammonia or bleach in a squirt bottle.

They soon learn.

Or a STRONG lemon juice/water mix, or you could go and buy one of those electronic cattle prods.

Why mess around when AK47's are available, jesus, they're only dogs for goodness sake!

Oh dear, a fool in every crowd....

[villagefarang]

I do not have a very high opinion of people who respond to animals with violence. I walk my dogs each evening and love watching the interaction as we pass a different pack on each soi. Their rituals and postures are fascinating and seem to repeat no matter how often we pass, unless there is a dog in heat, which complicates things. There is seldom anything but noise and posturing.

Out on the mountain bike I understand that I am an intruder and my movement through their space can also trigger their prey drive . I usually slow down and call them over with a soothing tone of voice but to be honest most dogs just ignore me as I ride past. Some are fearful and keep their distance while others will, with a little coaxing, come over for a sniff if I have stopped and dismounted. Each situation is different and should be treated as such.

Even with dogs I am now acquainted with there is often a noisy first reaction from a distance, until I am close enough for them to hear my voice. Sure, if you are not paying attention and a dog surprises you, it can trigger a gut reaction but I never interpret that as being in any real danger and don’t respond with violence or aggression. I just take a deep breath and admonish myself for not being on the ball.

Of course the dogs in your area may not be the same as dogs where I live, so it is up to you to get to know the local animals if you plan on encountering them regularly. I have never needed food or weapons and have never been bitten. Maybe I am just lucky but then again it could be that show neither fear nor aggression, opting instead for kindness.

[pigeonjake]

get cesor milan on the case,,

the dog whisperer

[olaska]

get yourself a big strong dog and then enjoy every minute of your bike tour.....

Used to take a walk passing one of these f**ng monk monastery's and a whole bunch of dogs came running, barking...... until they they realized I had three big ones........ The abbot complained (as they always do when they cannot screw money out of people) about the bad farang walking around with three baaad dogs and wearing no shirt. The best part is my favorit dog, the worlds nicest papa dog, loving people,was pumping himself, wagging the tail and happilly looking forward......

and myself waving happilly to the abbot and monks.

[MediaWatcher]

chiang mai wrote:

I've been around dogs all my life and one thing I know to be true is that dogs only bite people who are scared and/or if they are cornered and/or in pain.

reply:

Oh dear, you haven't learnt well then....dogs also bite because they are protecting their pack, their resting place, their food or possessions, their master and or his property, they are old and grumpy or they could be a herding animal.

[olaska]

get yourself a big strong dog and then enjoy every minute of your bike tour.....

Used to take a walk passing one of these f**ng monk monastery's and a whole bunch of dogs came running, barking...... until they they realized I had three big ones........ The abbot complained (as they always do when they cannot screw money out of people) about the bad farang walking around with three baaad dogs and wearing no shirt. The best part is my favorit dog, the worlds nicest papa dog, loving people,was pumping himself, wagging the tail and happilly looking forward......

and myself waving happilly to the abbot and monks.

Sorry forgot to add,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Thai dogs are normally much more friendlier than the dogs you are used to, never been attacked by any . They bark, make noise but no more.

Take the biggest one home, feed it and you get yourself a friend for life

[Smurkster]

some treats and some rat poison

[roytheoldboy]

First off, get yourself some pedals so you can ride your bike without pushing it (push bike?). Then the dogs would not catch you. In the USA we stopped pushing each other and attached pedals. The idea is that you can now sit on the bike and go faster.

was Mungo Jerry not American?

[thailiketoo]

My point is soi dogs bite. I know I have one. You wrote, "Thai dogs are all noise and no go, even in packs." That is not correct.

I've been around dogs all my life and one thing I know to be true is that dogs only bite people who are scared and/or if they are cornered and/or in pain.

People like you are dangerous pushing your home spun wisdom as fact and some other person with no experience in Thailand believes you.

Every year in the United States, 800,000 dog bites are severe enough to need medical treatment.

Dogs bite because

Dominance aggression

Protection of valuables

Fear aggression

Maternal aggression

Redirected aggression

Pain-induced aggression

Pestered beyond limits

https://www.petfinder.com/dogs/dog-problems/why-dogs-bite/

[catweazle]

"Man up!", would be a good advise!

My apologies in case you are a disabled person - if, I'd advise pepper spray.

[teatree]

Had a similar problem. Take a big stick , umbrela etc When you come accross them get off your bike, raise your stick and run aggresively towards them, shouting if need be. They will scarper. Repeat as needed.

After acting like a madmen, the dogs I had a problem with would give me a wide berth whenever they saw me.

This advice applies to 'Thai dogs'. I'm not sure I would so the same with a pack of Rottweilers.

[Upset]

call Natalie G ebola or something....that old miss universe that was kicked out of a marriage by the thai tenniss guy...panadol or something. I believe she is some kind of mascot for the Soi Dog rescue or something and that they deal with things like this. Search online I am sure you will find her contacts somewhere.

[bigguy]

Well I'm not an Educated Kentucky Hillbilly, but close to it, Only problem I see is your PUSHING the Fricken bike......555555 Must be one of them British things...

Us folks, from the hills we ride the bike, and pedal it to, saves a lot of walking and pushing. Sorry to take the piss, but its a slow day at work..

[BradinAsia]

Excuse my naivety, but where in h*ll did this term "push bike" come from?

The whole world understands what a bicycle is. When you say "push bike"

it sounds like it has no pedals -- only frame, wheels and seat.

[balo]

Most soi dogs are afraid of the lonely farang , the only weapon they know how to use are barking. So its easy to scare them away . Not many stories about farangs ever being bitten by one of them so I don't think you have to worry . I would just wave with a stick and they will run like chickens.

Edited September 29, 2014 by balo

[guzzi850m2]

get cesor milan on the case,,

the dog whisperer

My thoughts exactly.

We got suggestions from AK47's to food, I think both methods will work but the first one is brutal and the police will not like it, to put it mildly.

I never ride push bikes but scooter and sometimes having dogs having a go at me, I twist the throttle and are out of there.

Look what I found below, Quote:

Dear Greg,

This is the hardest lesson for me to teach anybody, but it's an important one for people to learn.

The first thing I try to remember if a strange dog is acting aggressively toward me is to not take it personally. I don't feed any fear in me, or anxiety; I get very calm. Believe it or not, what will be instrumental in blocking the animal from attacking you is for you to be calm and unafraid. An aggressive dog wants you under stress before it attacks. If you are calm and in control of yourself, it slows them down and throws them off.

Once I have asserted myself, I claim my own space. Often, I use a walking stick, an umbrella, or anything I happen to be carrying and place it out in front of me, so I make myself appear bigger and feel more in command of my space. What I am saying with my body language is, I don't want the dog's space; I don't want that tree over there, I just want this space that I am standing in. Again, I am maintaining a very calm and assertive state. That energy creates a barrier that automatically demands his respect. I'm letting him know that I'm not afraid of him.

As you can see, this is a hard concept to teach. It's best to be with someone who can do it to understand what it looks like and what it feels like. Most people can't imagine that, in many situations, you can stop an aggressive dog by not moving and not being afraid, but I do it all the time with a whole pack of dogs. It can be taught to children more easily than it can be taught to adults, because when taught young, it becomes something ingrained in us. Once a person is an adult, the difficulty isn't in training them – it's in the process of un-training them.

I hope this helps a bit! Just keep in mind these four important words:

Stay calm and assertive,

Cesar Millan

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/first-aid/Avoiding-a-Dog-Attack#ixzz3Ei8sma68

[chiang mai]

Excuse my naivety, but where in h*ll did this term "push bike" come from?

The whole world understands what a bicycle is. When you say "push bike"

it sounds like it has no pedals -- only frame, wheels and seat.

Not to be confused with a pull-bike which is much harder work.

Edited September 29, 2014 by chiang mai

[iamariva1957]

Okay, so it might be difficult to mount one on your push bike... but maybe use as an idea?

[teatree]

Push bike is a British English term for a bicycle.

[geronimo]

Find the alpha dog and stare him out. Don't be aggressive but do not be hesitant either. Let them smell you and it wouldn't hurt to throw a few dog chews. Eye contact is important.

[thailiketoo]

get cesor milan on the case,,

the dog whisperer

My thoughts exactly.

We got suggestions from AK47's to food, I think both methods will work but the first one is brutal and the police will not like it, to put it mildly.

I never ride push bikes but scooter and sometimes having dogs having a go at me, I twist the throttle and are out of there.

Look what I found below, Quote:

Dear Greg,

This is the hardest lesson for me to teach anybody, but it's an important one for people to learn.

The first thing I try to remember if a strange dog is acting aggressively toward me is to not take it personally. I don't feed any fear in me, or anxiety; I get very calm. Believe it or not, what will be instrumental in blocking the animal from attacking you is for you to be calm and unafraid. An aggressive dog wants you under stress before it attacks. If you are calm and in control of yourself, it slows them down and throws them off.

Once I have asserted myself, I claim my own space. Often, I use a walking stick, an umbrella, or anything I happen to be carrying and place it out in front of me, so I make myself appear bigger and feel more in command of my space. What I am saying with my body language is, I don't want the dog's space; I don't want that tree over there, I just want this space that I am standing in. Again, I am maintaining a very calm and assertive state. That energy creates a barrier that automatically demands his respect. I'm letting him know that I'm not afraid of him.

As you can see, this is a hard concept to teach. It's best to be with someone who can do it to understand what it looks like and what it feels like. Most people can't imagine that, in many situations, you can stop an aggressive dog by not moving and not being afraid, but I do it all the time with a whole pack of dogs. It can be taught to children more easily than it can be taught to adults, because when taught young, it becomes something ingrained in us. Once a person is an adult, the difficulty isn't in training them – it's in the process of un-training them.

I hope this helps a bit! Just keep in mind these four important words:

Stay calm and assertive,

Cesar Millan

Read more: http://www.cesarsway.com/dog-care/first-aid/Avoiding-a-Dog-Attack#ixzz3Ei8sma68

Watch how it works. Cesar and dog.

[sirocco]

When I stroll around on foot or by bike, I always kibble I throw far enough to that the dogs leave me aloneas well as a stick long enough, no problems.

Otherwise, I have a taser.