This thread has caught my attention. I've had a few encounters with dogs, fortunately none of any consequence. I've always been a good distance with enough head-start to get out of their territory before they got close, except the last time, just a few days ago. I was sailing along a flat area of country road. Ahead of me I noticed a Border Collie, by itself, not a human insight, doing its business in the grasses along the side of the road. The dog looked at me, I looked at it. It was just finishing up, doing the hind leg scratching thing, when, just as I was starting to pass, it took off after me. I yelled at it and went into sprint mode. The yell had no effect. Interesting, though, this dog didn't scare me. It showed no signs of aggression. However, I was surprised by how fast this dog could run and how it was keeping up with me as I accelerated to about 33-4 kmh. In retrospect, I noticed it was staying in the grass, rather than moving into the road closer. It seemed to be trying to pace along side. Now I suspect, as a herding dog, it was just having fun with me. He/she finally gave up, but ran a good bit longer than I expected.
This experience, and the previous comments, got me thinking about how to discourage dogs. Sprays are risky while riding—where to keep it handy, aiming, then hoping the wind doesn't blow it back—no way. Zappers? Again, where to keep it handy, and then the dog has to get very close—too close. Loud horns? Maybe, but when I looked for something compact, easy to use, practical to mount, and
effective—nothing checked off all the requirements. Ultrasonic repellents? Very high frequencies are highly directional and must be aimed directly at the dog—another washed out option.
So, I oogled “dog deterrent for cycling.” First result :
https://www.roadbikerider.com/wp-content/uploads/attachments/TheDogPopperGuide.pdf Entertaining, informative, and note his comment about recumbents.