being chased by dogs

LifeTakeTwo

I'm not sure if here or H&F makes more sense, but this just happened to me on my bike.

Does anyone have any experience and know the best way to react? 

I have three herding dogs myself and I made a judgement call on this guy and decided by his bark that he was herding/chasing and not trying to kill me.  So I slowed down a lot, turned to look at him, and sternly yelled NO, GO HOME.  It worked, but it's making me wonder about next time...  Do I stop to end the chase or do I take off and hope I'm faster?

 

SallySparrow

I always try the stern "go home", but I also carry animal pepper spray with me, just in case it is an "I'm trying to kill you" situation instead of a chase game. I've never had to use it, but I always carry it with me. 

I think if you have dogs, and you can kind of read their intentions like you did with this one, it's fine to try the "go home" approach first. Just be careful.  

Sxia

My dog went crazy and chased a guy on his bike once. The guy just went faster and faster. (We were getting into the car and she saw the bike and took off.) When he finally stopped, she turned around. You can usually tell by the bark what their intentions are.

LifeTakeTwo

Yes the bark was definitely a chase bark and not an attack bark.  Pepper spray is a good idea for if I run into a less friendly guy.  Thanks!