I was attacked by a dog whilst cycling round a playing field yesterday. I think it was a juvenile doberman.
I think this was my third actual attack in 25 years of mountain biking. Being botherd by dogs is irritatingly common, but actual attacks are, thankfully, rare.
It was about 30 yards away to my right when it noticed me. It legged it straight towards me, no barking or snarling. I've seen this before with this type of dog - quiet/confident aggression!
I took my usual avoiding action... off the bike immediately and put the bike between me and the animal.
The dog leapt at me and hit the bike full tilt, claws rattling off my frame. It tried a couple of times to circle me but I kept the bike in the way. The owner, a young guy of about 18, was calling it and apologising profusely. It finally went to him but he then spent about 2 minutes trying to catch it. Eventually he got it on the lead and I was able to cycle on.
We had the usual discussions: "That dog is dangeraous, If you can't control it, it should be on a lead". "But it's never done that before" "I should report that dog before it harms a someone". "I'm really sorry, it's never done that before".
At least I didn't get the usual "He's only being friendly"
Fortunately I only have a few scratches on the top tube to show for the encounter.
Not sure if I should have taken some pics and reported it. I think I'd better google the procedure for reporting dogs, for the inevitable next time.
TBH I'm pretty pissed off with dogs. dog owners, dog shit. There is an epidemic of irresponsible and incompetent dog ownership in the country.