What to Do If a Dog Chases You While Riding a Motorcycle

What to Do If a Dog Chases You While Riding a Motorcycle

Riding a motorcycle can be one of the most exhilarating experiences, especially in the beautiful landscapes of Ontario. However, the freedom of cruising down the open road comes with its challenges. One scenario that can throw a rider off their game is when a dog unexpectedly decides to chase after the motorcycle. You know what I mean, right? That moment when you hear the barking and see that furry little creature sprinting toward you?! Yikes! So, what should you do if a dog chases you while you're riding?

Stay Calm and Keep Control

Let’s not beat around the bush—if a dog is hot on your heels, your instinct might be to stop, honk the horn, or even yell. But here’s the thing: staying calm is crucial. The idea is to maintain control and balance. If you panic and try to kick the dog or use your motorcycle to nudge it out of the way, you might end up losing control of your bike. Trust me, a motorcycle can easily become unwieldy if you make abrupt moves, and that's dangerous for you and other drivers around you.

Think about it: have you ever seen a person get overwhelmed by a less-than-friendly dog? All kinds of erratic movements happen, and often, unintended accidents follow. Instead, keep your focus on riding straight, maintaining your speed, and ensuring you don’t swerve. It's better to ride it out.

What Not to Do

The options might come across your mind like a scattergunned list when faced with a chasing dog, but let’s clear the air:

• Do NOT kick the dog. This might seem straightforward, but when adrenaline kicks in, it can get tricky. Kicking not only risks losing control but can also escalate the situation with the dog.
• Don’t suddenly brake or swerve. Abrupt movements can send you toppling and could lead to a potential crash. If a car is close behind you, the results could be disastrous.
• Avoid attempting to scare the dog. Honking or yelling might have the opposite effect; it could provoke the dog instead.

Focus on Balance

When faced with this unexpected event, concentrating on balance becomes vital. Your motorcycle is a finely tuned machine that reacts directly to your movements. So, what does keeping your balance look like?

• Stay on your line. Keeping straight helps maintain center of gravity. If you're swerving or unsure, you'll face more risks.
• Use your instincts. If the dog is within proximity, maintaining steady throttle helps you to avoid dangerous shifts in weight.
• Eyes on the road. Always keep your gaze focused ahead, not on the dog. Remember, you'll want to anticipate road conditions and other traffic.

What Happens Next?

Now, once you’ve navigated the chase, the chances are that the dog will tire and break off its pursuit. Dogs don’t have the same endurance as a motorcycle on the open road! Just ensure once the situation passes, you remain vigilant; other animals or obstacles might cross your path too.

Riding with Awareness: A Mark of a Good Rider

Ultimately, you have the power to control your reaction. Mastering the calm demeanor during these unexpected encounters is part of being a skilled motorcyclist. Every time you get on that bike, you’re not just riding; you’re also predicting and responding to the dynamic world around you. You’ll remember, it’s not just about you; it’s about sharing the road with everyone and everything in your path, whether it's playful puppies or distracted drivers.

So next time a curious canine makes your heart race—stay steady, keep focused, and continue riding smoothly. That's how you show you've mastered the art of motorcycling, even in the face of furry distractions!