Reply to Who let the dogs out?

We saw at least a dozen dogs along the trail. Most weren't a problem but some came running up barking. We saw a sign somewhere east of Portland for a scenic overlook. We decided to check it out and were met by two large black labs. I actually broadsided one of them (luckily no wipe out) and my nephew was run off the road.

Enjoy the trail for what it is.

Those dogs SOUND ferocious but are actually very friendly. They could easily however knock you down wanting to be petted. One is only a visitor but the owner has been advised and is keeping them under control. He was sincerely upset when told and has taken immediate action.

What action did he take? If someone on a bicycle broadsided my dog I'd want to hurt that person too, but I was always told to count to 10 to calm down and that usually seems to do the trick.
Maybe the owner should just put a big bright orange collar on the black lab so bicyclists can see him better, or maybe bicyclists should slow down so they don't hurt animals.

If your animals are that important to you, then keep them under control and off the street. A dog can knock a cyclist down no matter how slow they are riding, even stopped. It is the OWNER of the dog that is responsible and LIABLE for damages.

Doug,

Have you rode the trail? Asking that dogs along a 235 mile trail through farm country be keep were they can't get on the trial is not going to happen. Many of the dogs are small town dogs and are feed by many and owned by no one. Other dogs just come and go as they please. Their owners are good people, but view their dogs differently than city folks.

But what action did the owner take? Is the owner mad at the dogs??? Please don't tell me he is planning to put them down? Like I said I would be angry if someone broadsided my dog, but there is no way I would harm my dog.

The owner of the dogs is not mad at them. Neither am I and as for as I could tell the person that started this thread wasn't all that mad at the dogs. THEY WERE NOT ON THE TRAIL! They were on a HIGHWAY! Dogs do not belong on a highway. They are a hazard to cylists pedestrians and motor vehicles. They also do not belong on the trail free roaming. It is against the law.
To answer another question; the owner has been keeping them under direct control. He has either kept them in his yard or house or under direct voice commands. As any RESPONSIBLE owner does. Dogs that do not have an owner are like any other feral animal and become carriers of disease and a threat to the health of humans and other animals alike. The days of letting your animals run free and become a nuisance to others has passed. If you want to let them roam on YOUR land feel free. You do not however, have any right to let them run on others property and be the cause of damages to them and theirs. A person indeed has a right to own pets. That person then also has a responsibility to properly care for that animal: Because others have a right to own propery and travel on public thoroughfares free of threat of harm or damage from your pet.
In short, behave in a manner that reflects a desire to be a semi-literate, compassionate human being that recognizes the rights of others. Oh, and learn the english language.

Most dogs along the trail lead a boring life so the prospect of chasing a bicyclist adds a bit of excitement to their life. I have found that applying the back brake while growling "bad dog" scares them off.

I frequently notice dogs when I am riding west of Augusta. I've never stopped to bother them, but I have never been bothered by them either. Most of them seem like curious farm dogs, and none have seemed ferocious.

Wow, I didn't expect this type of lively conversation. I originally posted this just to let people beware and maybe carry some type of spray just in case. I wasn't mad at the dogs but it was a little unnerving. The dog ran right in front of me trying to chase my nephew, I was braking hard when I hit the dog. No harm done but just be prepared.

Interestingly enough, although I have encountered many "free roaming" dogs on the Katy, the only time I've been bitten was on the Little Blue Trace here in Independence, and that was a dog ON A LEASH.
The owners were out behind a hotel at the end of the trail, had the dog on a long leash, and apparently didn't know how to control the dog.
Luckily the dog only got a mouthful of my rigid biking shoe, but when I asked them to please control their dog, as it could more severly injure someone else, particularly families with kids who like to hike that trail, I was given an earful of colorful language (in front of their kids) and told that I had no business bothering them.
These days, I get the pepper spray out when I see a dog on any trail and have it ready. I'm guessing that one dose of that will cure a dog of chasing walkers or bikers...

Good advice on the pepper spray. Get the largest one you can carry. Aim for the eyes and nose. Be aware of the wind direction. This stuff stings.

I've encountered several dogs on the trail. I will always carry my pepper spray, but as yet, have never had to use it.

Doug,

It is not against the law to let your dogs run free out in the country.

-Robert

Robert, read again. I said it is against the law to let dogs run free ON THE TRAIL.

As a dog owner on the Katy Trail, as well as a landowner that lost land to the Trail, I would like to point out that many riders call our dogs to follow them. Yes, they actually see the dogs on our property, stop, and call to the dogs or give them a handout. They think they are being friendly, but it does create a major problem. My dog followed riders (who called to her first) 7 miles to Portland, got lost coming home, was attacked by a bobcat and ended up running another 12 miles until someonw we know spotted her and alerted us so that she could get medical attention. She is now a full time inside dog...which is unfortunate as we have over 200 acres for her to roam. Yes, we are responsible for our dogs, but we must all work together.

Doug,

Sorry.

-Robert

Robert, accepted, stop for a cold drink when you ride by Doug