Bikers and wild animals - Part 3: What you should be aware of with aggressive dogs

This article was first published on 22.07.2023. We have now revised it.

Screaming, fleeing, kicking, hitting? There are many things you can do wrong if you feel threatened by a dog. But what should you do if an aggressive dog runs up to you on your bike and actually snaps at your calves? We give tips on how to make dog encounters stress-free for mountain bikers.

How to deal with aggressive dogs

Accidents caused by loose dogs happen all the time in German forests. The classic: a dog charges at a biker and frightens the cyclist so much that he falls. "It's all about the dog running after you," says Martin Rütter, Germany's best-known dog trainer. "Make yourself noticed in good time, slow down," advises our dog expert Stefanie Weinrich. "If the dog still runs after you, stop immediately!"

This unnatural reaction eliminates the dog's instinct to chase and the danger usually evaporates. If the dog still remains aggressive and wants to bite, you can use the bike as a protective barrier: Always try to put the bike between you and the dog. Hitting and kicking usually make the dog even more aggressive, and the risk of injury is particularly high.

Under German law, dog owners are responsible for their animals in the event of both a fall and a bite. Accordingly, there is compensation for pain and suffering in the event of an injury and compensation for torn clothing or fall damage to the bike.

• Step 1: If a dog bites, the first thing to do is to treat any wound.
• Step 2: You should then call the police immediately so that the incident is recorded.
• Step 3: See a doctor. He will treat the bite wound properly and, if necessary, update the vaccination.

>> Part 1 of our series looks at what (not) to do if you encounter a bear

>> Bikers and wild animals - Part 2: What you should bear in mind when encountering wild boar

Interview with Stefanie Weinrich, dog trainer

Dog encounters in the forest happen very often. And usually nothing happens. If you are out and about on a bike, you can get into a conflict, especially with dogs running free. Dog expert Weinrich is reassuring: with the right behaviour, it usually doesn't get that far. Her advice is to stop and stay calm - this has a de-escalating effect.

BIKE: Why do dogs react aggressively to bikers?

Stefanie WeinrichA fast-moving biker triggers a dog's instinct to chase. The dog wants to chase what is moving away from him.

How do I behave correctly if the dog rushes towards me?

Stop immediately. Because the dog will continue its pursuit if the biker continues to ride. And dogs are usually faster.

It's difficult to stop when a ferocious dog is chasing me.

That is true. But the alternative is even less favourable. The dog continues to chase, the biker panics and possibly falls. Better: stop and use the bike as a barrier. In other words: put the bike between the dog and your body.

Why not kick the dog?

This only makes the situation worse and the dog becomes more aggressive. My advice: stay calm, look at the dog, don't look away.

But you shouldn't look dogs in the eye ...

This only applies if you stare and turn your upper body towards the dog. Better: look at the dog and turn your body to the side. If you turn your gaze away completely, this signals weakness to the animal.

When is the risk of the dog biting high?

Especially when I misbehave: shouting, staring, running away.

Dogs as companions - Traildogs

On the other side: the trail dog. In an interview in 2018, Oli Dorn explained to us why he takes his dog to the bike park, what you should look out for and what responsibility is involved.

>> "Paws & Wheels" and biking with your dog

And bike pro Jasper Jauch is also out on the trails with his dog Oreo: Watch the video here: "Paws & Wheels II" and "Doggystyle".