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 Born not Made
Posts: 2931
   
Location: North Dakota | It was a beautiful Sunday for a ride today. Rode in just a hooded sweatshirt which is pretty unheard of for January in ND. However the nice weather means the ground is still frozen but the top layer is muddy/slippery and still icy in some places.
When the ground is like this, I'll often go about a mile down the highway because there is a gravel road that is dry in these types of conditions. Added perk is that it's a hill which makes for a great workout for my horses. The only downfall of this area is there is one house (out of several houses) that has a couple miniature horses and a few dogs. One dog in particular barks up a storm when I go by. I feel bad to make the dog bark so I try not to ride that way very often.
The dog's pen is probably a good 40 yards from the gravel road, and I always stay on the road and do not go into the ditches.
today, as I'm riding my horse by, the owner comes out and asks me not to ride by anymore because it upsets his dog so much. And that if the dog would break through his fence, he WOULD come after me.
So here's where I get to my question:
i figure he did ask my nicely so it sucks, but I guess I just won't ride there anymore. But at the same time, I feel "cheated" off of a public road.
What would you do?
What if instead of being on a horse, I was on a bicycle? Or running/jogging by?
obviously if the dog would get out and attacked me (or someone else) it would be the owners fault.
So Just kind of curious what you guys all think about the situation. |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| I would keep riding down that road. It's a public road. I would explain to the guy why you sometimes ride down the road. |
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 Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | GLP - 2015-01-18 3:48 PM
I would keep riding down that road. It's a public road. I would explain to the guy why you sometimes ride down the road.
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  Ms. Marine
Posts: 4627
Location: Texas | GLP - 2015-01-18 1:48 PM
I would keep riding down that road. It's a public road. I would explain to the guy why you sometimes ride down the road.
Agreed. It's a public road... |
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Expert
Posts: 1314
Location: North Central Iowa Land of white frozen grass | I would keep riding till the dogs gets horse and can't bark any more. He will get used to her. Also I think its a shame to keep a dog locked up. |
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 Northern Chocolate Queen
Posts: 16576
Location: ND | Would it be possible to call/text the owner of the dog on the days you do ride by so you can let him know in advance so he can put the dog in the house/garage so he doesn't see you & get upset? I would think that would work for everybody, you can ride by peacefully & his dog doesn't bark. |
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 Chicken Chick
Posts: 3562
Location: Texas | We have people ride by our house occasionally. My Doberman goes crazy barking. I don't get mad at the people riding by minding their own business, I get mad that my dog is an idiot. She has been around horses so I don't understand what the uproar is lol. Seriously it is like a 5 minute time frame that they are visible to her if they are walking by. If she feels the need to bark, I guess she will bark.
The only times I get mad are when people let their dogs roam and they end up fighting my dogs through the fence, or my dogs fight each other because a dog has them so riled up they can't stand it. As far as you riding by minding your business, I don't think it is fair for him to ask you not to use a public road.
The thing I loved about my old gelding was if a dog came after us, he would turn around trying to chase them and stomp the tar out of them. He never got one, but they sure found out that he wasn't something to mess with. I carried rocks in my saddle bags when I was on other horses. |
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Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | I'd carry a can of dog mace just to be safe.. |
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 I'm Cooler Offline
Posts: 6387
Location: Pacific Northwest | I ride up and down my road all the time...a lot of peoples dogs bark at me but I don't really care. My dogs do the same thing to people jogging/riding bikes/riding horses past our house. The yard is fully fenced and they can't get to them, and after the people are out of sight the dogs stop barking. |
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 Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | komet. - 2015-01-18 4:50 PM
I'd carry a can of dog mace just to be safe..
fyi... A water bottle with a squirt top works just as well. I used it often when I was riding my bike and the dogs run off like they got shot with mace. Also, with the water bottle, you can shoot it farther and don't have to worry about the wind blowing pepper spray back at you and your horse. |
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Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | I get mad at my dogs when they bark, too. I'd never dream of asking someone not to ride down my street. I like the suggestion about offering to tell the guy when you're going to ride that way.
I sure wish my idiot neighbors would do that with fireworks so I could put my horses and dogs up. |
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Expert
Posts: 4121
Location: SE Louisiana | Nita - 2015-01-18 6:06 PM
komet. - 2015-01-18 4:50 PM
I'd carry a can of dog mace just to be safe..
fyi... A water bottle with a squirt top works just as well. I used it often when I was riding my bike and the dogs run off like they got shot with mace. Also, with the water bottle, you can shoot it farther and don't have to worry about the wind blowing pepper spray back at you and your horse.
I don't know what you have, but I have a can of mace gel that says it will shoot 18 feet... and water will not teach a dog much of a lesson... not on the scale mace will... |
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 Twin Sister to Queen Boobie
Posts: 13315
Location: East Tennessee but who knows?! | What if you gave him treats every time you rode by? That's what some of the meter readers do to keep dogs from getting aggressive with them. Could ask the owner of you could do that.
If I couldn't do that, I wouldn't ride there. The thing about it is yes it's a public road but if that dog got out and hurt your horse or spooked him and he got away and caused a wreck then it really wouldn't matter who was at fault if someone lost their life over it. Yes, the dog might be up but dogs get out all the timec and accidents happen. |
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 Night Chat Leader
Posts: 13150
Location: Home....Smiling M Farms | My neighbors have a mean boxer. He's bit a couple people, why he's still alive is beyond me. Dog mace did not work on him.
He bit a lady walking down the street one day, latched on to her calf and wouldn't let go. The lady was screaming and trying to get away, dad and another man heard her and went to her aid. They literally had to beat the dog off of her. Lady had to have stitches and the dog was put in quarantine for 10 days.
Same dog attacked a small child the following year. Nearly took her arm off at the shoulder. Awful awful dog.
I guess I told you that to say this, it wouldn't stop me from riding down the road and if anything did happen the owner would/should be liable, BUT be aware of what 'could' happen. |
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Expert
Posts: 1718
Location: Southeast Louisiana | komet. - 2015-01-18 6:20 PM
Nita - 2015-01-18 6:06 PM
komet. - 2015-01-18 4:50 PM
I'd carry a can of dog mace just to be safe..
fyi... A water bottle with a squirt top works just as well. I used it often when I was riding my bike and the dogs run off like they got shot with mace. Also, with the water bottle, you can shoot it farther and don't have to worry about the wind blowing pepper spray back at you and your horse.
I don't know what you have, but I have a can of mace gel that says it will shoot 18 feet... and water will not teach a dog much of a lesson... not on the scale mace will...
I just used a regular old water bottle. Someone else who rode bikes told me to try it and I was surprised it worked so well. Thought I'd pass that along. |
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 Total Germophobe
Posts: 6437
Location: Montana | It has never bothered me unless I had a dog with me, but I don't usually because my dog doesn't like to come along and I don't invite my friends' dog(s) along because I don't want to be responsible. Every once in a while they will sneak after me and follow me. But as long as the dog isn't aggressive towards me or my horse and/or is penned up, I don't care. |
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 More bootie than waist!
Posts: 18425
Location: Riding Crackhead. | Not sure exactly where in ND you live but I live in a very rural area of SD and I ride roads, ditches, fields...where ever I want. Most of my neighbors I've known since I married my husband over 20 years ago. If one of them asked me nicely not to ride by any more I'd do what they asked because its not worth upsetting a person I have to live close to. With that being said I luckily don't have those kinds of neighbors that would ask that of me. |
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Born not Made
Posts: 2931
Location: North Dakota | Everyone's responses are interesting.
Let me see if this changes anything.
I board my horses. Around the area, there are lots of housing developments. Where I keep my horses is actually alongside a busy highway. Lots of times, I end up exercising my horses along the paved bike path that runs along with the highway.
I have no clue who this guy is, or the other neighbors around him. And I do like to go up and down the hill 3 or 4 times (trot or lope up, walk down "recovery"). I think that is probably the part that bothers this guy. I do at least have to go up and come back, because this road is a dead end.
While one part of me says yes, this is a public road and he has no right to tell me I can't ride by. But maybe the other part of me feels guilty, although I don't know why.
I agree with whoever said they'd be embarrassed if that was their dog. Hubby and I have a dog of our own, and I'd be mad at my dog for barking ... Not mad at the person going by.
On the same token, I'm not in the market to make people angry.
I initially had said "okay" when he spoke with me (I hate confrontation) so I think I'd feel really stupid to go knock on his door and ask if he'd change his mind.
I believe the dogs are outside 24/7 so I don't think it would be an option for them to go inside. There two of them, each with their own doghouse, probably in a fenced area about 30 feet x 20 feet (roughly).
And no way in heck would I go onto his property and give his dog treats!!
**edited to fix my spelling errors.
Edited by r_beau 2015-01-19 8:20 AM
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Duct Tape Bikini Girl
Posts: 2554
| Learn how to say "I don't speak English," in another language and carry a gun. |
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Meanest Teacher!!!
Posts: 8552
Location: sunny california | maybe try throwing him a dog cookie? |
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 Sock eating dog owner
Posts: 4553
Location: Where the pavement ends and the West begins Utah | Keep riding honey .. I had a guy tell me not to ride on his grass... His wife died after her horse dumped her on the road. So he thinks by telling not to ride I wont get hurt. Pick your battles and ride on. I had several tell me not ride by their house cause my horse leaves road apples. I tell them to put in their garden for free fertilizer. People really dont like to see us enjoy ourselves. |
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I just read the headlines
Posts: 4483
| I wouldn't go up to his house, but I wouldn't let him keep me from riding on the road either. If he were to come out while I was riding and confronted me I would politely explain why I was riding on a public road. I, too, have had neighbors try to keep me from riding down the road, but I just kept riding anyway. |
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The Advice Guru
Posts: 6419
| r_beau - 2015-01-18 8:14 PM
Everyone's responses are interesting.
Let me see if this changes anything.
I board my horses. Around the area, there are lots of housing developments. Where I keep my horses is actually alongside a busy highway. Lots of times, I end up exercising my horses along the paved bike path that runs along with the highway.
I I have no clue who this guy is, or the other neighbors around him. And I do like to go up and down the hill 3 or 4 times (trot or lope up, walk down "recovery"). I think that is probably the part that bothers this guy. I do at least have to go up and come back, because this road is a dead end.
While one part of me says yes, this is a public road and he has no right to tell me I can't ride by. But maybe the other part of me feels guilty, although I don't know why.
I I agree with whoever said they'd be embarrassed if that was their dog. Hubby and I have a dog of our own, and I'd be mad at my dog for barking ... Not mad at the person going by.
On the same token, I'm not in the market to **** people off.
I initially had said "okay" when he spoke with me (I hate confrontation) so I think I'd feel really stupid to go knock on his door and ask if he'd change his mind.
I I believe the dogs are outside 24/7 so I don't think it would be an option for them to go inside.
And no way in hell would I go onto his property and give his dog treats!!
If you already agreed to no longer ride by the place, if you continue to ride down that road, you will have ****ed of the home owner, by lying to him.
If you are going to continue to ride there, atleast be respectful of the individual and explain why this is your only option, and perhaps problem solve with scheduled times.
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 Cute Little Imp
Posts: 2747
Location: N Texas | I say keep riding wherever you want. It's a public road, and the dog owner has an entitled attitude. If it bothers his dog so much, he can lock it up/put it in the house/whatever when you come by. Does he sit out there and constantly police everyone coming up and down the road? If a kid who lives nearby rides their bike up and down the road, is he going to ask the kid to not ride his bike anymore? Where does it stop? |
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Ms. Marine
Posts: 4627
Location: Texas | Just a heads up to those of you who are suggesting dog mace...
Whenever we are doing OC (military grade pepper spray) training, we always have any new K9's brought out to be included in with the training and fight through drills. OC/pepper spray/mace does NOT have any lasting affect on a dog. He may rub his eyes for a second, but after that he's back to business.
Any time I rode my horses anywhere off of my property I carried a pistol. You never know what you're going to run into. |
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Addicted to Baseball
Location: Where the stars at night are big and bright, TX | Is that how he handles package deliveries, etc. ? Probably not. I'd keep riding - doesn't matter if his dog gets out...God willing you won't get hurt, but if something happens then it really is his problem for not keeping a vicious dog fully confined. He's already admitted the dog will attack...big mistake on his part disclosing that.
Edited by Tilt The Kilt 2015-01-19 12:12 PM
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 Experienced Mouse Trapper
Posts: 3106
Location: North Dakota | What a crock of crap! Ride your horse, I'm guessing your horse will take care of the dog if needed. I've never seen a dog work over a horse with a human around. They talk a lot but all of them that have gotten close enough to my horses don't come back for another round. ( though there are times I'm greatful for my "big rig" that HATES dogs that even get close) He's a big force to be reckoned with. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 920
| I ride downour rd occasionally. About a mile down there are two dogs who are in their yard and run to the road to warn me about their property. I'm not concered about them hurting the horse I ride I'm more concered him hurting them. He has mule mentality. Lol. They bark and growl something awful. I always talk to them and it has seemed to help. They now just run to the end and bark a few times and go back to business. When they get to close I tell them a firm no and to go back and they tend to listen. They never leave thier yard. Personally I think it was a little rude of the owner. I'd offer to call him like the one suggestion. Seems poor ownership on his part. |
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 To the Left
Posts: 1865
Location: Florida | I have a big dog that goes crazy when people ride by and he knows better. Everyone is used to it so they ignore him. He could find a way out if he wanted, but he really doesn't want to, he likes being a bad ass who doesn't have to back it up LOL. |
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 The Bling Princess
Posts: 3411
Location: North Dakota | Yes, the dog owner is responsible if his dog gets out and really he shouldn't be asking you to NOT ride down a public road, however I've actually been chased by a pack of dogs and it wasn't very fun. I don't think they would have just barked at us because of the aggressive nature they were coming at me and my horse. Something told me to get the heck out of there fast! They finally gave up when they realized they couldn't catch us, but it was really scary.
If it were me I'd leave well enough alone and would go out of my way to not ride by that house. Is it very fair, no not really, but I'd rather avoid that butthole dog than have my valuable horse ripped to shreds. |
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What would you do in this situation?