Soi Dogs

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 2:23 pm

This really is a question for Dawn at HHDRC.

Whilst on the bike doing exercise (Sorry - I know it's a dirty word) in the early hours before sun-up, I sometimes get a pack of the bloody annoying Soi Dogs chasing after me.

Now - I'm a dog lover, have taken in and care for 4 strays already - BUT

How do I repel these bloody nasty creatures when in 'pack' mode and snapping at your feet, without resorting to an air pistol or other defensive device?

Any sensible suggestions would be welcome

Post by **splitlid** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 5:26 pm

try a fog horn

Post by **PeteC** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 6:11 pm

A pocket full of dog biscuits or kibble may do the trick. Just start dropping them as they approach. If they're real big and nasty, maybe something more substancial, like chicken Mc'Nuggets from McDonalds or a side of beef.

. In any event, if you feed them a bit, I bet they'll be your best buddies on all future trips down that soi.

Pete

Post by **darwinian** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 6:27 pm

Use a big stick

Post by **DawnHRD** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:24 pm

Hi Terry,

Feeding them may help, but it may also make them chase you more ("Hey Guys! There's that nice man that does meals on wheels for us! You've got to be quick or he'll be gone!"

)

I'm really not sure, as what works in walking mode, is unlikely to work in cycling mode - many dogs love to chase fast moving objects. When walking dogs we always carry sticks; we don't use them, but you just need to wave them at a soi dog to keep them at bay. The only other thing I can think of is what we sometimes use in aversion therapy, a water pistol. It doesn't hurt at all, but delivers what is to most dogs an unpleasant surprise. Not sure of the logistics of cycling carrying a stick or water pistol though

Other than that, slowing down might work if they're having fun, rather than being aggressive & shouting "go" in English or Thai in an assertive voice, but I'm at a loss to know how you'd know if they were friendly or aggressive while they're chasing your bike.

I'm sorry I'm not more help, but I don't cycle (or exercise - as you'd obviously realised

) Do any other cyclists have ideas that work for them?

Post by **PeteC** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:42 pm

DawnHHDRC wrote:Hi Terry,

.... a water pistol. It doesn't hurt at all, but delivers what is to most dogs an unpleasant surprise. Not sure of the logistics of cycling carrying a stick or water pistol though

Not being sarcastic, just chuckling at this one. I can see it now, the entire HH police force is out with sirens blaring, chasing some crazed farang on a bike with a gun in his hand shooting at dogs. That's probably the way it would be reported to the police by the old Thai women witnesses!

Pete

Post by **DawnHRD** » Mon Jul 31, 2006 7:50 pm

Hadn't thought of it like that, but the image (& that of the newspaper headlines) are making me chuckle too.

Post by **chelsea** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 12:11 am

Terry, no one has suggested the obvious, just pedal faster (although I have seen them chasing people on Mopeds as well, so perhaps there is no escape of the problem)

There is one solution, I have just thought of, buy an exercise bike, then you will not have to leave home, only lock up your own dogs while you are on it.

Do not think the water pistol is a good idea, the police could mistake it for a real gun and take a pop at you as well.

Post by **DawnHRD** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 3:50 pm

Chelsea,

Sorry, it was a silly idea - I'd forgotten that Hua Hin is full of Sig Sauer 9mms in neon green & pink plastic!

Not to mention brightly coloured M16s with large water tanks & pumps attached to their undersides.

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 8:29 pm

Well thanks for all the fabulous ideas folks.

I particularly liked the water pistol - so will be carrying one in the morning - bright yellow seethrough plastic - hopefully not to be confused by the local constabulary.

Exercise bike

They kinda defeat the joy of riding the real bike -
No cockerals crowing
No hills to climb
No monks on their rounds
No singing frogs
No bon hommi from fellow nutters like me
No SOI DOGS
hhhmmmmmmmmmmmm

Problem with exercise bikes is the view doesn't change, & one of the joys of HH are the views.

Won't be feeding them, or pedaling faster.

Anyway - if my feet are still attached to my legs tomorrow, I'll give a report on the effectiveness of the water pistol.

Cheers

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 7:19 am

Survived this morning

Only because it was raining and the lazy little b#@t$%^s couldn't be bothered to chase!

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 7:19 am

Had one 'raid' from the little buggers this morning

Well deflected with a shot of washing up liquid from my star wars water pistol.

Trouble is - I nearly fell off the bike doing it.

Tomorrow will try covering the feet in cheap after shave (A very sneaky trick pm'd to me by a member of the forum - YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE)

Will probably be accused of being a woofter!

Post by **DawnHRD** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 12:12 pm

I thought the water pistol would work, but I did have my doubts about you shooting from a moving bike!

You'll have to let us know how the aftershave goes. Not only am I intrigued to know who pm'ed you, I'm also boggled as to how they got the idea; what sort of experience leads you to put cheap aftershave on your feet?

Terry · Post by **Terry** » Thu Aug 03, 2006 1:01 pm

Dawn

After re reading the pm it was cheap eau de cologne & not aftershave that was recommended.

I'll leave it to the poster to come forward if they wish!

Suffice to say that this morning's episode was a bit hairy to say the least.

Cheers