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are dogs a problem while riding in Morocco? are dogs a problem while riding in Morocco?
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 25 Feb 2015
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are dogs a problem while riding in Morocco?


any known method to repel them?
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  #2  
Old 25 Feb 2015
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Yes, dogs are a problem everywhere. What the guy did wrong here was to try to kick the second dog, then fell off. Duh.

I had an incident on my most recent trip where I saw a large hound bounding across the scrubland with the intent of intercepting me about 100m down the road. I slowed down, the hound got in front, and then I turned onto the scrubland and chased the dog with the bike. Great fun.

Another technique when being chased with a dog is to stop suddenly, the dog can't stop so quickly, overtakes you, and again you give chase.

Seriously though, just stop the bike. They won't come near you, they are so afraid of locals throwing rocks at them.

I do carry pepper spray but that's for naughty Moroccans, wouldn't dream of using it on a dog.
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Old 25 Feb 2015
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Originally Posted by Tim Cullis View Post
I do carry pepper spray but that's for naughty Moroccans, wouldn't dream of using it on a dog.
so Moroccans can be naughty?
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  #4  
Old 26 Feb 2015
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Make like you're about to throw a rock and 90% of the world's dogs will retreat. In this respect Moroccan dogs are far better trained than the more aggressive roadside vendors on the Rif.
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Old 26 Feb 2015
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Originally Posted by robson View Post
so Moroccans can be naughty?
Verrrry naughty; especially if they get access to alcohol.
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Old 26 Feb 2015
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The dog in the video is responding to about 10 million years of evolution and a million years of living with people. The rules of dog world are:


1. If you can see it it's yours unless a human or bigger looking (this might be a Chihuahua with eye catching teeth and a bad attitude) dog gets there first.
2. Anything that's yours should be pee'd on, eaten or shagged ASAP before any doubt arises over point 1.
3. Humans move at about 4 mph and have faces with a triangular relationship of eyes and mouth.
4. If you are been chased it is because the other thing intends to eat, pee on or shag you.


You can change this behaviour with between three days and three years of planned bribery and peer pressure (or torture if you want a dog that's planning revenge). Anything else is just new and interesting and should be referred to the four rules.


The rider in the video is under the impression dog teeth will damage metal and dog fur is proof against exhaust temperatures. The rider is possibly easier to train (although I sometimes have doubts).


As noted above, just manoeuvre to avoid or ultimately let them bounce off.


Andy
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Old 26 Feb 2015
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The human in the video needs training. Thousands of years of evolution haven't helped him to understand:
  • Standing on your pegs while riding tarmac makes you look ridiculous
  • It's a good idea not to ride a m/c in shorts
  • It's a bad idea not to wear gloves when riding a m/c
  • Publishing footage on YouTube of you demonstrating the above allows others to laugh at you
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Old 26 Feb 2015
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all good advice but pack of dogs or wolves are not fun for sure and it's something that concerns since I like riding alone. How to deal with group attack when you don't have a gun....

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Old 26 Feb 2015
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Where in the Greek highway code does it say a biker/ any vehicle has to stop for dogs?

It may come as a surprise how quickly dogs turn and run away when you aim straight at them and accelerate.

It might be worth considering staying at home. The world is a dangerous place.

Or mounting a machine gun on your bike?
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Old 26 Feb 2015
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As I rode away from the border entering Bulgaria an alsatian raced at me and grabbed my leg. However with the help of proper bike boots and an accelerating 1200GS there was no injury.

In Morocco the most scary animal I came across was a cow standing in the middle of the road. I stopped, it stood and stared at me for a minute or so before loping off. In hindsight I would stop earlier and not get so close, so I had more escape options as reverse is not practical.

But riding a bike around north west Africa has a number of risks greater than being attacked by a dog. Enjoy your trip!
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Old 26 Feb 2015
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In the Greek video all the dogs are friendly/curious or not bothered. Lots of wagging tails and play bows.


Screeching like a school girl makes dog brains wonder WTF must be so terrible as to ruin a nice bit of meet and greet and thoughts turn to what sort of attack must be happening to turn a fully grown idiot into a wailing fool.


Ride past. Do not scream for your mummy.


Andy
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Old 26 Feb 2015
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Gooner likes Trail Riders



And probably could eat a whole one! (or at least be sick trying after begging for their ).


Andy
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Old 26 Feb 2015
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I was set upon by a pack of evil looking dogs one night in Eastern Turkey. The road was crap, dark and full of potholes so it was quite a challenge to get any speed up. I had 2 choices;

1 try and spin round quick and get out of there.
2 Keep going

I went with 2 and headed straight for the middle of the pack, making plenty of noise, on the best route my lights would show. While standing I felt the odd brush with heads on my legs but mainly heads bouncing off Aluminium panniers

I don't travel in the dark much if I can help it, this is another reason added to my list. The following morning I had to travel the same bit of road, and there they were again, but this time they hardly looked at me. So I got the impression time of day has some influence on what comes next when you meet packs of dogs, that and how hungry they are

This happened a few times at various levels of attack and worked every time. Just don't stall it !!
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Old 26 Feb 2015
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I've only been chased once by dogs in Morocco, in 2005 on the road about 50km nw from Tan Tan.
If you can out run them...go for it; if you think they will intercept probably best to slow down and get off the bike and give chase.

I think they see it as a game and it has something to do with the wheels turning; I've been chased a few times cycling on my mountain bike, a swift kick or throwing a stone sems to scare them away.
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