How do I deal with a dog chasing me when I'm touring? Once I was riding my road bike down a rural road. I heard barking over my shoulder and saw two dobermans running toward me. I can't think of a time in my life that I felt more endangered.

I reacted instinctively and accelerated. Unfortunately I was on a gravel road and going into a bit of an incline. There was no way I could outrun those dogs. I looked back over my shoulder and they were no longer chasing me. The cycling gods must have been smiling on me.

Another time, in a similar situation, a different dog ran along next to me, barking and baring its teeth. I maintained my speed and yelled at it (trying to assert some dominance) until it got tired of chasing me.

These two experiences have done a lot to put me off touring alone.

How do I deal with issues like this?
Oh... where do I even start? I love dogs, I am crazy about them, too. I have 3 labs of my own. I am from a place where street dogs are very abundant. If you don't see any dogs in the next 100 yards, consider yourself lost! :D

I am barked at often, chased often, even confronted sometimes. I used to run away before, because it is what a normal guy does.

I learned a very big thing about dogs.


They chase wimps. It's like what a bully does, going after the weakest target. So, don't you dare run when you are bullied. Take a bite instead but stand your ground. 
They sense fear. If you are scared while approaching a dog, he is sure to suspect you and bark/chase you.
They love challenges. If they think you are a worthy adversary they will confront you either to be protective or to see who is stronger in the area.


Me, for a guy, who was constantly afraid of dogs, was suddenly in charge, after learning a little of these dog psychology tips. 

Therefore, please believe me when I am saying this 


I have never run away from a dog. (Unless I am very very late)
If a dog is chasing me, I hit my brakes hard, and stare right at it. Mostly he will not come forward, and bark from a safer distance, kinda like maintaining a line. So I can finally get moving slowly.
If dog is coming towards you even when you are standing ground. Get off your bike, show him You are not going to wait around, when he is coming towards you. 


  Show them, you are ready. Call it like "Bring it on"

After a stare down, do not make a hasty move. (Got bit once by a shepherd this way.) Take it real slow. Be calm.
Suppose that, despite your confrontation, the dog is heading towards you, accepting the challenge. Still, you have a big weapon: Your Cycle. Lift the front wheels high and start swinging it, right and left. That is sure to stop his pace to think a bit.
If a dog passes this point, and still heading towards you then you are in a serious point. Where there are only three things to do.


Surrender: Another  psychology of dogs, if they pass that point, they are challenging you head on. So, better lower your body, sit down. Let the dog be taller than you. Don't care about him, or look at him. Instead hook a headphone in your ear and listen to the music.  Music will calm your nerves down and send positive impulses for the dog to sense. Let him smell you. After few moments, just get up calmly grab your bike, start walking with it (but don't ride off) I have tried this so many times, its freaky but works
Call for help: If the dog has an owner, (s)he may hear you if they are nearby. Or somebody might help you get out of this trouble.
Get ready to fight: When nothing works, better get yourself prepared for the fight. From my own experience, dogs love to tear limbs. If they grab your limb, you just feel helpless. Avoid this



more on fight situation ....


Don't forget its an animal. Could be your last fight. 
Pepper spray is handy as well if it comes to a fight - it's also useful for any muggers that might try for your wallet :) @Credit: Nate Koppenhaver
Protect your neck, hands and calf muscles at all cost. If they are hurt you have very slim of escaping.
Be defensive, rather than offensive: Let him make the first move and on retaliation you can do whatever you want. Effective targets are nose and eyes they will buy you a lot of time and you can make a run for it.
If you are lucky try to find a long stick. They are greatest weapons against dogs. Don't hit them. Just point it right at them and show them you will do it. Even a mini pump works, if you find nothing.
Don't let him corner you, keep the motion going, 


  Normally when this happens, me and dog are generally circling each other

Make a little cage out of your bike. When you are cornered, this just might save your life.
Grabbing tail, makes him more angry, try to avoid that.
Grappling is only safe on the back of its neck. He can reach every other part.


How to avoid all this?


Dogs are very friendly creatures, you can be friends with them, no matter what. Treat them with respect.
Don't give them any reason to confront you.


If speed is the problem, slow down
If big size is the problem get off your bike
If he suspects you. Let him smell you. 
Friendly look, with lovely hello, calms most of domestic dogs.
If you see a dog that is sure to bark on you, change your approach. Get off your bike, start walking with it

If the dog has a owner, better complain to them to have better control. 
Report to the law, if owner is not helping you
Pack some treats, they are better as friends than adversaries. 


BIGGEST SUGGESTION

Do not scare a dog and run away. They become enemy for life. 



Update: Rabid Dogs

Getting into a fighting situation with a rabid dog, is more harmful than it should be. 

One of my little story:


  One of my friend got into a similar situation with me, on a village cycle trip. A rabid dog was being chased by locals (its not abnormal here) and the dog out of fright ended up attacking us. My friend was a pretty agile cyclist, he immediately changed to defense position with his bike covering his entire body stopping the first attack. But, at a moment when dog was jumping at us, he used his elbow to hit the dog, but it bit him very badly. 


Very torturous and painful moment we were in.


  Worst part than the wound was the infection.


So, I suggest full defence no offence as much as possible, but if you are a fighter/ Martial Arts Expert or know how to protect yourself very well, then yes, sick dog are very easy to knock down just aim for the nose.