“I have a couple of minor scars and a healthy wariness of dogs now, but other than that I was unharmed.”

Frightening situation for this UK mountain biker who was out for winter ride when he was attacked by 3 juvenile Malinois dogs. Thankfully they weren’t full grown or the outcome could have been more severe:

“I’m just glad those Malinois were only pups, if they’d have been adult dogs I could have been much more badly injured.”

The YouTuber who goes by Grumpy MTB explained the situation at length following the attack (READ BELOW) and in no way wants to demonize the breed. This was an unfortunate incident and a great reminder to always keep you dogs leashed in the backcountry if they pose could pose a danger to anyone you might meet along the way.

Please read this…

It’s now about 1 year since this happened. The original incident happened in December 2022, so I thought now would be a good time to provide a bit more information. I found out soon after this happened that these dogs were being fostered. They were being temporarily cared for by the people in the video while a charity that rehomes Malinois looked for suitable “forever homes” for them.

By weird coincidence, I got to speak to the lady who runs the rehoming charity a few months ago. She was very apologetic and said that these dogs were immediately taken off these foster carers after this incident. However, since then both of the Malinois have been rehomed with appropriate owners who have trained them properly and both are doing really well.

I honestly think this was just bad luck. Given the weather and location I don’t think the foster carers expected anyone to be around and then I just appeared. I think in hindsight staying as calm as possible and not trying to run or ride off was the right move. It kept the handlers in close proximity so they could try to bring this under control. If I’d tried to escape, the dogs would have caught up to me (they go fast!) and then it would have been 1 human vs 3 dogs, rather than 3 humans vs 3 dogs.

As I previously mentioned, the handlers in the video did apologise and exchanged details with me after the video ends. They also quickly paid for my damaged gear and I made a full recovery. I have a couple of minor scars and a healthy wariness of dogs now, but other than that I was unharmed. I’m just glad those Malinois were only pups, if they’d have been adult dogs I could have been much more badly injured.

Lots of people in the comments said I should sue these people. To be honest, I didn’t see the need to put these people into financial hardship for what was essentially a mistake on their part that caused me no permanent damage. It wasn’t malicious, it was an accident, an error of judgement. We all make mistakes. I did discuss this with the police too. Due to the circumstances I didn’t make a formal complaint and the police also decided not to pursue this. Punishing temporary owners trying to help out a charity seemed unreasonable and putting the dogs at risk of destruction while they waited for a full-time owner/trainer/handler also didn’t make sense. 

At the time, I posted this video update of what happened immediately after this incident: https://youtu.be/GwNnpDhpH-U

Thanks for reading.

Here’s an update from the biker shortly after he was attacked:

If you’ve ever parked at a local ski area, then you’ve seen a few dogs. My dogs frequently hang out in the car while I ski, and they definitely enjoy a good parking lot party. Here are 8 products (that I regularly use) that make it much easier to travel with dogs in tow and are under $35:

Travel Water Bowl

I always make sure my dogs have water for the entire car ride, but regular bowls lead to a ton of spillage. This travel water bowl keeps water well contained through switchbacks and parking lot potholes. I usually need to fill it midday since I have three large dogs, but this bowl is deep enough to easily support one or two dogs for an entire day.

Collapsable Bowl

If I need to feed my dogs while I’m out, collapsable bowls are perfect to have tucked out of the way when they aren’t in use. They are also handy to have for hiking. I like these bowls from Chewy over the ones I’ve found on Amazon, as the carabiner lasts longer and the bowl is easier to collapse.

Wet Ones for Pets

It’s no surprise that dogs are messy. These Wet Ones for Pets are handy for both dirty paws and poopy bums. If your dog has a sensitive stomach and tends to get the runs, these wipes are a great way to make sure your car doesn’t become one big skid mark.

Skinny Bully Sticks

I’m pretty sure my dogs would sell my soul for a bully stick. These skinny ones are super slim and are shorter than a full stick, making them easy to stash in the glovebox. They are also small enough to give multiples during the day without digestive issues. My dogs don’t care if I walk away from the car when I give them these.

Freeze-dried Beef Liver

My dogs go from complete lunatics to perfect angels when they see the beef liver bag. While they enjoy just about any treat, these beef liver treats will make them stop in their tracks and give me their full attention. Costco has the best deal on beef liver treats by far at only $30 for two 1-pound packs. Warning: they are super stinky.

Compostable Poop Bags

Don’t be a tool; pick up your dog’s poop. These bags are pretty hardy while also being environmentally friendly. They are made from cornstarch and are compostable, so you can also use them for DIY fertilizer (though I don’t know if I would ever do that).

Treat Pouch with Poop Bag Dispenser

I like to carry my poop bags and beef liver in this convenient pouch. It has a hook that can easily slide onto a belt or pants, or you can use the detachable strap and sling it over your shoulder. It’s an easy way to have the out-of-car essentials at the ready.

Dog Sweater

My pittie mix is a super weenie when it comes to cold weather. While her husky-mix siblings have no problem hanging out on a snowy day, she won’t have as much of a good time. I have a closet just for her, and it is loaded with sweaters from Chewy’s brand Frisco. They hold up well, and they keep her very warm on really cold days.

Headline Photo Courtesy of skiingsolo, All other photos courtesy of products listed

First and foremost just need to say that leaving dog food outdoors in bear country is basically inviting this type of encounter to happen. With that said this Great Pyrenees named Louie who is a works as a livestock guardian dog on a farm in Eagle Nest, New Mexico lived up to the breed’s reputation for protecting against predators. Louie took the black bear’s lunge in stride and she stood her ground barking until the bear tucked tail and ran away. It worked out in the end but there’s bears in your neighborhood, keep the dog food indoors.

About The Great Pyrenees:

The Great Pyrenees, a majestic and powerful breed known for its remarkable guarding instincts and stunning appearance, has a rich history dating back centuries. Originating in the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural border between France and Spain, these dogs were initially bred by shepherds to protect their flocks from predators in the harsh mountain terrain.

The breed’s ancestry can be traced back to ancient times when they were possibly crossed with Mastiffs and other large working dogs. These canines quickly gained a reputation for their unwavering dedication and loyalty to their human companions.

In the 17th century, the Great Pyrenees caught the eye of French nobility, and they were favored as royal guard dogs and companions. They became known as the “Dog of the Mountains” or the “Gentle Giant of the Pyrenees.”

During the French Revolution, their numbers dwindled as the nobility faced persecution, but dedicated breed enthusiasts ensured their survival. In the late 19th century, efforts to standardize the breed’s appearance and temperament began in earnest.

Today, Great Pyrenees dogs are cherished as family pets and continue their tradition as exceptional livestock guardians. Their striking white coats, intelligent demeanor, and protective nature make them a popular choice for those seeking both a loving companion and a vigilant protector. The breed’s deep history and enduring popularity serve as a testament to their enduring appeal and enduring role in the hearts and homes of dog lovers worldwide.

Hikers at Utah’s Mount Timpanogos have a warning for pet owners after mountain goats killed three dogs in front of their owners in just one month. If you’re planning to take a hike at Timp with your dog please please please keep it on a leash. These fatalities are as tragic as they are avoidable. Here’s what The Timpanogos Emergency Response Team (TERT) has to say about the situation:

Timpanogos Emergency Response Team:

“On Saturday, August 19th, the third dog in as many weeks was killed by mountain goats on Mount Timpanogos. These incidents are tragic and we’d like to remind you of rules and etiquette to keep all of the animals safe. In the case of the incident this weekend, the dog was off leash and harassed a mother goat with babies, leading to the mother goat pushing the dog off of a cliff. It is the responsibility of dog owners to keep their animals under control at all times, as well as to pack out their waste. Allowing your dogs to chase goats carries fines akin to poaching.

Both dogs and people need to pay attention while on the trails. In 2021, Ruby the dog rounded a corner of the Emerald Lake shelter at the same moment a goat appeared from the other side. She tried to run, but the goat ran her down and threw her in the air. She sustained puncture wounds in her hip, but with veterinary care, fully recovered. On the mountain, goats and wildlife have right of way. We are guests in their space. The mountain goats on Timp are usually very mellow and will walk fairly close to people. Please keep your distance, even if it means delays on your hike.

In addition to goats, there are moose, bears, cougars, and other wildlife on the trail. The same rules of keeping your distance apply. Moose are the most likely to obstruct the trail. Be patient, stay out of their way, and we can all coexist peacefully.”

RELATED: Trail Runner Gets Too Close To Aggressive Mountain Goat In UTAH

Photos from Timpanogos Emergency Response Team Facebook

“Domesticated vs Wild. Dog owners didn’t have their dog on a leash in GTNP while observing a Wild Bison Herd. Needless to say the huskies instinct kicked in. The massive bison was being a bison. The issue here is the human was doing what humans do______________. I’ll let you humans fill in the blank.” – Matty Deehan

Please, please, please keep your dogs on a leash when you’re out in nature. I know you like to see Fluffy run free, but unleashed dogs are a danger to nature, wildlife, and themselves.

Many national and state parks do allow dogs in developed areas, on hiking trails, and in some campgrounds, but it’s important to do your research before trying to bring any pet in. You can find out which National Parks allow pets and individual rules for each park here. Remember to follow the B.A.R.K. principles in you do decide to bring your pet on a National Park adventure:

• Bag your pet’s waste
• Always leash your pet
• Respect wildlife
• Know where you can go

Video From mattydinthegye

The dog’s owner is very lucky their pet didn’t get seriously injured or killed, and it’s lucky that the bison was left unharmed.

LEASH YOUR PETS. PLEASE. YOU AND YOUR DOG ARE NOT SPECIAL.

Related: Bison TOSSES Charging Pit Bull In Yellowstone National Park

Image Credit: Matty Deehan via Instagram

The best kind of dog is the dog that will get you whatever you need while you sit on your lazy butt doing nothing. Maybe the dog can bring you the newspaper, maybe the dog can open the fridge and grab you a beer, or maybe the dog can jump in the water and bring you a live lobster.

Alex Shulze, CEO of 4ocean, trained his dog to do the latter of those options, with the dog diving to the sandy seafloor to grab a fresh lobster. In the meantime, Shulze can just hang out on his boat and watch without putting in much work at all.

As a Mainer born and raised, I would say I know a fair amount about Maine lobster and how they’re caught. I can tell you with 100% confidence that A) this is not the kind of lobster that I’m used to and B) Maine lobster, the type of lobster that most people think of when they think of lobster (and the best type of lobster, in my humble opinion), is not this easy to catch.

Before you say it, yes, I think there’s a good chance that the lobsters in this video were planted. But that doesn’t take away much from how awesome this is! The dog can play fetch underwater! How many of your pets can do that? Be honest with yourself. Most of your dogs are just barely potty trained, and might still pee on the carpet if they get a little too excited.

Also, just as a little PSA, I’m pretty sure you still need a fishing license to partake in activities like this. As much as I’d like to see the face of a Fish and Wildlife Officer as someone tries to get away with saying “no, officer, I don’t have a fishing license, but, you see, it was my dog doing the fishing, not me!”, I don’t think it would work out too well.

Related: Mountain Lion Caught “Playing” With Dog In Sacramento Yard

Image Credit: Alex Schulze via Instagram

What behaviors do we want the least in our dogs? Rolling around in mud, eating other animal’s feces, digging in the yard, and, of course, any sort of aggression all probably stick pretty high up the list. Chasing wild animals, though, can lead to much more dangerous situations than many others.

According to USA Today, California’s Sandy Ali was hosting a Bible study in her Sacramento home when a friend pointed out that Ali’s two dogs were playing outside. Ali, unfortunately, only owns one dog, and upon further examination, witnessed a mountain lion leaping into a tree. She did the right thing and called 911, with agencies arriving around 6:45 p.m., but the large cat was able to escape.

“Our deputies and animal services worked well into the morning hours trying to safely trap the mountain lion that was spotted in a residential backyard on La Loma Street near Los Cerritos. Unfortunately, efforts were unsuccessful.” – San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office

Fortunately for our own entertainment, security footage of the incident was shared with the local KCRA-TV.

Related: Mountain Lion Casually Walks Through New Mexico Campsite

Image Credit: KRCA Lee Anne Denyer via Twitter

There’s something so satisfying about a dog running at full speed. Maybe I’m crazy for saying this, but it kind of feels like a perfect representation of freedom. No problems, no worries, no reasons, just full speed, no limit running.

Combine the glory of a dog running at full speed with the amazing videography skills of Lear Miller, and you get this absolute beauty of a short film.

“Fern the Dog joins her human (Mountain Biker Paris Gore) on a ripping ride down one of the most rugged trails in Bellingham. With Fern leading the way, this is a canine shredit for all 4 paw lovers.“

I don’t want to be presumptuous, but Fern the dog looks like she’s most likely an Australian Cattle Dog. The female cattle dog typically runs at an average speed of 23.7 mph, but can reach over 30 mph in short bursts.

Part of me wants a dog like Fern, part of me want to feel whatever Fern was feeling in some of those shots. The pure joy and concentration on her face is absolutely stunning.

Oh yeah, and Miller shared some pretty remarkable photography as well.

Personally, I’d like to see a full blown movie of dogs just booking it down mountain biking trails. Maybe do a mix of sports, with some dogs hauling deep powder fields, some dogs ripping down mountain bike trails, and some dogs doing whatever other sports dogs love to do. Just keep it all in this style and I’d be glued to the screen.

If anyone makes this, please tell me ASAP. This is what the people want, production companies. By people, of course, I mean me.

Related: 64-Year-Old Maine Woman Punches Black Bear In The Nose To Protect Her Dog

Image Credit: Lear Miller via YouTube

No matter how you feel about the pit bull category of dogs, it would be hard to argue that there’s any other type of dog with the foolhardiness to charge a full grown bison. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is up to you.

Okay, there are probably plenty of dogs that would do something this stupid. Pit bulls, though, were essentially bred to bother large animals, so it’s not too surprising that we see one charging a bison in this classic viral video.

To be super clear, the history of pit bulls as a breed type is more complicated than just bothering large animals. They were originally bred from the Old English Bulldog, popularly used in the sport of “bull baiting”. Essentially, these dogs were made to attack bulls, bears, or other large animals until they literally couldn’t do any more, whether from exhaustion or injuries.

Following the banning of the sport, the bulldog breed was crossed with terriers to create animals better suited for dog fighting. Since then, breeds that fall into the “pit bull” category have been used and bred for a multitude of different tasks, most of which are perfectly safe for both humans and the dogs.

Keep your dogs on a leash in any wilderness area, including National Parks, and do not let your pets approach or even come near bison, moose, bears, or any other animal. Also, check to make sure that your pups are even allowed in any wilderness park before trying to bring them in! There are a lot of national parks and state parks that are fully dog free!

Be a responsible dog owner, please! Let’s be very clear, this was the owner’s fault. The pit bull was just acting on instinct in this situation, and should not be blamed.

Related: Teen Gored By Bison In North Dakota (Second Bison Attack In A Week)

Image Credit: Calvin Tastsey via YouTube

One dog and his owner are lucky to be reunited thanks to the kindness of animal lovers. Bailey, a 100-pound German Shepherd, was immobile following the ascent to the 13,939 ft summit of Mt. Hope in Colorado. Unable to carry the dog himself, Bailey’s owner descended the peak to seek assistance. Fortunately, the Chaffee County Search and Rescue North (CCSAR-N) was able to rescue Bailey and reunite him with his owner after an almost 12-hour rescue mission. CCSAR-N doesn’t typically respond to animal rescues, but stated that “we are all *officially* huge animal lovers, so do what we can when we can.”

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Here is the social media statement from CCSAR-N:

“At ~14:15 hrs on Thursday, July 6th, CCSAR-N was alerted to a dog in distress at ~13,600′ near the summit of Mt Hope. Bailey, a 100 pound German Shepherd, was immobile and unable/unwilling to continue after having summited earlier that afternoon. After a few hours of trying to coax him along, his owner determined that he was concerned for his own wellbeing and needed to descend himself, but could not carry Bailey down the class 2+ ridge.

Using coordinates from a cell phone ping to determine Bailey’s general location, two hasty teams of 8 members total fielded at ~14:45 hrs to the Sheep Gulch trailhead and hiked ~7 miles up the east ridge of Mt Hope. Following a brief search, members were able to locate Bailey, who greeted the team with grateful wags. Members alternated carrying Bailey in a dog-sling backpack to slowly transport him back down the ridge.

An additional team of 6 members fielded at 20:40 hrs to provide litter carry assistance to wheel Bailey back down remainder of the trail from the Hope Pass saddle. Hiking teams were supported by additional CCSAR-N member providing radio-relay at the TH, since comms in the vicinity are limited.

By 01:15 in the morning of July 7th, almost 12 hours after the call came in, all 20 members involved in the incident were out of the field. Bailey’s owner was able to retrieve him from the SAR bay in Buena Vista and ensure he had a soft, comfortable bed in which to recover from his long day. Most recent reports are that he is doing well and will receive a full vet check as soon as possible.”

As a reminder, keep your pets’ safety in mind before taking them on an outdoor adventure. If you plan on bringing your furry friends on a potentially difficult trek, consider carrying a dog rescue backpack.

Photos Courtesy of CCSAR-N