I was riding my 250 one day and same scenario (this was in northern Canada btw about 20 yrs ago) - this dog comes running at me from the left, I swerve, lose control and learned how to fly over a small fence. Luckily I was unhurt and there was only superficial damage to the bike.

The dog owner comes out and starts yelling at me about almost hitting her mutt. Not an are you ok was uttered! The owner of the home whose fence my bike hit made sure I was ok and told me not to worry for he saw exactly what happened.

I looked at the broad who owned the dog and told her, next time lady I ain't gonna swerve! I meant it. Just uttering that threat did achieve something....she had that mutt secured properly thereafter.

Dogs coming after you be you on a bike, motorbike or golf cart....how do you know whether or not they are gonna bite or for that matter do you really want to hit the creature?

Such is the situation presented. As to myself? I will never swerve again.