It is fairly common for hikers to encounter flocks throughout their route. These flocks are sometimes accompanied by their shepherds. But most of the time, you come across flocks guarded solely by sheepdogs. Even if these dogs are declared harmless, it is worth knowing that bite complaints are increasing year on year. Vigilance is therefore essential when you encounter a sheepdog while hiking. What should you know about these sheepdogs? How can you avoid crossing their path? And how should you react when you do?
Take precautions
The best solution is to plan your hiking route carefully to avoid crossing grazing flocks, particularly those guarded by sheepdogs. Of course, there is no precise map for this. However, it is possible to ask other hikers who have already taken the same route. You can also put questions to locals in villages and hamlets along the way, particularly regarding the grazing areas used by flocks.
That said, the information gathered is one thing — the reality on the ground can be quite different. It is therefore important to remain vigilant throughout the route and to read the various signs carefully. First and foremost, stick to the beaten path. By staying on established trails, you can be confident that other walkers pass through regularly and that local flock dogs are accustomed to it.
Flocks can be spotted from a distance. Check whether they are accompanied by flock dogs or not. If so, it is preferable to slightly adjust your route to go around the flock rather than pressing on and taking unnecessary risks.
Sheepdogs on hikes and their behaviour
As a walker, you may come across a sheepdog while hiking even when taking all the usual precautions. It is important to understand how these sheepdogs think. First of all, it's worth knowing that their role is to guard their flock and protect it from potential dangers and predators.
When they detect a potential threat, they start barking. Deterrence is a sheepdog's first instinct. Barking can also serve to alert the shepherd. If at that point you continue to approach the flock, it is entirely possible that the flock dog will move to attack in order to protect its herd.
How to handle a sheepdog while hiking
Bear in mind that encountering a flock dog is not necessarily dangerous if you know how to react correctly. First of all, avoid sudden movements and words that could be interpreted as intimidation. Let's be clear: shouting "shoo!" or "go on!" will not work with flock dogs. They do not react at all like an ordinary pet dog. On the contrary, they will take it as a threat and may become aggressive. It goes without saying that threatening them with a stick, a stone or any other object is strictly prohibited.
If you encounter a sheepdog while hiking, keep your fear in check, stay calm and do not run away. Dogs sense fear, and any sign of panic on your part could be misinterpreted. Move slowly and calmly back away from the flock.
It can also happen that the flock dog approaches you in silence to assess the threat you pose. Speak to it calmly while gradually moving away. If the flock dog follows you, act as though you haven't noticed it. By following you, it is simply making sure you are moving far enough away from the flock. Once the dog is satisfied that you no longer pose any threat to the herd, it will turn back.
If the dog comes very close to you and appears friendly, refrain from stroking it. Taking out cameras or offering it food can be misinterpreted. Remember that it may not be used to seeing things like a camera or a smartphone. As for food, the flock dog may have been trained to refuse bait.
The sheepdog — or patou, as it is known in some regions — is not an attack dog, and means you no harm. It is trained to protect its flock. If you spot one from a distance, adjust your route to go around it. If it approaches you, continue to move slowly away from the flock without panicking and without any sudden movements that could alarm it further. As long as you stay well clear of the flock and grazing areas, you are in no danger. The sheepdog on a hike is not a threat: it is there because it has a job to do, and it is trying to do it as best it can. For the hiker, the best approach is to coexist whilst respecting the territory it is protecting.
