It is quite 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 that are guarded solely by shepherd dogs. Even though these dogs are declared harmless, it is worth knowing that complaints about bites are increasing year on year. Vigilance is therefore essential when you encounter a shepherd dog while hiking. What do you need to know about these shepherd dogs? How can you avoid crossing their path? How should you react when faced with them?
Furthermore, flocks can be spotted from a distance. It is up to you to check whether they are accompanied by herding dogs or not. If that is the case, it is preferable to slightly adjust your route so as to go around the flock rather than pressing on and taking unnecessary risks.
If the dog comes very close to you and appears friendly, refrain from petting it. If you start taking out cameras or offering it food, it may misinterpret your intentions. Bear in mind that it may not be used to seeing things like a camera or a smartphone. As for food, the herding dog may be trained to refuse bait.
The shepherd dog — or patou depending on the region — is not an attack dog, and they mean you no harm. Indeed, they are trained to protect their flock. If you spot one in the distance, adjust your route so as to go around it. If it approaches you, continue to move slowly away from the flock without panicking and without making sudden movements that could alarm it further. As long as you stay far enough from the flock or grazing areas, you are in no danger. The shepherd dog on a hiking trail is not a threat: it is there because it has a mission to fulfil and it tries to do so as best it can. For the hiker, the best approach is to coexist without encroaching on the territory it is protecting.
Take precautions
The best solution is to plan your hiking route carefully so as to avoid encountering grazing flocks, particularly those guarded by shepherd dogs. Of course, there is no precise map for this. It is however possible to gather information from other hikers who have already taken the same route. You can also ask locals, in the villages and hamlets you pass through, particularly regarding the grazing areas used by flocks. However, the information gathered is one thing — the reality on the ground can be quite different. It will therefore be important to stay vigilant throughout the route and to interpret the various signals correctly. First of all, remember not to stray off the beaten track. By sticking to established paths, you can be certain that hikers already pass through regularly and that the local flocks' dogs are accustomed to them.
Furthermore, flocks can be spotted from a distance. It is up to you to check whether they are accompanied by herding dogs or not. If that is the case, it is preferable to slightly adjust your route so as to go around the flock rather than pressing on and taking unnecessary risks.
Shepherd dogs on a hiking trail and their behaviour
As a walker, you may find yourself face to face with a shepherd dog while hiking, even when taking all the usual precautions. It is therefore important to understand how these shepherd dogs think. First and foremost, you need to know 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. Indeed, deterrence is the shepherd dog's first instinct. Barking can also serve to alert the shepherd. If at that point you persist in approaching the flock, it is entirely possible that the herding dog will go on the attack to protect its herd.
How to react when faced with a shepherd dog while hiking
Be aware that encountering a herding dog is not necessarily dangerous if you know how to react in the right way. First of all, avoid sudden movements and words that may be interpreted as intimidation. Let's be clear: "shoo" and "go away!" will not work with herding dogs. They do not react at all like an ordinary town dog. On the contrary, they will take it as a threat and may become aggressive. Moreover, it is absolutely forbidden to threaten them with a stick, a stone or any other object. If you encounter a shepherd dog while hiking, keep your fear in check, stay calm and do not run away. Dogs sense fear, and a moment of panic on your part could be misinterpreted. Make slow movements and gradually move away from the flock. It can also happen that the herding dog approaches you in silence, to assess the danger you pose. Speak to it calmly while slowly moving away. If the herding dog follows you, act as though you have not noticed it. By following you, it is simply making sure you are moving far enough away from the flock. Once the dog has satisfied itself that you no longer pose any threat to the flock, it will turn back.
If the dog comes very close to you and appears friendly, refrain from petting it. If you start taking out cameras or offering it food, it may misinterpret your intentions. Bear in mind that it may not be used to seeing things like a camera or a smartphone. As for food, the herding dog may be trained to refuse bait.
The shepherd dog — or patou depending on the region — is not an attack dog, and they mean you no harm. Indeed, they are trained to protect their flock. If you spot one in the distance, adjust your route so as to go around it. If it approaches you, continue to move slowly away from the flock without panicking and without making sudden movements that could alarm it further. As long as you stay far enough from the flock or grazing areas, you are in no danger. The shepherd dog on a hiking trail is not a threat: it is there because it has a mission to fulfil and it tries to do so as best it can. For the hiker, the best approach is to coexist without encroaching on the territory it is protecting.
