Since the wolf's return, flocks are increasingly accompanied by livestock guardian dogs. To continue enjoying the hiking trails crossing the alpine pastures in peace, it is important to understand how these dogs operate and to know the best practices to adopt to ensure the best possible encounter.
What behaviors should you adopt when encountering a guard dog?
- Make your presence known so as not to startle the dog ("hello dog!")
- Where possible, give the herd a wide berth without putting yourself in danger.
- If the dog approaches, stop or move forward slowly (but not directly towards the dog), do not stare into its eyes and speak to it calmly.
- With walking sticks: hold them in one hand and point them downwards. Above all, do not wave them.
- By bike: get off your bike as soon as possible and walk forward, pushing your bike. For added security, you can place the bike between you and the dog.
The dog will eventually return to its flock.
You can also consult the interactive map MapPatou, which locates the mountain pastures protected by livestock guardian dogs in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region: https://www.pasto-kezako.fr/ou-sont-les-chiens-de-protection-2/
Map of the routes in the territory
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