On the hiking trails of the Alpine regions, you can meet flocks of sheep safeguarded by guard dogs. Their job is to stay close to the flocks at all times, in order to protect them from predators, such as wolves or stray dogs.
Rules of conduct in the event of an encounter
If possible, find out in advance where herding protection dogs operate and pay attention to information signs on the spot. When you arrive in a grazing area where an encounter with protection dogs is possible:
- Keep calm and move slowly.
- Get off the bike and push it.
- Keep as much distance as possible between you and the flock; do not frighten or scare away the sheep, goats or guard dogs.
- If you do not see the protection dogs, make yourself known by talking loudly.
If guardian dogs bark, run towards you or block your way
- Stop, stand still and give the guardian dogs time to assess the situation.
- Do not shout at the guardian dogs. This may provoke them.
- If the guardian dogs stop barking and accept your presence, continue slowly. If they do not accept your presence, go back the way you came.
If guardian dogs do not calm down
- After waiting calmly, move away from the herd.
- If necessary, keep the protection dogs at a distance, for example by holding sticks pointed at them on the ground. Do not try to threaten the dogs by waving your sticks.
- Move away slowly, backing away if possible.
- When you are far enough away from the pack, the dogs will leave you alone. Move around the herd as much as possible. If this is impossible or if you feel unsafe, go back the way you came.
If you unwittingly find yourself and your pet dog in a protected herd
- Keep your dog on a leash.
- Never attempt to cross a protected herd with your dog.
- Move as far away from the protected herd as possible.
- If in doubt, go back the way you came.
