{"id":31680,"date":"2018-07-08T10:00:49","date_gmt":"2018-07-08T08:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=31680"},"modified":"2025-04-16T09:40:45","modified_gmt":"2025-04-16T07:40:45","slug":"guard-dogs-alps-hiking","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/guard-dogs-alps-hiking\/","title":{"rendered":"Guard dogs in the Alps: how to behave if you meet a big white sheep dog when hiking"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Alps are renowned as a hiking haven, with thousands of hikers coming to the Alps year round to conquer peaks, or to just get out in the Alpine air.<\/span><\/p>\n

When hiking in the Alps it is not unusual to encounter herds of sheep high in the hills. These herds are protected by large white sheep dogs known as \u2018Pastou\u2019. Though the dogs are not trained to attack there have been cases of hikers being bitten, which can thoroughly spoil your day out. These cases are almost always due to the hiker not knowing how to behave around the dog and his herd.<\/span><\/p>\n

In this post we will give you a few pointers on what to do if you do come across a Pastou on the hill, so that you can enjoy your holiday without a worry!<\/span><\/p>\n

So why are they there?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The use of Pastou as protection for livestock was reintroduced after the return of bears, lynxes and wolves to the French Alps. The dogs are born and raised amongst the herd they protect and they form strong social bonds with them. They are there primarily as a deterrent, to scare off the large predators in the area. When they sense danger they will place themselves between the flock and the intruder and bark. If the intruder fails to heed the warning the dog might be provoked to attack.<\/span><\/p>\n

Best practice to avoid confrontation while hiking<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Alpine<\/p>\n

As mentioned above, the Pastou will defend the flock at the arrival of an intruder. The flock can easily be disturbed by you, whether you are hiking alone, with a dog of your own, mountain biking, etc. The dog will instantly be on alert when you arrive and will come up to sniff you to identify you. He will normally return to the flock, however he may try to intimidate you. To avoid an unpleasant experience follow these simple best practices:<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t panic<\/span><\/h2>\n