{"id":67298,"date":"2022-12-28T07:30:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-28T06:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/?p=67298"},"modified":"2024-09-16T18:08:23","modified_gmt":"2024-09-16T16:08:23","slug":"patou-sheepdogs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ovonetwork.com\/blog\/patou-sheepdogs\/","title":{"rendered":"What to do if you meet a Patou sheepdog in the mountains"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bred to guard and protect sheep, the Patou sheepdog is easily recognised by its heavy build and thick white coat. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

You are certain to come across one if you are walking in the mountains in the summer \u2013 you\u2019ll find them around flocks of sheep or goats grazing in the mountains. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although they are very affectionate to their masters, they are wary of strangers who come too close to their herd. Any stranger who approaches the flock is seen as a threat, and that\u2019s when the Patou can become dangerous.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what should you do if you come across a Patou in the mountains? Here\u2019s a guide to how to behave.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

How to recognise a Patou<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Here are a few of the Patou\u2019s main characteristics, to help you get to know the breed better:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc15 Also known as:<\/strong> Pyrenean mountain dog<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f Origin:<\/strong> France\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2696\ufe0f Weight:<\/strong> 50-59kg for females, 56-64kg for males<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccf Size:<\/strong> 65-75cm (to the withers) for females and 80cm for males<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udcc5 Life expectancy:<\/strong> 10 to 12 years\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udc3e Characteristics:<\/strong> long, thick white hair which enables it to withstand extreme weather conditions<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
The Patou is a sheepdog with an imposing size \u00a9 Office de tourisme Toumalet \u2013 Pic du Midi<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How is a sheepdog trained?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This independent and strong-willed dog has to be educated and trained from an early age if it is to become a successful sheepdog. A Patou destined to guard flocks will not be trained in the same way as a family pet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To become a herding dog, the Patou is raised as a pup with sheep and goats, allowing it to form a close bond with the animals. It might even believe it is one of them. With time, the Patou will think of the herd as its family and will do anything to protect them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These dogs are very intelligent and will quickly learn the rules they are given.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Now let\u2019s look at how you should behave if you come across a Patou in the mountains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Avoid the flock<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you come across a flock of sheep or goats on your outing, try to go around them where possible. If you are far enough away, the dog should not approach you. It may bark to warn you off and encourage you to stay away, but it should not come up to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Stay calm<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

However, if barking is not enough to dissuade any potential attackers, you will have to be extra careful. The dog will then try to come between the threat and the herd and will be ready to attack if you don\u2019t turn back. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If the dog does approach you, the best thing to do is to stop and let it come to you. Don\u2019t run, stay calm, face it and give it time to smell and identify you. You should avoid sudden movements, shouting, or any other behaviour that could be interpreted as a threat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you can, put an object of some sort (a hat, backpack, jacket, etc) between you and the dog. This will put some distance between you while he checks you out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s also a good idea to let it know you are coming by warning it calmly of your presence. You could do this by speaking quietly, or even a yawn! To dogs, yawning is considered a sign of appeasement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These gestures should show the dog that you are not a threat to the animals. You can then gradually move away from the herd.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n