Safely Encountering Livestock Guardian Dogs

Hiking trails may sometime cross through pastures and you will have to adapt your behavior in relation to the animals around (cows, sheep’s, livestock guardian dogs …). By observing certain basic rules you can ensure that encounters between you and the animals stay calm and safe. You can also use online maps in advance to find out where you might encounter herds protected by dogs.

What are Livestock Guardian Dogs?

Livestock Guardian Dogs are used in a number of areas of Switzerland to protect herds of livestock from predators such as wolf, bear and lynx, which are starting to reappear in Switzerland. There are estimated to be about 200 livestock guardian dogs working in Switzerland at present. They are trained to do their work independently and by instinct and to act on anything strange that may be a threat to their herd.

The dogs will watch any unexpected presences around them, to ensure that there is no risk to their livestock. The herd and guardian dogs should be disturbed as little as possible.

Hiking with your own dogs

As dogs are a close relative of the wolf, guardian dogs will regard other dogs (regardless of breed or size) as more of a threat to their livestock than they do humans. If you are hiking in an area where livestock guardian dogs are shown to be working then the best advice is not to have your own dog with you on that hike or re-route your hike to avoid the are where the guardian dogs are working.

Dealing with an enounter

1. When entering a pasture, read all information signs, keep calm, and do not disturb or frighten the livestock. If you are hiking, slow down and proceed calmly and if you are on a bike, dismount and push it.
2. If the guardian dog barks, approaches you or obstructs the way, stay calm and give the guardian dog time to be sure that you pose no danger to its herd. Keep your distance from the animals and avoid brisk movements or provocation with your hiking sticks.Once the livestock guardian dog has calmed down, continue on your way and if possible, go around the herd. Do not pet or feed guardian dogs.
3. If you have your own dog with you, put your dog on a leash and keep it under control. Do not try to walk through a protected herd with your dog, go around it. If in doubt, return to the path and go back.
4. If you perceive livestock guardian dogs as a danger, avoid eye contact with the guardian dog, but do not turn your back on it. Wait calmly at a distance from the herd. If the livestock guardian dog does not become calm after a long period, slowly retreat back the way you came.

 

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