LIVESTOCK GUARDIAN DOGS

The trails of the Tour des Dents-du-Midi pass through many alpine pastures. Many of them are guarded by livestock dogs. Where are these dogs and how should you behave when you’re on their guarded territory? Can you hike the Tour des Dents-du-Midi with your pet dog?

Interactive map and applications

The interactive map developed by AGRIDEA shows the potential areas where livestock guardian dogs are present on Swiss mountain pastures. It is updated regularly and can be consulted online at any time.

The Swisstopo and SwitzerlandMobility applications also indicate potential areas where livestock guardian dogs are present, but applications are updated oncea  year (in early June). It is therefore best to continue referring to the interactive map.

Behaviour to adopt

The recommendations issued by the Protection des troupeaux website if you cross an area protected by livestock guardian dogs during a hike or mountain bike tour are as follows:

• observe the signs explaining how to behave,
• slow down,
• do not frighten livestock,
• don’t startle the dogs, but attract attention by speaking loudly,
• get off your mountain bike.

If the dogs bark, run towards you and block your path:

• stop, remain calm and give the dogs time to assess the situation (don’t look them straight in the eye, don’t pet them, don’t talk to them),
• keep your distance from the herd,
• don’t provoke the dogs (don’t raise your sticks, don’t gesticulate, don’t shout),
• if necessary, keep the dogs at a distance by calmly pointing your sticks downwards,
• as soon as the dogs have accepted your presence and stopped barking, you can calmly continue on your way, doing your best to avoid the herd.

If the dogs don’t calm down:

• stand back and keep a safe distance from the herd,
• avoid making eye contact with the dogs,
• go well around the herd,
• if the guard dog does not calm down after a long period, even though you are waiting calmly at a distance from the herd: turn back.