Protection dogs for herds

Herd dogs can provide effective protection for livestock against wolves and bears.
livestock against wolves and bears.
They protect their herds independently, day and night, in any weather.
day or night, in any weather.

Intruders and disturbances will be viewed with suspicion by the dogs and kept away from the herd.
by the dogs and kept away from the herd because they are considered a
potential threat. A hiker is an intruder. The dogs are
particularly attentive and reactive at night, at dusk or when the herd is on the move.
or when the herd is on the move.

As a general rule, herding dogs do not represent a danger to humans.
a danger to humans. But disregarding
any warning signals given by the dogs when approaching a
approaching a herd that it is protecting, and failing to adapt its behaviour
could result in a bite.

When hiking in areas where guard dogs work, please do not bring your
protection dogs are working, please do not bring your own
dogs. Foreign dogs provoke a strong defensive reaction
defence reaction!

With respect and tolerance for the work of the guard dogs
and appropriate behaviour,
unnecessary incidents can be avoided and the dogs' work
made easier.

Rules of behaviour during an encounter:

If possible, find out in advance where protection dogs are in operation and pay attention to the information signs on site.

When you arrive at a pasture where an encounter with guard dogs is possible,...

- Stay calm and move slowly.
- Get off your bike and push it.
- keep as far away as possible from the herd; do not frighten or frighten away sheep, goats or guard dogs.
- If you do not see the guard dogs, make yourself known by speaking loudly.

If the guard dogs bark, run in your direction or block your path, stop, stay calm and keep your distance:

- stop, remain calm and give the dogs time to assess the situation. Do not shout at the guard dogs. They will take it as a provocation.
- If you feel threatened by a guard dog, avoid looking it in the eye and avoid turning your back on it.
- Do not move forward quietly until the guard dogs have stopped barking and accepted your presence.

If in doubt, go around the herd or turn back:

If the guard dogs do not calm down:

- although you have waited calmly, then move away from the herd.
- If necessary, keep the dogs at a distance, for example by holding down sticks in their direction. Do not try to threaten the guard dogs by waving your sticks upwards.
- Back away slowly, if necessary.
- When you are far enough away from the herd, the dogs will leave you alone. Walk as far around the herd as possible. If this is not possible, or if you feel unsafe, turn back.

If you accidentally find yourself with your pet dog in a protected herd

- keep your dog on a lead.
- never try to cross a protected herd with your pet dog.
- Avoid the protected herd as far as possible.
- if in doubt, turn back.