Livestock guard dogs
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Shepherd dogs on the mountains pastures
When hiking in the Gruyère Pays-d'Enhaut Park, you may come across mountain pastures where herd protection dogs are kept. The locations concerned are listed on this interactive map.
Behaviour in the presence of herding dogs
A sign indicates the presence of dogs. Carefully read the information, stay calm, do not frighten the animals and don’t be scared. If you are cycling, dismount and push your bike. If you are on foot, do not run; keep walking at a slow and steady pace.
If a guard dog begins barking, runs towards you and blocks your way, stay calm and give the dog enough time to assess the situation. Do not approach the cows and avoid provoking the dog, whether with a stick or sudden movement. Once the dog accepts your presence and calms down, calmly continue on your way. If possible, take a detour around the cows. Do not feed or pet the dogs.
If you are hiking with your own dog : livestock guard dogs tend to react more aggressively to other dogs. Do not let your dog off its lead and keep it under control. Do not attempt to walk past a herd of cows with your dog. Take a detour. When in doubt, turn back. If a guard dog attacks your dog while it is on the lead, let go off the lead and do not attempt to separate the two animals.
If you feel threatened by a guard dog, avoid eye contact and do not turn your back on the dog. If the guard dog does not calm down even though you have remained composed and kept a safe distance from the herd, turn back.
