For millennia, the rich lands of the Vercors have been used by livestock breeders and shepherds throughout the seasons. Every summer, numerous herds migrate to the verdant mountain pastures. Font d'Urle, Plateau d'Ambel, and the Hauts Plateaux nature reserve are prime locations for summer pastures. This is why, from June 1st to October 31st, pet dogs are not allowed in these areas. This is where you're most likely to encounter herds and their bodyguards: protection dogs.

In recent years, wolves have returned to the Vercors, and to prevent sheep from being eaten as snacks, guard dogs accompany the flocks. Hiking trails can cross mountain pastures, and it's not uncommon to encounter them.

Worried about missing out on your walk and returning home with a missing calf muscle? Don't panic, here are some tips!

What are protection dogs?

First of all, you need to understand what a protection dog is.

Often mistakenly called "Patou." It's like someone calling you Michel when it's actually René! The Patou, AKA the Pyrenean Mountain Dog, is a breed of protection dog widely used by shepherds to defend flocks. Other, lesser-known breeds include the Kengals (or Anatolian Shepherds) and the Transmontagno (Cão de Gado).

When judging their behavior, these dogs are often compared to pet dogs. Unfortunately, this isn't very realistic. Behavioral expectations are not the same between Kiki the Yorkshire Terrier, who spends her life in a safe home, and Norbert the Kennel, who lives on constant alert for danger.

The guard dog grew up outdoors, surrounded by the flock it considers its family, with a strong defensive instinct. It faces dangerous and stressful situations day and night and must make decisions for itself, unlike a companion dog who waits for orders from its owner.

So Kiki, even if he is a little surly, does not have the same protective instinct that Norbert will have.

Hiking ideas with your dog!

Did you know?

Better understanding of patous

Guard dogs are as short-sighted as moles! Unless they can wear bottle caps to see beyond 30 meters, they may have to get very close to do their identity check.

Learn more

When hiking, how should you react?

As you may have guessed, it's not uncommon to encounter herds of livestock and guard dogs in the Vercors when you're hiking, especially in summer. So here are some tips to help everything go smoothly:

1. Stay on the beaten path

For those who have done PR, this may surprise you, but when hiking, you have to stick to the beaten track! First, it will prevent you from finding yourself face-to-face with a sheep and its canine companion, and you'll also be preserving biodiversity. It's a win-win.

2. Drive well around the herds

When you see a herd in the distance, walk around it and never cross it. Guard dogs may mistake you for a threat to the herd and may go into defensive posture. So sometimes it's better to take a little detour—your FitBit will thank you!

3. Make some noise

So no, it's not to create a buzz, but to avoid surprising the dogs. Speak a little louder, announce yourself, it will prevent them from getting scared and overreacting.

4. If the dog approaches

Remember, they're as short-sighted as moles! So they'll come closer to do an ID check, verify that you're not a threat, and leave you alone. A bit like a bouncer at a club. So slow down and continue walking sideways to them, not head-on. If you have walking poles, hold them down: dogs react to aggression, don't brandish them.

5. Are you on a bike?

In their eyes, you're an unidentified object that quickly passes by their family, so you're a potential danger even if in reality you're as gentle as a lamb. Slow down and get off the bike, and don't hesitate to put it between you and the dogs to feel more comfortable.

6. Do you have a dog with you?

If Kiki is with you and you encounter a protection dog, it's essential to remain calm. Keep Kiki on a leash and calm her down before meeting the protection dog. If the dog approaches, release Kiki's leash to allow them to interact and establish a dominant-subordinate relationship. It's like SpongeBob SquarePants meets Mike Tyson: let them have their way, and they'll soon know who's boss.

How do you know where the Patous are?

Well the question is quickly answered with MapPatou ! Developed by Pasto Kezako, this interactive map lists the mountain pasture and summer pasture areas where guard dogs may be present. The dates of presence are updated as much as possible to ensure accuracy.

Now you can enjoy your ride with complete peace of mind!

Maé's recommendation

Visit What is Pasto? to be an expert on mountain pastoralism and know everything about protection dogs.