Behavior in nature
When crossing pastures with suckler cows and/or livestock guarding dogs, you should follow a few basic rules to ensure that nothing stands in the way of your adventure in the great outdoors.
Behavior in suckler cow herds
The meeting of suckler cows and hikers is often unavoidable. To ensure that the encounter between humans and animals goes without incident, there are a few points you should bear in mind:
When you enter a pasture...
Observe the information signs. Stay calm, do not startle the animals and do not frighten them. Close the gate and follow the footpath in the pasture. In general, cows are curious and not dangerous.
If the cows are blocking your path...
Stay calm. If possible, stay on the hiking trail. If there are cows on the trail, keep your distance from them and walk around the herd rather than through the middle. Do not frighten the animals and do not turn your back on them.
If you have your own dog with you...
Put him on a lead and keep him under control. Dogs attract increased attention from cows, cattle and bulls and arouse defensive behavior. Take your dog to the side away from the herd so that it is not visible. If cows attack your leashed dog, let him go so that he can flee. A dog is usually fast enough to evade a cow attack.
If the cows behave threateningly or even aggressively...
Threatening gestures from cows are characterized by raising and lowering the head, snorting, scratching and bellowing. If you notice these alarm signals, slowly back out of the pasture. Fast movements have a threatening effect on cows.
Film: For peaceful encounters between hikers and cows
Behavior of livestock guarding dogs
With the return of wolves, mountain hikers are increasingly encountering livestock guarding dogs protecting sheep. Here you can find out how to behave correctly in the event of an encounter:
If you enter a grazing area...
Stay calm, do not startle the animals and avoid surprising the livestock guarding dogs. If you don't notice any dogs in the herd from a distance, draw attention to yourself by talking loudly. If you are on a bike, push the bike; if you are a pedestrian, slow down.
If a livestock guarding dog barks, runs towards you or blocks your path...
Stay calm and give the dog time to assess the situation. Keep your distance from the herd. If necessary, you can use walking sticks to keep the dogs at a distance by holding them out at an angle towards the dogs. However, threatening gestures such as raised sticks, wild waving or shouting at the dogs will provoke them. If the dogs accept your presence and stop barking, continue on your way at a leisurely pace.
If the guard dogs do not calm down...
Move back to a greater distance from the herd. If you feel harassed by a dog, avoid eye contact, but remain facing it. Retreat slowly, if necessary walking backwards or pulling the walking sticks towards you. As soon as you are far enough away from the herd, the dogs will let you go unchallenged. Walk well around the herd or turn back.
If you are out and about with your own dog...
Keep your dog on a lead. Never try to cross a protected herd with your dog, but go well around it. If in doubt, turn back.
Interactive map
The interactive map gives you an overview of the pastures guarded by livestock guarding dogs.
