By the way, what is a Patou?
There are several breeds of herding dog: Abruzzo Sheepdog, Anatolian Sheepdog, Spanish Mastiff... or the Montagne des Pyrénées, commonly known as "Patou".
The term "patou" is often used generically to designate these different herd protection breeds.
Haute Maurienne Vanoise is a land of livestock and agriculture. Patous" are present to protect sheep and goats from predators such as the wolf, back in the French Alps since the 90s.
For hikers, whether on foot or by bike, these large white dogs can be impressive, as they come running to identify the intruder, often barking. We explain everything you need to know about their role, how to react in their presence, and how to locate them in advance to avoid herds.
Don't confuse herding dogs with guard dogs
Driving dogs and guard dogs are two different things. The former(Border Collie, Australian Shepherd, Chalk Shepherd...) is responsible for leading the herd, gathering it and moving it from one point to another - always under the orders of the shepherd. The driving dog must organize and structure the herd, obeying his master's precise commands.
These dogs also develop great complicity with their owners: they can cohabit with them without any problem and accompany them in various everyday activities.
However, the main mission of the guard dog is different : he is there to protect livestock from wild predators such as wolves in the Alps, or bears in other areas.
The "patou" lives constantly with the herd. From an early age, he is raised with the sheep and goats to create a strong bond with the animals, which he considers to be members of his family in their own right.
The Patou is trained to deter, not to attack.
Its mission: deterrence
The guard dog acts autonomously, without the need for a shepherd to give him orders. As soon as he sees the slightest intruder approaching the herd, he immediately steps in to intervene.
The Patou is trained to deter, not to attack. He usually starts by emitting powerful, low-pitched barks to warn of his presence and show that he's ready to defend his territory.
If barking isn't enough to dissuade the intruder, or if he doesn't take heed, the "patou" may resort to confrontation, using his strength and size to repel the threat. Depending on the breed of guard dog, its behavior may differ: for example, the Pyrenean Mountain Dog will stay close to the herd, while the Anatolian Shepherd Dog may bolt in pursuit of a predator.
An indispensable dog for breeders
This dog is appreciated by farmers for its imposing appearance and deterrent behavior. Its presence and behavior are sometimes enough to ward off potential predators, reducing the risk of attacks on livestock.
It is this ability to act independently and effectively that makes the "patou" so indispensable in regions such as Haute Maurienne Vanoise, where wolf predation on flocks is rife.
What to do about the Patou?
How to deal with a hiking Patou
- Stay calm: the Patou is very sensitive to the behavior of people it meets. Keep a serene attitude, without sudden gestures, so as not to alarm the animal. This is sometimes easier said than done, but... the less you stress, the less you stress the dog!
- Avoid approaching the herd: this dog is first and foremost there to protect the animals in his care. If you see a herd in the distance, if possible, make a wide detour so as not to appear to be approaching it. The dog will then perceive less danger from you.
- Don't make sudden movements: avoid raising your arms or making sudden gestures. The Patou could interpret this as aggressive behavior. Walk quietly, without rushing. If you have walking sticks, keep the tips down and along your body. Above all, don't brandish them - he'd interpret that as a threat.
- Stay away from the dog: the Patou is not the dog "Belle" in "Belle et Sébastien". Tall, white and elegant, he's very handsome but... trying to take a photo of him (or the herd) or to pet him can be interpreted as aggression.
- Don't run away: if a "Patou" comes to sniff you, let it do so without moving. Don't try to pet it, run away or even push it away. The dog will make sure you're not a threat and will probably return to his herd. If he follows you for a moment, it's simply because he feels that the distance between you and the herd is not sufficient: he'll simply lead you back to the exit!
- Continue walking slowly: if you see that the Patou is calm, continue walking at a moderate pace. Don't start running, even if you think you're out of danger, as this could reactivate his protective instinct.
Avoid passing through sheep as much as possible.
How to deal with a Patou on a bike
- Get off your bike: as soon as you see a herd or a Patou in the distance, get off your bike so as not to provoke a chase reaction from the dog. A moving bike can be perceived as a threat by the guard dog.
- Go well around the herd: make sure you pass at a safe distance from the herd to minimize the risk of confrontation.
- Walk beside your bike: keep moving forward slowly, walking beside your bike. This will make you less of a threat to the Patou and help you to deal with the situation.
- Remain visible but non-threatening: don't try to hide, or make a sudden U-turn. Remain visible while making it clear that you have no intention of approaching the herd.
- Wait for the Patou to calm down: if the dog seems agitated or barks, stop and wait calmly for him to calm down before resuming your walk. Don't shout or make any sudden movements.
When faced with a Patou, signal before stopping. This allows the dog to identify you.
What to do if you have a dog
- If you are accompanied by your dog, keep him on a leash. You'll avoid a deterrent reaction from the Patou.
- Don't hug your dog either. Your dog might feel stronger, or even growl. You could then risk a confrontation with the Patou.
Locate Patous to avoid them
To avoid any unexpected encounters with a Patou at Haute Maurienne Vanoise, it can be useful to know in advance where these protection dogs are located along your route. Several tools can be used to locate areas where flocks of sheep, and therefore Patous, are present. You can then plan your route accordingly and avoid encountering them.
About the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, the Pasto Kezako website offers an interactive map where you can consult the areas where herds guarded by Patous graze. By entering your itinerary, you can anticipate areas at risk and choose alternative paths if necessary. Please note: although this official website provides up-to-date information, herd monitoring is not done in real time (herds are on the move all day long!).
During your hikes, signs are also posted to warn you of the presence of herds guarded by Patous. Don't hesitate to ask breeders, farmers or alpacists for more information!
