Have you heard of patous? These shepherd dogs watch over the herds in the mountain pastures and can be impressive in their size and thunderous barking. If you’re planning to go hiking this summer, it’s important to understand how patous act and adopt the right reflexes to stay safe.
Comprendre le patou
The term patou originally referred to a breed of dog native to the Pyrenees, known as the Montagne des Pyrénées. By distortion, the term patou is now applied to all shepherd dogs protecting herds from predators such as wolves.
The main role of the patou is to watch over the animals and deter threats by assessing the dangers and alerting the shepherd to any intrusions. He protects his herd at all costs! Because he grew up with them and has been trained all his life to do just that. He knows his flock by heart and knows when to act.
Sometimes solitary, the patou may team up with one or more other dogs to fulfil its mission. When a potential threat approaches, the patou does not systematically attack. He will first dissuade the intruder by barking loudly, which may impress hikers! It’s only if the threat persists that the dogs can go as far as a confrontation.
How to deal with the patou?
When hiking in the mountains, it’s not unusual to come across herds of cows or sheep. For some years now, patous have been used to protect herds. So you may well come across one of them on your next outing.
Remember that the role of a patou is to protect his herd by deterring possible threats. You may be perceived as such by the dog. But don’t panic! Adopt the right reflexes to get out of the situation safely.
Choose your walking route
Before setting off, make sure you choose an itinerary that avoids grazing areas as much as possible. You can get information and advice from the Les Gets Tourist Office.
If you do come across a herd of cattle, the best thing to do is to go around it if you can, otherwise turn back.
Stay calm
If you can’t avoid the herd and a patou spots you, it may start barking and approach you. Keep calm and turn around or stop.
Don’t make any sudden movements, don’t try to pet the dog if it approaches you, and don’t run. Give the dog time to get used to your presence and understand your intentions. Keep walking, calmly moving away from the herd. Do not try to defend yourself by waving a stick or throwing stones, as you risk incurring the wrath of the patou.
Look after your dog
The patou may not be able to tell the difference between its fellow dogs and a potential predator. Seeing another dog may alert it to attack, even if you have a small dog! If you’re planning to go hiking with your four-legged friend, be careful to avoid areas with herds as much as possible (the mere presence of your dog may frighten off the animals).
Share the mountain ground
Remember that patous are not pets, but helpers in the work of shepherds. As such, it is important to consider them as indispensable to pastoralism and not as a deliberate threat to walkers. Their presence is necessary to protect the high altitude herds. Thank you for doing the right thing, so that the mountains remain a place where everyone can enjoy themselves.
The mountains are a unique and fragile place. It is important to preserve its nature and its ecosystem by showing civility and by being responsible for its use. To ensure that the mountains remain a pleasure, it is important to share the environment between all users, from professionals in the sector to tourists.
