To make the adventure a great experience,
There are some points to consider
Hamburg. Hiking tours with your own four-legged friend can be an enrichment for both humans and animals, but they can also pose some risks. With proper handling and good preparation, however, these can be minimized. To make the adventure a great experience, there are a few points to consider.
“Mountains or sea” is a popular question when getting to know each other. If you answer the former, you are probably more likely to go hiking in the Alps during the summer holidays than swimming in the North Sea or Baltic Sea. If your dog enjoys sporting activities, there is nothing wrong with taking him along. Pack a first aid kit for dogs, a bowl, drinking water and provisions and you are ready to go if you have considered a few things beforehand. “You should take the dog's health, age and condition into consideration and also plan time for breaks. These are particularly needed when the temperature is high,” says Dr. Sabrina Karl, behavioural biologist in the Science Unit at FOUR PAWS.
Animal encounters
Cows, sheep and occasionally goats or even alpacas are part of the picture in the Alps in summer. Nevertheless, whether with or without a dog, it is important to avoid direct encounters. Mother animals in particular instinctively defend their offspring from perceived threats. But young oxen can also become overconfident and perceive dogs and humans as a threat. “It is best not to leave the marked hiking trails and not to climb over fences. If you do encounter herds of animals, you should walk past the animals quietly and inconspicuously, keeping as much distance as possible. The dog should be kept loosely on a short leash,” recommends Sabrina Karl.
Some herd animals are guarded by livestock guardian dogs. Ideally, you should have found out in advance whether there are livestock guardian dogs on the planned route. On these routes, it is advisable not to take your four-legged family member with you or to choose an alternative route. And should livestock guardian dogs unexpectedly run towards you or block your path? “Stay calm. The dogs need time to assess the situation. Avoid eye contact and retreat slowly,” advises the behavioral biologist.