Sheep herds and guard dogs - Attention! Risk for walkers with dogs
We took the opportunity to talk to shepherds and asked them what they would like to say to dog owners. We have summarised them here.
Guard dogs are used to protect flocks of sheep. This means that they stay with the sheep when the sheep owner is not present. The dogs see themselves as part of the flock, do not need weather protection and feel comfortable in the flock. That is what they were bred for. But this also means that they decide on their own who is friend and who is foe. Guard dogs are usually very large, very strong and very unmistakable, because they must be able to drive away or, if necessary, attack wolves and other uninvited intruders. That is what they do. Usually a flock has more than one guard dog.
When approaching a flock of sheep, you should always keep your distance. This is especially true if the flock is not fenced. Take your dog on a leash and lead it so that you walk between the flock and your dog. If guard dogs are with the sheep, watch them closely. If you go below the minimum distance the guard dogs will accept, they will approach and bark a warning at you. Under no circumstances go closer to the flock, even if you are on your usual walking path. The fence will not stop the dogs in an emergency. To them, your dog is an intruder and you may be too. Back off and choose another path.
Under no circumstances should you let your dog approach the fence. The guard dogs are doing their job. You should respect that in any case. Also remember that the fence is almost certainly electrified. Shepherds have told us that there are dog owners who lift their small dog over the fence so that it can sniff the guard dog. Don't do that! It will most certainly go wrong.
Sheep flocks are used in urban and rural areas, not just on conservation land. There they do valuable work against scrub encroachment, for example. Many valuable insects depend on sheep grazing. Remember this when you see a flock of sheep.
The fences
Sheep that graze temporarily on land are usually confined with mobile fences. These fences are electrified. This is another reason why you should keep your dog away. Please do not attract the sheep either. Their natural respect for dogs is important for the shepherd so that the sheep can be safely herded over roads and paths with the help of herding dogs.