This years Epic Summer trip

[runnach]

These dogs don't have shepherds though. They pretty much live wild with the flock. Well at least thats what I have read.

Ah ok, I never knew this. I have always viewed the shepherd in the distance. Lac Du Salagou France and, Albarracin Spain are two examples.

 

[mark61]

They can get a bit moody when moved from a nice shady spot.

 

[YeoBlade]

These dogs don't have shepherds though. They pretty much live wild with the flock. Well at least thats what I have read.

All a very interesting reading, protecting against bears too. (Pudsey oi)

 

[Jo001]

These dogs don't have shepherds though. They pretty much live wild with the flock. Well at least thats what I have read.

Yes, livestock guardian dogs work independently. As the name says, they guard their flock from predators.

Shepherding breeds are pretty much at the opposite end of the spectrum - they work closely with their handler (shepherd).

Breed traits are massively important when choosing a dog (sorry @barrybd , I'm on my soapbox). We have selectively bred dogs over thousands of years to do particular jobs, like vermin control, shepherding, pulling, seeking, guarding, hunting etc. A few years of being pets doesn't eliminate those deeply rooted breed instincts. Please don't get a particular dog because X celebrity has one, or you saw one on Y TV programme and it looked amazing.

Don't expect, for example, a husky to be reliable off lead - their instinct is to run in a straight line and keep running.

There's a reason why we don't use terriers to herd sheep. It's not to say it can't be done but it will be a lot harder than training a collie that was bred to do just that.

I'll get my coat.

 

[mark61]

Guardian dogs are still fed though.

 

[Jo001]

Guardian dogs are still fed though.

Of course - it helps keep the lamb numbers up

 

[mark61]

Of course - it helps keep the lamb numbers up

MH numbers too.

 

[barryd]

Bit more on these dogs here and the instructions / warning as to what to do when you come across one. There are pamphlets and signs about them all over the High Pyrenees.

https://simplysavoie.com/guard-dogs-in-the-french-mountains/

However apart from yesterdays "outburst" our experience is a bit like that one sat under the van above. Michelle actually got some better pictures as one came right up to her, licked its lips and gave her the once over then clearly decided she was not worth even a quick snack. Its partner just fell asleep under a digger.

Something clearly rattled the white one yesterday on the road with its flock as it went ape sh*t. Probably someone leaning out the window for a photo maybe. I often wondered if they would be any match for a wolf or a bear but having witnessed one lose its rag yesterday bearing its teeth I have absolutely no doubt they would be. When we came back up the pass later and took the photographs they were calm and just wandering around with their sheep amongst the tourists looking like they owned the place and didn't have a care in the world

 

[YeoBlade]

//

Something clearly rattled the white one yesterday on the road with its flock as it went ape sh*t. Probably someone leaning out the window for a photo maybe. I often wondered if they would be any match for a wolf or a bear but having witnessed one lose its rag yesterday bearing its teeth I have absolutely no doubt they would be. // snip

Probably shouted " MINT SAUCE" at them

 

[barryd]

Anyway folks. Played a blinder just now. We arrived up at the Col de Couraduque late morning. The bottom car park has construction work on it so we went to the top of the col. Its not busy but there are cars and a few motorhomes. I knew from streetview though there was a premier spot off the end of the car park on grass but of course there was a French van on it.

We didn't put too much stuff out though just in case. Michelle was just about to go for a walk and then said "I think the French are moving". This has made my day (and I'm not easily pleased) I noticed the guy in the French van who arrived after us in front had spied them moving as well but the silly fool had got his awning and chairs out (never do that in this kind of situation ). You have never seen an 8.5m van move so quickly.

Better view from both lounges now and our own private little Aire. Now watch some moron come and try and park a VW camper on it under my window.

Lovely day but forecast to be very hot down the in valley below. Big ride out later and hopefully something nice to eat!

View from the front lounge, rear lounge and the premier spot! Is there a Smug emoticon?

 

[runnach]

If you aint fast.....................................your last!!

 

[alcam]

Anyway folks. Played a blinder just now. We arrived up at the Col de Couraduque late morning. The bottom car park has construction work on it so we went to the top of the col. Its not busy but there are cars and a few motorhomes. I knew from streetview though there was a premier spot off the end of the car park on grass but of course there was a French van on it.

We didn't put too much stuff out though just in case. Michelle was just about to go for a walk and then said "I think the French are moving". This has made my day (and I'm not easily pleased) I noticed the guy in the French van who arrived after us in front had spied them moving as well but the silly fool had got his awning and chairs out (never do that in this kind of situation ). You have never seen an 8.5m van move so quickly.

Better view from both lounges now and our own private little Aire. Now watch some moron come and try and park a VW camper on it under my window.

Lovely day but forecast to be very hot down the in valley below. Big ride out later and hopefully something nice to eat!

View from the front lounge, rear lounge and the premier spot! Is there a Smug emoticon?

View attachment 145588View attachment 145589View attachment 145590

A selfie should do it