Attention au chien! New map helps walkers avoid guard dogs

A new interactive map is helping hikers and joggers locate guard dogs so they can avoid the potentially dangerous animals. 

The Great Pyrenees Mountain Dog, or Patou, is increasingly used to defend sheep, often against wolves. 

But several cases of hikers being attacked or having to be rescued from the dogs has highlighted the need to be vigilant. 

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Pastoral Network released its 2025 MapPatou in June, the latest iteration of the map, launched in 2024. 

It aims to list the precise location of Patou dogs in nine departments: 01, 15, 26, 38, 42, 43, 63, 73, and 74 (Ain, Cantal, Drôme, Isère, Loire, Haute-Loire, Puy-de-Dôme, Savoie and Haute-Savoie).

“MapPatou provides information on mountain pastures and summer pastures protected by guard dogs,” said Solenne Groos, of the Société d'Economie Alpestre de Haute Savoie, a member of the Pastoral Network. 

“The map indicates the start and end dates for the use of the mountain pastures by herds, as well as the presence or absence of dogs on these pastures.” 

This can be especially beneficial for walkers. 

“This allows hikers to plan their hike accordingly and avoid certain areas for those who don't feel comfortable dealing with guard dogs or who are hiking with their pet dog.” 

The map helps walkers to plan their routes and avoid getting trapped or caught out. A hiker had to be airlifted to safety in June 2025 after climbing up a rockface to avoid Patou dogs. 

Originating from the Pyrenees and characterised by their large build and thick, white coats, Patou dogs have traditionally been used to guard sheep in France. 

If it senses danger, the dog will act immediately, usually barking to warn people to stay away from the flock.

The map’s creators hope walkers will get used to checking the map as a matter of course before leaving the house. 

“Just like elevation gain, difficulty, or distance covered, the presence of guard dogs is now a factor to consider before your outing. It's important that it becomes a habit to check MapPatou as if you were checking the weather forecast!” said Ms Groos. 

She says Patou dogs are “not particularly dangerous to humans” but the majority of incidents are the result of a “lack of knowledge about these dogs and the behaviour to adopt in the event of an encounter”. 

Patou dogs will bark loudly, approach people running and identify people, so it is worth adapting your behaviour if you come into contact with one. 

Signal yourself so you do not surprise the dog (“Hello dog!”). If possible, move around the herd giving it plenty of space. If the dog approaches, stop and speak calmly to it but do not make eye contact, as this can be seen as a challenge. You could also place a bag between you and the animal.

If walking with poles, hold them in one hand and point them downwards. Do not wave them around. If on a bike, get off the bike and push it around the herd. 

If walking with a dog, keep it on a short lead and walk well around the herd. 

Remember, sometimes the best idea might be to turn back, especially if the dogs do not seem to be calming down. 

MapPatou is available on the Pasto Kézako website. The interactive map is also available to other apps such as Waffapp, IGN rando and Viso Rando.