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Attention, cow encounter!

There are a few things to bear in mind when hiking with a dog. Especially during the summer months when the cows are on the alp. For us dog owners, this means planning our tours carefully so that there are no unwanted encounters along the way.

Hiking with a dog when encountering cows

Suckler cow husbandry / grazing:

The cows live together with their calves and usually a bull in a family group.

⚠️Mutterkuhweiden should therefore be avoided, as the animals have an important goal: to protect their offspring.⚠️

☝️Solltet Nevertheless, if you find yourself in such a situation, please note the following:

𝗛𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻 𝗸𝘂𝗿𝘇𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗳ü𝗵𝗿𝗲𝗻

Due to their similarity to wolves, dogs attract increased attention from cows, cattle and bulls and arouse defensive behavior. Therefore, keep your dog on a short lead and keep it under control. Lead your dog away from the herd so that it is not visible.

If the cows attack your dog on a lead (and only then!), let it go so that it can flee. A dog is usually fast enough to dodge a cow attack.

𝗛𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝘁𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘇 𝘇𝘂𝗿 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗲 and walk slowly around the herd. Do not scare the animals and do not turn your back on them. Slowly back out of the pasture.

Cattle pastures:

The most important rules also apply to cattle grazing:

Keep your distance

If possible, stay on the trail and keep your distance from the cattle. If the herd blocks the path, fixates on individual hikers or is very restless, it is better to take a detour and go around the herd in a wide arc.

Behave calmly

Do not make any hectic movements or noise next to the herds, do not gesticulate wildly with your arms or sticks. If the attention is already focused on the hikers, they should confidently (and ideally with a stick) approach the animals and then calmly move away from the herd.


    Dogs on a lead

    Dogs can be perceived as a threat by cattle. Therefore, keep them on a lead for safety reasons and do not let them explore the pastures. However, you should let the dog loose if it is foreseeable that a cow is about to attack.

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