Avoiding the dogs in Villavieja?

[ranthr]

On the gronze map for the first day, before Villavieja, there is a cut in the route called Variante por la nacional. Looks like a shortcut that cut off Villavieja. Has anybody tried that shortcut? Looks to me like an opportunity to not meeting the big dog in town.

 

[Stephen]

The dogs have seen so many pilgrims along the trail that they've become used to the sight of them and hardly bother to lift their heads as they pass.
It's dogs behind fences that sometimes bark at you.

 

[peregrina2000]

Hi, ranthr, If I am remembering correctly (Charrito, MyDestinationGalicia or Kinky can pitch in here to correct me if I'm wrong), if you take that detour, you go straight to Borrenes and avoid the ascent to the castle at Cornatel. http://www.priaranzadelbierzo.org/castillo-de-cornatel/. That would be a pity. You also miss the beautiful little hamlet of Villavieja. http://www.priaranzadelbierzo.org/villavieja/

It is one dog, it is a big dog, it barks a LOT, but it will not bite you. And you can always do what I do, which I know I've said a million times -- just stand there and don't advance. The dog will keep barking if you don't retreat but will not come towards you, and at some point someone will get sick of the noise.

But since you asked a question and didn't ask for a lecture --- yes, you can bypass Villavieja.

 

[ranthr]

Thank you Laurie, I got inspired by you, and have started planning this camino leaving Ponferrada 16.05.18. I am generally really not afraid of dogs, but reading some posts here made me a bit ????about the big dog.
Since I am not a longasyouwalker I try to book places to stay which is in reasonable km for me. So I am happy for your 12-13 days suggestions. Hope I not do back out when time arrives. Have booked the flight to Madrid, but as happened when I planned the Primitivo, I might jump over to the Frances.

 

[Mark Francis Auchincloss]

Hi, ranthr, If I am remembering correctly (Charrito, MyDestinationGalicia or Kinky can pitch in here to correct me if I'm wrong), if you take that detour, you go straight to Borrenes and avoid the ascent to the castle at Cornatel. http://www.priaranzadelbierzo.org/castillo-de-cornatel/. That would be a pity. You also miss the beautiful little hamlet of Villavieja. http://www.priaranzadelbierzo.org/villavieja/

It is one dog, it is a big dog, it barks a LOT, but it will not bite you. And you can always do what I do, which I know I've said a million times -- just stand there and don't advance. The dog will keep barking if you don't retreat but will not come towards you, and at some point someone will get sick of the noise.

But since you asked a question and didn't ask for a lecture --- yes, you can bypass Villavieja.

Hi, ranthr, If I am remembering correctly (Charrito, MyDestinationGalicia or Kinky can pitch in here to correct me if I'm wrong), if you take that detour, you go straight to Borrenes and avoid the ascent to the castle at Cornatel. http://www.priaranzadelbierzo.org/castillo-de-cornatel/. That would be a pity. You also miss the beautiful little hamlet of Villavieja. http://www.priaranzadelbierzo.org/villavieja/

It is one dog, it is a big dog, it barks a LOT, but it will not bite you. And you can always do what I do, which I know I've said a million times -- just stand there and don't advance. The dog will keep barking if you don't retreat but will not come towards you, and at some point someone will get sick of the noise.

But since you asked a question and didn't ask for a lecture --- yes, you can bypass Villavieja.

I agree with Laurie. I was bite by a small dog there as I was distracted...I shout "fora" when an aggressive dog approaches & they always back off. In Galician it means go away or in Spanish it's "fuera". The Castle is worth arriving there and seeing...it's a great achievement after the long 5 hour breath-taking climb from Ponferrada!

 

[Ribeirasacra]

fuera means outside or out in Spanish. Dictionary.
The same with fora in Galician.
So if the dog is outside it must be confused.

 

[Pelegrin]

I agree with Laurie. I was bite by a small dog there as I was distracted...I shout "fora" when an aggressive dog approaches & they always back off. In Galician it means go away or in Spanish it's "fuera". The Castle is worth arriving there and seeing...it's a great achievement after the long 5 hour breath-taking climb from Ponferrada!

Also, I suggested in another thread to shout "GO" which is easy to remember and sounds similar to "HO" that is STOP for animals in Galicia.

 

[Mark Francis Auchincloss]

fuera means outside or out in Spanish. Dictionary.
The same with fora in Galician.
So if the dog is outside it must be confused.

I really haven't got time to argue with you, and most of your comments directed to me are negative like the one that I should know better. Fuera also means away, as the dog is warding you off his/her territory my shouts have always worked for me and apparently for many dog owners from here whether the dog is inside or outside !