Dangerous dog before Triacastela

[Jo A]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

 

[BROWNCOUNTYBOB]

Jo, sorry to learn of your bad experience.

Good reason to carry two trekking poles for protection of aggressive dogs. Walking side by side with another pilgrim with two trekking poles, most dogs would be unlikely to attack. Bob

 

[nathanael]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

that is why I care a heavy stick to protect myself. I had a situation years as I was coming to a small village in France. A German shepherd untied was approaching and showing his teeth, I swung my stick back off and left.

 

[Jo A]

Jo, sorry to learn of your bad experience.

Good reason to carry two trekking poles for protection of aggressive dogs. Walking side by side with another pilgrim with two trekking poles, most dogs would be unlikely to attack. Bob

I was carrying poles but not using them at the time! I think my quiet approach maybe what startled them. Now I'm hanging back to walk with other pilgrims and use poles to warn of my approach. Wasn't sure if raising poles would insight more aggression. Just glad the dog retreated straight after bite!

 

[trecile]

I was carrying poles but not using them at the time!

Another reason to use your poles instead of carrying them in your pack!
When they are in your pack they are just added weight and not helpful at all.

 

[Jo A]

Another reason to use your poles instead of carrying them in your pack!
When they are in your pack they are just added weight and not helpful at all.

Quite agree, they were in my hands after just taking a photo

 

[amancio]

I saw too many loose dogs in that area a couple of months ago, every farm seems to have several of them. Also, there have been reports of wolves attacking sheep in the area, maybe that is why there are so many dogs now. Sorry to hear about what happened to you, take care!!!

 

[Marbe2]

@Jo A Was the owner and authorities notified? Dog checked for rabbies vaccine? I know that it is supposed to be Rabbies free in Spain, but there have been occasional cases, and I would want assurance that the dog had its rabbies shot. If the dog bit you, chances are others will be bitten as well.

 

[Marbe2]

I saw too many loose dogs in that area a couple of months ago, every farm seems to have several of them. Also, there have been reports of wolves attacking sheep in the area, maybe that is why there are so many dogs now. Sorry to hear about what happened to you, take care!!!

Wolves are more dangerous!

 

[SkyDancer]

I saw too many loose dogs in that area a couple of months ago, every farm seems to have several of them. Also, there have been reports of wolves attacking sheep in the area, maybe that is why there are so many dogs now. Sorry to hear about what happened to you, take care!!!

Every farm?!! I may have to reconsider going if this is true…

 

[Marbe2]

There are lots of dogs on the CF. Most of them are not interested in pilgrims. They seem rather indifferent to pilgrims. The dogs often sleep in the Sun as pilgrims pass by, Those that make noise are mostly those chained, or behind fences…many of whom are just looking for a little TLC.

However, the CF is a well traveled route…and dogs are used to seeing pilgrims.

 

[nycwalking]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

Try and keep going.

Don’t allow one bad doggie deed stop you.

Buen camino.

 

[MinaKamina]

@Jo A Was the owner and authorities notified? Dog checked for rabbies vaccine? I know that it is supposed to be Rabbies free in Spain, but there have been occasional cases, and I would want assurance that the dog had its rabbies shot. If the dog bit you, chances are others will be bitten as well.

In the EU, a rabies shot is only obligatory if the dog is going to cross a border, not if the animal remains at home or within the country of origin. Regret to inform, but if you manage to locate the owner and overcome the language barrier, you still won't get assurance.

@Jo A did the right thing by getting a tetanus shot and antibiotics.

 

[theclaireperson]

Every farm?!! I may have to reconsider going if this is true…

I know, I think I’ll be bringing my dog mace I love dogs but doesn’t mean I want to feel on edge walking through every village. I’ll never do the Lycean Way walk in Turkey due to the packs of stray dogs you meet there

 

[Marbe2]

In the EU, a rabies shot is only obligatory if the dog is going to cross a border, not if the animal remains at home or within the country of origin. Regret to inform, but if you manage to locate the owner and overcome the language barrier, you still won't get assurance.

@Jo A did the right thing by getting a tetanus shot and antibiotics.

I understand what you are saying…. I am frankly surprised that Rabbies shots are not compulsoryin Spain, as this article seems to suggest Rabbies shots are required? Perhaps I am reading it wrong? Can you further clarify this? Because if dogs are not being vaccinated for Rabbies I would like to be certain of it. Thanks

What are the mandatory vaccines for dogs?

When we have a dog as a pet, we must make sure that they do not lack anything. Our dog must have everything, love, food and a space for him at home.

benican.com

.

WHAT VACCINES ARE COMPULSORY IN SPAIN FOR DOGS?​

• Puppies with a month and a half: parvovirus, distemper and two polyvalent vaccines.
• Puppies with two months: polyvalent vaccine.
• Puppies with three months: a reinforcement of the polyvalent vaccine.
• Puppies with four months: rabies vaccine. Normally, taking advantage of the visit to the veterinarian is when the dog is identified with a microchip.
• Dog with one year: reminder for polyvalent and rabies vaccines.
• Every year: reminder for polyvalent and rabies vaccines. (Some Autonomous Communities allow it every two years, but it is recommended every year)

 

[LesR]

There are lots of dogs on the CF. Most of them are not interested in pilgrims. They seem rather indifferent to pilgrims. The dogs often sleep in the Sun as pilgrims pass by, Those that make noise are mostly those chained, or behind fences…many of whom are just looking for a little TLC.

However, the CF is a well traveled route…and dogs are used to seeing pilgrims.

My experience (of three caminos) has been that most dogs choose to be oblivious to the passage of pilgrims (not even worth raising an eyebrow...) - but cars and tractors were good for chasing...

Those dogs that did get excited about the approach of pilgrims were inevitably behind a fence.

 

[Jo A]

Every farm?!! I may have to reconsider going if this is true…

Don't let it put you off,I'm having a great time. The majority of dogs are fine I was just unlucky. Just walk with other pilgrims through hamlets if concerned.

 

[Vanozza]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

I carry a small stun gun for scaring off bad dogs before they can get close enough to bite! You should probably also report this to the police.

 

[Jo A]

In the EU, a rabies shot is only obligatory if the dog is going to cross a border, not if the animal remains at home or within the country of origin. Regret to inform, but if you manage to locate the owner and overcome the language barrier, you still won't get assurance.

@Jo A did the right thing by getting a tetanus shot and antibiotics.

Doctor said rabies is only a concern if it was a wild dog, this was a farm dog. I'm pretty sure if my approach was noisy or with a group of people the dog would not have bothered me, as most dogs along the way do. Lesson learned.

 

[Jilly123]

I carry a small stun gun for scaring off bad dogs before they can get close enough to bite! You should probably also report this to the police.

A troubling reply. What defines, to you, a 'bad' dog? Dogs are usually doing what they are meant to do....defending their area and their owners. A dog is not 'bad' because it reacts....and using a stun gun on a dog BEFORE it gets to your definition of close is an act of cruelty. Talk softly with a high pitch, continue walking slowly, change the direction slightly of your walk so you are not heading directly into his territory, and do not look the dog in the eye.

 

[mattythedog]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

I was also attacked by an unleashed dog leaving Hospital de Orbigos a few weeks ago and pushed it off with my trekking poles to get past. I generally like dogs and knew it was protecting the ladies walking it, so I didn’t kill it. Stray attack dog would not be so lucky. Like another post, carrying poles in pack is absolute waste. I use mine at all times, even walking to doors of cafes

 

[MinaKamina]

Doctor said rabies is only a concern if it was a wild dog, this was a farm dog. I'm pretty sure if my approach was noisy or with a group of people the dog would not have bothered me, as most dogs along the way do. Lesson learned.

Doctor knows best. The tetanus shot is far more relevant, and it will last a decade.

Buen Camino!

 

[Robert Gomez]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

Sorry to hear you got bitten. As has been suggested taking walking pokes is a good idea. We also take a dog repellent. It is an electronic gadget that emits a high pitch sound that does not harm the dogs but keep them at bay. It has saved our bacon more than once as we tend to do very long treks (1000 miles+).

 

[tpalmercurl]

I was walking on my own on the way to O Cebreiro a couple of years ago. No other pilgrims in sight. I came upon a meadow with a dozen or so cows behind a wire (not barbed wire) fence, and a guard dog. The dog approached me aggressively, stopping just a few feet ahead. (No, I did not have walking sticks.) He growled and looked menacing. There was no route around him, so I stood wondering what to do. After a moment another pilgrim joined me. We decided to try advancing very slowly. Heads down, we moved forward. The dog stepped aside, but followed closely until we were clear of the fence and leaving his territory. (That was one long walk, I'll tell you!)

Will be back on the Camino this fall to complete the walk to Santiago, and for sure will have sticks in hand! But I wanted to share this episode. As others have said, often the dog is doing his job and doesn't want to harm you unnecessarily.

Jo, sorry your encounter took a different turn. Wishing everyone a safe walk!

 

[Morg]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

Sorry to hear this Jo, I absolutely love dogs , however years ago I was attacked by strays and when making plans to walk the Camino this was a concern, kept my poles in my hands all the time! Thankfully only needed to use them once . Enjoy the rest of your Camino Jo.

 

[headoverheels]

Don't let it put you off,I'm having a great time. The majority of dogs are fine I was just unlucky. Just walk with other pilgrims through hamlets if concerned.

Exactly. Don't let this put you off your camino, please. I love dogs and surely met a lot of them on my 5 caminos but I mostly took advantage and pet them and played with them. Even with the barking lot, they usually changed mind after I started to talk to them in kind tone and invited them to come closer. There were a few who refused this approach of course, but stopped barking and went their way quite obviously disgusted by a pilgrim who didn't play her expected fear part. Only once, just before I arrived to SJPDP which was my final point that time I met one border kolia that actually run after me with obvious intention to attack. I used the voice this time, too, in a very harsh tone for a change. Wanted to hit the ground, not the dog! with my walking stick at the same time to highlight my words but it actually broke in two. So I bent over to throw it out of the way but the dog apparently thought I'm grabbing something to hit him so he turned immediately and run away. You know, I think we are invading their territories not the other way round and I heard from too many fellow pilgrims how bad they're behaving towards the village dogs in advance just to prevent them from trying anything whenever the dogs just want to approach and see who's coming, that I actually feel sorry for all these dogs who can't change their living space and have to deal with us all on a daily basis. Then please think about it the other way. How do you think the dog which was just curious and gained a bad experience with some people would turn out later on? How would he behave towards the next pilgrim? I think we have one result at the beginning of this thread. I'm really sorry this happened to you, Jo A, but, please, don't make this ruin your camino experience and especially, don't start to think other dogs will react the same way. Please try the opposite approach at least once if you can, invite the dogs to come to you, I promise if they're not going to be happy they'll at least ignore you. Btw., folks, do you know the chained and barking dogs just at the outskirts of Logroño? I played with every one of them. They licked my hands. Second time I went there I took a bit of a snack for them and they loved it (o.k. this is not recommandable to give something to another person's dog but I just wanted to make them happy because I've hard way too many people harrased them because they actually feared them). And the first time, I met an old lady in front of one of the houses with a truly hug old dog on a chain in front of it. I asked her if I can touch him because I was already talking to him and he waved his tail and she smiled and let me and then she laughed when the old dog played as a puppy, on his back with all four in the air. So, friends, please, don't think about the dogs and of course also other animals on your caminos not only in Spain as of your enemies. Sorry for this exhausting reaction but I think the "guilty party" here can't speak for themselves...

 

[Jo A]

Exactly. Don't let this put you off your camino, please. I love dogs and surely met a lot of them on my 5 caminos but I mostly took advantage and pet them and played with them. Even with the barking lot, they usually changed mind after I started to talk to them in kind tone and invited them to come closer. There were a few who refused this approach of course, but stopped barking and went their way quite obviously disgusted by a pilgrim who didn't play her expected fear part. Only once, just before I arrived to SJPDP which was my final point that time I met one border kolia that actually run after me with obvious intention to attack. I used the voice this time, too, in a very harsh tone for a change. Wanted to hit the ground, not the dog! with my walking stick at the same time to highlight my words but it actually broke in two. So I bent over to throw it out of the way but the dog apparently thought I'm grabbing something to hit him so he turned immediately and run away. You know, I think we are invading their territories not the other way round and I heard from too many fellow pilgrims how bad they're behaving towards the village dogs in advance just to prevent them from trying anything whenever the dogs just want to approach and see who's coming, that I actually feel sorry for all these dogs who can't change their living space and have to deal with us all on a daily basis. Then please think about it the other way. How do you think the dog which was just curious and gained a bad experience with some people would turn out later on? How would he behave towards the next pilgrim? I think we have one result at the beginning of this thread. I'm really sorry this happened to you, Jo A, but, please, don't make this ruin your camino experience and especially, don't start to think other dogs will react the same way. Please try the opposite approach at least once if you can, invite the dogs to come to you, I promise if they're not going to be happy they'll at least ignore you. Btw., folks, do you know the chained and barking dogs just at the outskirts of Logroño? I played with every one of them. They licked my hands. Second time I went there I took a bit of a snack for them and they loved it (o.k. this is not recommandable to give something to another person's dog but I just wanted to make them happy because I've hard way too many people harrased them because they actually feared them). And the first time, I met an old lady in front of one of the houses with a truly hug old dog on a chain in front of it. I asked her if I can touch him because I was already talking to him and he waved his tail and she smiled and let me and then she laughed when the old dog played as a puppy, on his back with all four in the air. So, friends, please, don't think about the dogs and of course also other animals on your caminos not only in Spain as of your enemies. Sorry for this exhausting reaction but I think the "guilty party" here can't speak for themselves...

Personally I wouldn't approach any dog that wasn't with the owner. I have lovely boastress terrier at home who will bark at anything passing home, it's territorial I know. In this instance I wasn't even close to farmyard entrance but opposite side of lane and did keep walking and did nothing to threaten him . Didn't stop him from bitting despite I'd already passed.

 

[Sue127]

Doctor said rabies is only a concern if it was a wild dog, this was a farm dog. I'm pretty sure if my approach was noisy or with a group of people the dog would not have bothered me, as most dogs along the way do. Lesson learned.

I like your positive attitude. I met a few noisy dogs on the CF last year, none attacked but one came and gave me many warning barks as I was videoing a herd of sheep passing by (hence wobbly end to recording), but I think he was only doing his job.

 

[camino.ninja]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

was it a big Mastiff dog? It would probably be good to report it to the police. I think I have met the same dog a couple of times

 

[SkyDancer]

Has anyone tried this:

‎Dog Repellent - 3D Sound PRO

‎Dog Repellent - 3D Sound with adjustable frequency, is the perfect app to chase away agresive stray dogs. By using a special "3D Audio Technology" and an adjustable pitch, this app can repel most animals, that don't normally react to one particular sound. It can also be used to train your dog...

apps.apple.com

 

[Jeff Robinson]

I read all of the replies, except for the one that was..uhh...large and no one mentioned what NOT to do. From my experience with dogs as a paperboy in the U.S., on the Camino, and from volunteering at the Pilgrim Office and speaking with Pilgrims who had been bitten, my advice is DO NOT RUN.

First of all, you can't outrun the dog and secondly, his instinct is to take his prey down by biting the back of its legs. What you should do is: Face the dog with your sticks crossed in front of you and back away. If he continues to approach you in an unfriendly manner you may have to bang your sticks together and shout aggressively as you continue to back away. If there is more than one dog, do NOT let either of them get behind you. You may have to back away a little more quickly. Do not try to run backward. But make it clear you will not tolerate being surrounded.

I agree with the others. The dog is most likely protecting its turf. He doesn't want a fight. He wants to make it clear that you are not welcome.

One more thing (from personal experience). I know most people don't walk in the dark but, in case anyone finds themselves in that situation, a bright light in their face will stop them, at least momentarily, because they are stunned and can't see you. Keep backing away.

I'll be on the France' and volunteering in Santiago in August and September (2021).
Buen Camino!

 

[arobins]

Has anyone tried this:

‎Dog Repellent - 3D Sound PRO

‎Dog Repellent - 3D Sound with adjustable frequency, is the perfect app to chase away agresive stray dogs. By using a special "3D Audio Technology" and an adjustable pitch, this app can repel most animals, that don't normally react to one particular sound. It can also be used to train your dog...

apps.apple.com

I downloaded after reading reviews. I don't have a dog, but will try it on dogs in neighbors yards when I go for morning walks. It's definitely worth a try. Yep, I've been bitten and love dogs, so why not try this app. If it doesn't work, then plan B is trekking poles. Be safe, Buen Camino

 

[arobins]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

Thanks for the great information. So sorry to hear of your misfortune. Hope rest of your journey goes well.

 

[henrythedog]

I carry a small stun gun for scaring off bad dogs before they can get close enough to bite! You should probably also report this to the police.

You might want to reconsider that in Europe.

 

[Katia Taam]

Just have some kind o spray, a deodorant will do. Dogs are always afraid of smelly sprays. My parentes had lots of dogs - big ones - and they always solved fights with deodorant spray.

 

[Former member 91017]

I downloaded after reading reviews. I don't have a dog, but will try it on dogs in neighbors yards when I go for morning walks. It's definitely worth a try. Yep, I've been bitten and love dogs, so why not try this app. If it doesn't work, then plan B is trekking poles. Be safe, Buen Camino

What? You re going to assault dogs' hearing/ears in their own gardens??????
Surely not.

 

[ISABEL linares]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

I hope you are ok,those unleash dogs are dangerous, you should have reported to the police.Buen camino

 

[SabsP]

I carry a small stun gun for scaring off bad dogs before they can get close enough to bite! You should probably also report this to the police.

As far as I know stun guns can only be used by police and military in Spain ( when in action ).

Bad enough that pepper spray is now legal in Spain.

I already told it in an earlier thread : I prefer to sleep in the freezing cold in a church porch than to share a dormitory with a pilgrim who has a weapon in his/ her backpack.

 

[CalgaryLynn]

There are lots of dogs on the CF. Most of them are not interested in pilgrims. They seem rather indifferent to pilgrims. The dogs often sleep in the Sun as pilgrims pass by, Those that make noise are mostly those chained, or behind fences…many of whom are just looking for a little TLC.

However, the CF is a well traveled route…and dogs are used to seeing pilgrims.

I think this is very true. As a dog owner, my pet is always more aggressive when she is on a leash. I think it is because she feels she can't protect herself or me when she is constrained. If off leash, she approaches everyone with a wagging tail.

 

[CalgaryLynn]

A troubling reply. What defines, to you, a 'bad' dog? Dogs are usually doing what they are meant to do....defending their area and their owners. A dog is not 'bad' because it reacts....and using a stun gun on a dog BEFORE it gets to your definition of close is an act of cruelty. Talk softly with a high pitch, continue walking slowly, change the direction slightly of your walk so you are not heading directly into his territory, and do not look the dog in the eye.

Agreed, if anyone used a stun gun on my pup, they would have a very irate owner to deal with. Circle around them and get off their territory is the best answer. They are just doing their "job". Most dogs bark only as a warning.

 

[palmah]

I downloaded after reading reviews. I don't have a dog, but will try it on dogs in neighbors yards when I go for morning walks. It's definitely worth a try. Yep, I've been bitten and love dogs, so why not try this app. If it doesn't work, then plan B is trekking poles. Be safe, Buen Camino

I’d like to know what you think of the app after you use it. I am a bit of a scaredy-cat when it comes to dogs. Thanks

 

[Former member 59618]

I carry a small stun gun for scaring off bad dogs before they can get close enough to bite! You should probably also report this to the police.

ugh that's so unnecessary....

 

[Kerry R May]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

So sorry to hear of this Jo, it certainly would have been frightening.

 

[Hiawatha]

A ruse I learned as a young six year old boy having to pass by aggressive dogs on the way to school and back each day . Yell , yell loud ! Then stoop and act as if you are picking up rocks to throw even though there may be none . Raise your arms and rush , act as if you are throwing rocks at them and keep yelling . Aggressive dogs are used to timid humans backing down, one seeming to attack un nerves them to the point where they retreat.
Of course if it happens to be a trained enforcer or attack dog this won't work but such animals are rare , highly trained and usually protect oligarchs . A rural farm animal won't have been challenged like this before and will almost certainly run .
A trick to keep in your arsenal as well as good poles .

 

[dick bird]

ugh that's so unnecessary....

I'm sure the local police will be most interested to hear somebody is walking around Spain with a stun gun.

 

[VNwalking]

carry a small stun gun for scaring off bad dogs before they can get close enough to bite! You should probably also report this to the police.

That stun gun is illegal in Spain. So don't be surprised if someone reports you to the police.
Please. Leave it at home.

 

[AlpacaArte]

In the EU, a rabies shot is only obligatory if the dog is going to cross a border, not if the animal remains at home or within the country of origin. Regret to inform, but if you manage to locate the owner and overcome the language barrier, you still won't get assurance.

@Jo A did the right thing by getting a tetanus shot and antibiotics.

Absolutely not true. In Spain and France it is obligatory for all dogs to be microchipped and to have an up to date rabies vaccination. In Spain boosters are annual - France are 3 yearly. It has nothing to do with the EU.

 

[dick bird]

I carry a small stun gun for scaring off bad dogs before they can get close enough to bite! You should probably also report this to the police.

I can't believe this is serious. I have deleted what I was going to say, but I am frankly shocked by this post.

 

[Sparrow in Texas]

Another suggestion, remove your hat when you are walking near dogs. My own experience near home and what dog owners in Spain have told me is that some dogs are afraid of people wearing hats. What concerns me about a few of the responses on this thread is that while you might succeed in scaring a dog away one time, you might have just taught the dog that people with walking poles and hats are not to be trusted and must be made to go away. This coming from me who has lifelong experience with dogs and advised by top dog behaviorists.

 

[MinaKamina]

Absolutely not true. In Spain and France it is obligatory for all dogs to be microchipped and to have an up to date rabies vaccination. In Spain boosters are annual - France are 3 yearly. It has nothing to do with the EU.

Rabies vaccinations are voluntary in Galicia, Catalunya and Pais Vasco.

 

[MaineSally]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

Is tetanus shot the same as rabies shots?
5 Answers
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Timothy Sly
, Epidemiologist, professor, Ryerson University, Toronto,
Answered 3 years ago · Author has 7K answers and 22.6M answer views
Originally Answered: Would an injection of tetanus help with the rabies vaccine?
NO. These are COMPLETELY different pathologies, caused by different agents, with different processes of protection. The ONLY place they cross paths is that a physician may decide to give you a tetanus shot to protect you against soil entering a wound caused by an animal bite around the same time as the rabies shot are started.

I, personally, would be a wee bit uncomfortable with a tetanus shot followed by antibiotics if proof of rabies vaccination for the animal was unavailable. Second opinion? Call back to your primary care doctor?

 

[Kathor1]

I, personally, would be a wee bit uncomfortable with a tetanus shot followed by antibiotics if proof of rabies vaccination for the animal was unavailable. Second opinion? Call back to your primary care doctor?

Internet says that tetanus shot and antibiotics are not unusual treatment in Europe after being bitten by domestic dog. The mouth and teeth of dogs can carry many micro organisms, among them clostridium tetani which causes tetanus. Other typical dog bite bacteria are apparently pasteurella, streptococcus, staphylococcus und neisseria. I am not a doctor but it sounds like @Jo A received good care at the medical centre in Sarria, as one would expect. Buen Camino, @Jo A!!!

For what it's worth, the internet also says that there is no general obligation to vaccinate dogs against rabies in France, only dogs who are classified as dangerous dogs such as Rottweiler, Pitbull, etc. But that is France, not Spain. Rabies is not endemic in Spain/France/Germany/Switzerland etc.

 

[dick bird]

Full on attacks by dogs in Spain are incredibly rare - so rare that when one does occur the animal involved is quickly identified and located (and the subject of a very long thread) on the forum. This should be reassuring rather than otherwise. I sympathise with any of you that is frightened by dogs - we all have our personal Room 101 - but there are several million dogs in Spain so I am afraid you must come to terms with the fact that you will encounter several of them, and of those, some will bark.

If a dog barks at you it is either confined, or loose. If it is confined we can move on sparing a thought for the neighbours who are probably thoroughly fed up, not so much with the dog barking, but by the pilgrims who wake it up by tapping along with their sticks at 5 o'clock on the morning (or afternoon).

If it loose, it is barking because it thinks you are an intruder, or threat, or both. It is your job to convince it otherwise. Stop, back slowly away. This is what we do in Australia when we see a snake, my personal Room 101. Snakes will go away, dogs will stand their ground. You now have the option of trying to pass, keeping as far as you can away from whatever it was the dog was trying to protect (probably sheep), or making a detour around the block or the other side of the field.

Shouting, waving, brandishing your stick, throwing imaginary stones, flapping your jacket etc may intimidate the dog. Then again, they may simply alarm and convince the dog of your evil intentions. Remember, dogs have no idea of their own size.

Using any kind of weapon or device that will cause pain or injury to the dog is wrong, and likely to get you into serious trouble with the owner and/or police.

 

[Anniesantiago]

I'm so sorry this happened to you.
I'm scared to death of aggressive dogs, having been attacked by a pit bull as a young woman.
I've always used advice I THINK was given by Rebekkah, which is to pick up a rock.
Just pick up a rock - you don't even have to act like you're going to throw it.
Every dog I've met has turned and run.
It's worked every time for the occasional barking dog.

On the other hand, if there is a flock of sheep or herd of cattle the dog is guarding, I just step aside and wait for them all to pass - he's just doing his job.

 

[Owen Duguay]

Hello Jo A. It seems you did the right thing.
@ Wasn't sure wether to run or what! @ I kept walking faster down the way. Never run from a dog as it is their instinct to go after prey. Stop. Use your knapsack or batons or stick to hold in front of you but don't hit the dog. Back away slowly. Shout if he is threating but don't look straight into his eyes. I sure hope you enjoy the rest of your Camino. And yes I love dogs.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

When I was bitten by a Rottweiler near my home, the dog was impounded overnight to check for rabies, and I was given a tetnus shot, but no antibiotics.

 

[Former member 98118]

I walked today from O Cebreiro to Sarria and passed at least 4 huge dogs, unleashed, just laying down and contemplating their life. They seemed to be stoned, or maybe just inhaling the calming, sweet smell of cow manure covering the streets of Galician villages. Just look at this cutie below, he wouldn't even turn his head for a photo...



Update Saturday 7:20 am
Watch out for this beast in Barbadelo past Sarria. He may want to lick your hand
Side note: the march of sarriagrinos didn't change much. Stopped for a coffee in Batbadelo and more pilgrims passed by than I have seen since SJPdP

 

[Darby67]

My experience with dogs in my life is mixed: I love them to pieces but was also viciously attacked as a child. So when a large dog of certain breeds comes up on me I want to both grab them give them a giant hug and relive my childhood event at the same time. But since my childhood event I've not had any cause for alarm.

Ascending and the following day descending O Cebreiro solo in the snow in winter 2018 was the first time I have been terrified. Ascending there was one enormous mastiff/German Shepard mix that I thought was the last thing I would see as it came bounding down the trail at me. It defended me from several dogs attacking me in La Faba and La Laguna. Two of the working mountain dogs were of a size that even with my walking sticks would have done serious damage to me. And they apparently thought I was a threat to their livestock. But this dog that I couldn't encourage to leave me escorted me the entire walk up and left me just before the Igrexa de Santa Maria.

Descending I encountered several other aggressive dogs, mostly small to medium that with sticks and a stern voice weren't of much concern. But the ground was incredibly icy there was always that one dog in the pack that was either just hanging out or that was seemingly waiting for the others to potentially knock a person down near Fillobal.

And that was it. Huge loving dogs in all locations. Thank god that enormous beast at Alto de Poio is a giant wookie teddy bear mixed with The Dude. If you've seen it, you know it.

 

[Albertagirl]

A fierce dog once came after me on the Frances, barking loudly. It was somewhat hampered by the metal anchor which it had clearly pulled out of the ground in an attempt to get at me. I stood still for a while, as it circled around behind me and stayed there, continuing to bark. I am quite amused at suggestions that a pilgrim accosted by a dog should face it from the front and not let it get behind them. That dog could move a lot faster than I. Eventually, I started to move, very slowly, away from the dog, which continued to follow me for a while. Then it must have decided that I was out of its territory and simply lost interest. I was certainly afraid, as I took the dog's anchor dragged behind it as a sign that it was thought to be a dangerous dog, which ought to be tied up.

 

[dick bird]

The bending down to pick up a stone trick is used pretty well worldwide, and it works a lot of the time. But not all the time. The only problem with it is that it depends on the dog's learnt behaviour. By the way, if a dog really is going to attack you, it won't oblige you with a warning first. The bark is a warning. It wants you to go away. Go away. Slowly, and as calmly as you can.

 

[Albertagirl]

The only problem with it is that it depends on the dog's learnt behaviour.

It also gets my face a lot closer to the teeth of a fierce dog than I would prefer.

 

[RJM]

As far as I know stun guns can only be used by police and military in Spain ( when in action ).

Bad enough that pepper spray is now legal in Spain.

I already told it in an earlier thread : I prefer to sleep in the freezing cold in a church porch than to share a dormitory with a pilgrim who has a weapon in his/ her backpack.

trekking poles and pocket knives are weapons.....

 

[Former member 91017]

trekking poles and pocket knives are weapons.....

I think, right there, that you’ve identified why so many Albergue require that we leave our poles at the entry.
As to the pocket knife… I think that falls into the category of “with enough creativity anything can be used as a weapon”.
If the attitude determines the weapon, I know that I am much more fearful of the person looking for a fight than of a person looking for a large wedge of cheese.
And *I* personally, prefer not to be near to someone who has chosen to bring with them something that is a *weapon by design*.

It’s just seeking trouble.

On my first camino there was a man for the first few days… he took heaps of sleeping pills at night. He told everyone round him that he had 12 prescription drugs with him to zonk any of us out if desired. We all just kind of stared and then ignored…

BUT — he was looking for conflict.

On night one, he hallucinated that the young couple in the bunks beside him had done something awful and threatened to seriously harm the young man in the couple over the next 3 days. We did not see the young couple again after Puente de la Reina … I think they got “off stage” to get away from him.
His hostilities turned to me.

I had work to do on the night we arrived in Puente de La Reina. I did not join people for supper. He told the large table that he joined that I had stayed behind for a shower rendezvous with a young French man. There was a young French man with whom I would converse. Perfectly nice. For a thousand reasons of my own the story was absurd.

But by the next morning, the drugged up man was telling everyone that I needed a punch in the head.
The French man had come into the dorm somewhat later, and had started to spray something that smelled actually very nice. In French, I asked him what it was and said it smelled very nice. Like lavender I thought… and he said it was bedbug spray. Well, because the nasty many was below me and quite gaseous, I thought that the lovely smelling bedbug spray was *hilarious* and I got the giggles.
And for that I was to be soundly beaten at the first opportunity from the drugged up man — who had also claimed to have all the ‘control weapons that you’d expect a former marine to be carrying’.

Weapons have no place on camino. Taking them with one IHMO breaks the very wise advise, “Do not pack your fears.”

—- We never saw the hostile man again after the approach to Burgos. I don’t think he had found Hemingway by then, and nobody would talk to him after Estrella.

 

[RJM]

I think, right there, that you’ve identified why so many Albergue require that we leave our poles at the entry.
As to the pocket knife… I think that falls into the category of “with enough creativity anything can be used as a weapon”.
If the attitude determines the weapon, I know that I am much more fearful of the person looking for a fight than of a person looking for a large wedge of cheese.
And *I* personally, prefer not to be near to someone who has chosen to bring with them something that is a *weapon by design*.

It’s just seeking trouble.

On my first camino there was a man for the first few days… he took heaps of sleeping pills at night. He told everyone round him that he had 12 prescription drugs with him to zonk any of us out if desired. We all just kind of stared and then ignored…

BUT — he was looking for conflict.

On night one, he hallucinated that the young couple in the bunks beside him had done something awful and threatened to seriously harm the young man in the couple over the next 3 days. We did not see the young couple again after Puente de la Reina … I think they got “off stage” to get away from him.
His hostilities turned to me.

I had work to do on the night we arrived in Puente de La Reina. I did not join people for supper. He told the large table that he joined that I had stayed behind for a shower rendezvous with a young French man. There was a young French man with whom I would converse. Perfectly nice. For a thousand reasons of my own the story was absurd.

But by the next morning, the drugged up man was telling everyone that I needed a punch in the head.
The French man had come into the dorm somewhat later, and had started to spray something that smelled actually very nice. In French, I asked him what it was and said it smelled very nice. Like lavender I thought… and he said it was bedbug spray. Well, because the nasty many was below me and quite gaseous, I thought that the lovely smelling bedbug spray was *hilarious* and I got the giggles.
And for that I was to be soundly beaten at the first opportunity from the drugged up man — who had also claimed to have all the ‘control weapons that you’d expect a former marine to be carrying’.

Weapons have no place on camino. Taking them with one IHMO breaks the very wise advise, “Do not pack your fears.”

—- We never saw the hostile man again after the approach to Burgos. I don’t think he had found Hemingway by then, and nobody would talk to him after Estrella.

Obviously the Camino, any of the routes, is not utopia. Never has been and never will be. Only the naive would think it could be. The various pilgrimage routes since medieval times have always been plagued with criminals, drunks, whores and nowadays dopers. Crazies, mentally ill and flakes. Animals, both wild and domestic making contact with pilgrims as well. Unfortunately I have had two negative/violent contacts on the Camino. One animal, a Rottweiler on the Portugues who tried to bite me and also on the Portugues a man who tried to accost me by grabbing my arm and pulling me towards him what I assumed to be an attempt to rob me(?). The dog got two trekking poles grasped together slammed down with force on top of his head and neck. He ran away. The man who grabbed me I had about four inches of height and 20 kilos of weight on him and he ended up on the dirt road being kicked in the ribs until he crawled/ran off. He chose poorly, as did the dog.
Unfortunately it sounds like you ran into one of the violent crazies. I am sorry for that. I have seen a few crazy idiots in the albergues and I immediately give them wide berth and I suppose if it was bad enough I would seek another albergue. Also drunks in the albergues. They can be rather boring, as I suppose they were hundreds of years ago as well.

 

[Loretta Jane]

A fierce dog once came after me on the Frances, barking loudly. It was somewhat hampered by the metal anchor which it had clearly pulled out of the ground in an attempt to get at me. I stood still for a while, as it circled around behind me and stayed there, continuing to bark. I am quite amused at suggestions that a pilgrim accosted by a dog should face it from the front and not let it get behind them. That dog could move a lot faster than I. Eventually, I started to move, very slowly, away from the dog, which continued to follow me for a while. Then it must have decided that I was out of its territory and simply lost interest. I was certainly afraid, as I took the dog's anchor dragged behind it as a sign that it was thought to be a dangerous dog, which ought to be tied up.

I had an aggressive dog come barking and growling at me and showed me his teeth. After being stunned for a couple of seconds I crossed my arms in front of my chest and slowly kept walking. The dog followed at my heels and seemed interested in the straps hanging from my backpack. I just kept going and eventually the dog got bored left.

 

[Former member 62607]

Walking the via francigena through France i have never encountered so many dogs, usually behind f ences, but nontheless still intimidating and aggressive. I remember one being almost demented in its frenzied attempts to get at us. ONly one scary encounter though, with a rottweiler who came out through open gates looking very viscious. My walking partner walked swiftly past leaving me to stand facing the dog. on the basis that he only needed to be able to outrun me (!!!) and now at a safe distance, he shouted at me to get out of the dogs territory. Of course i had every intention of doing so but knew one of us at least had to face the music because both of us walking seiftly past or worse, running Means you are toast, so i faced up to the dog and planted my poles squarely in front of me, looking slightly to the side of the dog as they interpret eye contact as aggression apparently, and slowly slowly backed away. The dog was confused by this i think and eventually backed off himself and eventually lost interest as i got further away. As someone else said dont run as they will instinctively chase. Its a balance between looking like standing your ground whilst also looking unthreatening and slowly retreating. We met two dutch people who carried dog scarers, high pitched noise emitters i think, but i am not sure they wouldnt just scare a dog and make it more aggressive as a result.
The dogs behind fences were very sneaky too, lying in wait so they could get max effect by launching an attack when you were right by the fence and were unaware they were there, its a wonder i didnt have several heart attacks.

 

[Juno]

Please be careful walking through small hamlet before Tricastela. Just before Ramil. Walking through Monday morning on my own. 2 chained dogs barking aggressively and 3rd off chain ran towards me barking. Wasn't sure wether to run or what! It bite me on top of thigh but luckily then stopped and I kept walking faster down the way. Later a kind pilgrim patched me up when I realised I was still bleeding. Ended up getting a taxi to Sarria medical centre for tetanus and antibiotics. Ok but now feeling apprehensive at every small hamlet!

I’ve heard that bending down as if to pick up a stone or picking one up will make them back off. I’ve had good results from doing that if my poles are in my rucksack. It’s the little dogs that can be worse.

 

[dailycamino]

As a former long time cyclist, another option is to grab your squeeze-able water bottle (I notice some people carry on the hip so this could work for them, keep your pop top open), spray it in the face of the dog/s. Works well on a bike when I’ve been chased by packs on a bike and you can get your message across to more than one at once, it surprises and scares them but doesn’t really harm them.

 

[camino.ninja]

Wolves are more dangerous!

Iberian wolfs are pretty small and never attacks humans.

 

[peregrina2000]

I wouldn’t be surprised if the number of loose dogs in general reflects the fact that for the last year and a half, no one has been walking through these farms and villages.

But it’s time to close this thread. Fortunately, loose aggressive dogs are a real rarity on the Camino Francés, and nothing will be gained by more debate over how best to react if you should be so unlucky as to encounter one.