Dogs on the Camino de Santiago - Are you worried?

[@robscamino]

Dogs can be a worry for first time Pilgrims. They tend to be an issue on the more remote Camino routes. Have you had any memorable dog encounters?

[@paulafitz532]

Thank you

[@robscamino]

Most dogs you meet are nice!

[@TheStefan882]

A dog bite me once in La Faba, Camino Francés. I was walking the regular path and the dog attacked me from behind. This dog also bite another pilgrim, she was a few minutes behind me. Luckly, another pilgrim helped me with my wound and I visited a doctor later. Since this experience I am wearing trekking poles and a dog Repeller device. Good part here... trekking poles are super useful, not only for a bit more protection! 😉

[@robscamino]

Sadly we do come across aggressive dogs from time to time

[@patrickmooney4135]

I love dogs even if they are barking at me. My big fear with dogs on the Camino is that I'd make friends with one and then it just decides to walk along with me. And then someone thinks that I'm stealing their dog. :-)

[@robscamino]

That can happen. We've had Dogs follow us a couple of times. It's a problem because many dogs then get lost. So it's best to never encourage them. BUT... Most of the dogs you'll meet in rural area are working dogs not pets. Sheep dogs, guardian dogs and the like. They are NOT friendly. They are doing their job protecting livestock and property and are best avoided! I have been 'cornered' a couple of times on remote routes and it can be a bit scary.

[@patrickmooney4135]

@@robscamino I'd have to agree with you on that one. Working dogs at work shouldn't be messed with. Cheers, Rob!

[@robscamino]

I had a couple of scary moments. On the VdlP. Two German Shepherds got quite aggressive as I passed a farm. One came out of the gate and followed me on the path, while his buddy went wide and arrived ahead of me. Another time we had three Maremma Sheepdogs (might have been Mastifs) spot us on a path about 300-400 metres from their flock that was in the middle of a field. They came across the field at full speed to intercept.......... Steer clear of working dogs!

[@mramazingtroy]

I got bitten by a dog 32 km from Santiago on the Iinvierno. I decided to put my headphones in to listen to the morning news . When I felt a searing pain. I turned around to see a dog running off and blood on my leg. I started screaming at the owner about the dog who shugged her shoulders and turned her back on me. The worse thing was that this happened to two other people the next two days.

[@robscamino]

Wow! Did you report it to the police? We'll be on that section next year, we'll watch out!

[@mramazingtroy]

​@@robscaminounfortunately no. TBH I didn't have any idea what I could and should do in this circumstance. The owner didn't care even though I made it clear what her dog did but I was mentally frazzled and on a mission to finish asap and rest up for a couple of days in Santiago. One of the guys that got bitten said that he would post it on some forum. Maybe next time I'll look into who to contact even to warn other pilgrims before I leave.

[@robscamino]

@@mramazingtroy I think I would have been 'frazzled' Too !

[@robscamino]

"Dogs of the Camino, Scaring Pilrims since 1140" 🙄