• For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here.
    (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation)

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Dangerous dog between Triacastela and Sarria (2019)

Status
Not open for further replies.

MBT2301

New Member
Time of past OR future Camino
Camino Frances
To all those walking from Triacastela to Sarria. Beware of dangerous dog that bit me quite badly this morning.
The location was about 20mins after leaving Triacastela, you walk down a hill into a very small hamlet of about 2 or 3 house plus some farm buildings. There is a vending machine in one of the houses. As I walked across a bridge over a small stream there was a very large herding dog lying in the road. I glanced at it..nothing more..and it went for me and gave me a nasty bite on my arm. Have just finished at Sarria hospital getting a tetanus injection. If you see this dog..stay well clear of it.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
I hope you are ok. Please report it so it might not happen to someone else. I have been attacked a few times and literally fought the dogs off with my staff, though not on the Camino Frances (Via Podiensis and Camino San Salvador). I am really wary nowadays.

Don't let it spoil your camino, Ultreia!
Davey
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
Join our full-service guided tour and let us convert you into a Pampered Pilgrim!
No. Not anywhere in Europe that I know of. A big stick is legal though. So is an axe, but I find it a bit heavy! :cool:

Perhaps a few cries of "Odin" whilst waving the big axe might drop a hint to the doggie? :) Seriously tho, its no joke when it happens and I normally give such critters as wide a berth as possible whilst looking out for large rocks with which to give them a very severe headache if they get too near. I have never tried fazers yet but am always contemplating the issue. Walk soft and stay safe.

Buen camino

The Malingerer.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
I am a true dog loving person but walking the first day out of Oloron-Ste. Marie on the way to Somport I encountered 3 Alasatians who were protecting a flock of sheep. The sheep were behind a barb wired fence but the dogs were sitting outside of the fence along the old railroad track. They went on high alert as I approached and attacked me from all sides. If I had not had my poles I still wonder how I would have survived. I had to bloody one of them which diverted their attention enough to give me a chance to escape. I was shaking like a leaf for hours after the encounter.
 
To all those walking from Triacastela to Sarria. Beware of dangerous dog that bit me quite badly this morning.

Oh, this is so so sad to hear this. Galicia is particularly bad with big loose dogs. It was in Triacastela that I shared a table at breakfast with a peregrina who was waiting for a taxi. She said she just couldn’t cope anymore walking alone with all the BIG dogs at every farm and village she walked through. To add insult to injury another pilgrim said to her that if she didn’t like dogs she shouldn’t be walking the camino. What??
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Oh, this is so so sad to hear this. Galicia is particularly bad with big loose dogs. It was in Triacastela that I shared a table at breakfast with a peregrina who was waiting for a taxi. She said she just couldn’t cope anymore walking alone with all the BIG dogs at every farm and village she walked through. To add insult to injury another pilgrim said to her that if she didn’t like dogs she shouldn’t be walking the camino. What??
It's not a matter of "not" liking dogs, it's a matter of wanting to feel safe while walking. I've been scared of dogs a couple of times too, on the camino, but thankfully they never came after me!
 
I carry a whistle ...one used by the U. S. Coast Guard. It can be heard for a mile in undulating waves and stormy weather. I used it three times on the Portuguese Camino. While nary a single person was around (or made their presence known) it did deter the advancing, encircling dogs. The biggest offender was a mastif sized dog about 3-4km south of Ansiao. His side kick, what appeared to be a yellow lab, seemed indifferent.

It’s unsettling. Even a cadre of three to four small ankle biters worry me.

I share your angst when seeing an untethered dog, am grateful for the ones that are, and hope to heck their rope isn’t fraying nor their fence too low or unweildly!
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Brought this dazzer with me on the Invierno last year, got it from US after reading a lot about dangerous dogs in the forum. No scary dogs turned up, so I still do not know whether it would be useful or not. Have anybody seen the effect of using such?
Sorry about your trouble MBT2301!
 

Attachments

  • C0ECE251-BF10-463E-B79F-703059117147.jpeg
    C0ECE251-BF10-463E-B79F-703059117147.jpeg
    1.7 MB · Views: 92
To all those walking from Triacastela to Sarria. Beware of dangerous dog that bit me quite badly this morning.
The location was about 20mins after leaving Triacastela, you walk down a hill into a very small hamlet of about 2 or 3 house plus some farm buildings. There is a vending machine in one of the houses. As I walked across a bridge over a small stream there was a very large herding dog lying in the road. I glanced at it..nothing more..and it went for me and gave me a nasty bite on my arm. Have just finished at Sarria hospital getting a tetanus injection. If you see this dog..stay well clear of it.
thanks for the warning we’ll be there in a few days. I’ll be stick ready. Whack!!!
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
No scary dogs turned up,
No elephants either, I'll bet, so it works for them too. Bears? Snakes? Tigers?

A dog attack is no laughing matter, I agree. Still, they are quite rare, far rarer than Shirley MacLaine imagined, and she has a vivid imagination.

Local authorities want to control dangerous dogs, so report attacks to the police. Your hospitalero, or health clinic, can help you report. Rabies is seeing an increase in Spain, so there is danger in bites.

Wishing the OP a speedy recovery.
 
Encountered a Rotweiller type dog whilst on the Portugues. He was literally lying across the walking path as though he owned it and thinking "none shall pass" lol. I thought I would skirt around him without eye contact and all would be well, nonetheless I held both trekking poles in my strong hand, ready to use. My plan did not work and as soon as I reached a certain distance he jumped up, growling and barking and went for my lower legs/calves. One two-handed hard whack to the top of his shoulders and head along with some swear words questioning his bloodline was enough for him. He had an instant "oh no" look on his dog face and ran off. Mind you I love dogs, but I do not care if I injured him.
Another time I saw two large dogs on the path of the Frances in an isolated area. They looked like they were going to be trouble so I picked up some large rocks and went no closer to them and began throwing some sidearm fastballs their way. A couple of glancing shots and near misses and they ran away. The rocks remove any advantage they have of up close aggression as their teeth are their only device. Again, I do not mind if one of my rocks caused them pain or even minor injury.
Working/country dogs respect rocks and staffs/poles/sticks. They have been smacked by them their entire life and know the pain compliance. Do not be afraid to use whatever force you have available to prevent a dog attack.
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Another vote for carrying a trekking pole - on the via Podiensis every farm has a dog whose job it is to warn you off in French. This isn't a problem as they are chained up - until you get into the Basque country where they roam free. I've lost count of the number of times I've walked backwards for about 100 metres down a country road, followed by a dog telling me loudly what it's going to do to me if I don't clear off. At least, I think that's what they were saying, but I don't speak Dog French, so that's just a guess. They could have been giving me advice about accommodation in the next town, or asking if I liked Johnny Hallyday, but I doubt it.
However, I escaped unscathed simply by pointing the business end of my trekking pole at them until they got bored (dogs have a very short attention span) and turned back.
 
Another vote for carrying a trekking pole - on the via Podiensis every farm has a dog whose job it is to warn you off in French. This isn't a problem as they are chained up - until you get into the Basque country where they roam free. I've lost count of the number of times I've walked backwards for about 100 metres down a country road, followed by a dog telling me loudly what it's going to do to me if I don't clear off. At least, I think that's what they were saying, but I don't speak Dog French, so that's just a guess. They could have been giving me advice about accommodation in the next town, or asking if I liked Johnny Hallyday, but I doubt it.
However, I escaped unscathed simply by pointing the business end of my trekking pole at them until they got bored (dogs have a very short attention span) and turned back.
Johnny Hallyday was usually at the second bar, the dogs instinctively know that. RIP my dear friend.
Eddie Barclay, Johnny Haliday, Freddie Meyer, Brigitte Bardot - Voom Voom Club, St. Tropez (19...jpgA photo of Johnny with Brigitte Bardot and some friends of mine from late in the 1960's
 
Working/country dogs respect rocks and staffs/poles/sticks. They have been smacked by them their entire life and know the pain compliance. Do not be afraid to use whatever force you have available to prevent a dog attack.
Agreed. I had some unpleasant incidents with both individual and packs of aggressive dogs on the Sanabres this year. I followed some advice I had previously read on a thread here, to pick up a rock and ostentatiously threaten to throw it. It worked, but it takes a strong nerve, particularly if a dozen of them are coming at you. I do not think it is guaranteed to be always successful either. In particular, I do not believe it would deter a couple of the fortunately restrained german shepherds I have encountered.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
Agreed. I had some unpleasant incidents with both individual and packs of aggressive dogs on the Sanabres this year. I followed some advice I had previously read on a thread here, to pick up a rock and ostentatiously threaten to throw it. It worked, but it takes a strong nerve, particularly if a dozen of them are coming at you. I do not think it is guaranteed to be always successful either. In particular, I do not believe it would deter a couple of the fortunately restrained german shepherds I have encountered.
True, an actual trained working guard dog would not let a rock thrown his way stop his attack or you better put a big rock in his face at high velocity, but fortunately would be highly doubtful one would encounter such a valuable, expensive dog running vagabond on the Camino. Same goes for the huge mastiff sheep guard dogs. Simply to valuable to be running amok. Those ruffian dogs I encountered were no doubt owned by someone, but semi feral in nature. Perhaps their working days were over and they're let loose to pasture.
I have a friend who owns two mastiffs. Not for work but for pets. Quite friendly, but one quickly becomes aware of their strength and power when playing with them. They drag me around like a rag and I am a pretty big guy. I have no idea how I would deal with a rogue one on the Camino path.
 
The only really scary dog I've encountered was on the Invierno - a German Shepard being walked near Santalla del Bierzo. The guy on the other end of the leash warned me, but he hardly needed to: the snarling/lunging dog spoke volumes. I have no fear of dogs, but that was a very strange encounter because the guy was no prince charming, either.

What happened to @biarritzdon is fortunately not something to worry about on the Camino Francés. But it's wise anywhere to give dogs guarding stock a wider berth than you might think is necessary. They have a job and will do it.

For loose guard dogs, rocks are useful, and sticks. Any dog worth his or her kibble can tell if you are nervous, and it makes any encounter worse, so camoflage your fear with a confident stance and firm deep voice. Do not run. And if you have a squirt-top water bottle, the surprise effect is wonderful: a face-full of water can work wonders.
 
True, an actual trained working guard dog would not let a rock thrown his way stop his attack or you better put a big rock in his face at high velocity, but fortunately would be highly doubtful one would encounter such a valuable, expensive dog running vagabond on the Camino. Same goes for the huge mastiff sheep guard dogs. Simply to valuable to be running amok. Those ruffian dogs I encountered were no doubt owned by someone, but semi feral in nature. Perhaps their working days were over and they're let loose to pasture.
I have a friend who owns two mastiffs. Not for work but for pets. Quite friendly, but one quickly becomes aware of their strength and power when playing with them. They drag me around like a rag and I am a pretty big guy. I have no idea how I would deal with a rogue one on the Camino path.
The dozen or so I mentioned were actually huge sheep dogs! Mastiffs, I guess, and untethered. Guarding a small pen of doleful sheep located about 60 metres from the path. I had got lost, and they were not expecting pedestrians, to say the least. I had to walk past the damn things 4 times, and after the first encounter I took a large detour around them in through a neighbouring ploughed paddock. The craziest thing about it (other than me preparing to meet my doom) was that the first time, as they eventually backed-off, I could see in the distance behind them a fox slinking up on the far side of the sheep pen, hoping to snaffle a meal. The dogs were having such a whale of a time putting the wind up me that they had neglected the sheep they were supposed to protect.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
I agree with the earlier poster about the effectiveness of a rock on a dog. Here in the States, even if there was not a stone within reach, i would stoop while continuing to make eye contact (DO NOT LOOK AWAY because dogs take this as a sign of submission) and appear as if I were picking up a rock. This works for me every time.
 
Last edited:
Any time a dog bite is treated at a health center, a report is sent to Guardia Civil, or whichever police force covers the area. The police take these things very seriously... one of our dogs bit my husband one day when he was breaking up a dog-fight. The Guardia were at our house that same evening, warning us the dog cannot be off the lead outside the house and if another bite was blamed on that dog we would be fined heavily -- even if the victim was one of us!
 
Hi all– thought I'd share some of this info I've found. This pertains more to the Francés – but there's a great sign outside of Arzúa detailing what you should do if you encounter a road animal ( at least in Galicia). First, I am so sorry that this happened and hope you get better soon. I've walked the Camino seven times and have always encountered loose dogs of some kind, although never that grave of a situation. Encounters like these are less and less common on the busy Francés, especially in summer high season though. So, what to do if you encounter roaming dogs, a dog starts to follow you, its lost, or you suspect maltreatment/ animal abuse?

UPDATE: As @Pelegrin mentions below, 092 is only opened in large municipalities, so if that local police number is not accessible and theres a problem, use 112 to contact them.

If roaming loose AND/OR you think it might be lost:
Call Local police: 092, or APACA: 881.973.068– this is the Association for the Protection of Road Animals. Many times I've experienced this, and although I think its cute that they follow me, I often think about the fact that they could be or are lost.

If a dog is injured, proceed as if it was a human: Call Emergency: 112, provide it with shade and shelter, water if deemed necessary, but never move it. Also call APACA: 881.973.068.

If you suspect maltreatment or abuse of a dog along the Camino: Call SEPRONA: 062 (This is a unit of the Guardia Civil for Nature Protection Services) and deal with the locals in the case of animal abuse.

As always, watch for your safety first– but please also help our four legged friends when possible and don't only treat them as a threat. I lead a group of students along the Camino every year and always go over scenarios regarding dogs, horses, cattle, etc along the way, as I know that it could one day be useful. Last year on the Pradela route out of Villafranca, we encountered three large mastiffs on the path. The dogs pulled a Gandalf and said "you shall NOT pass". A few of our students that were ahead didn't listen to their behavior and trekked forward, trying to pass them (regardless of my instructions!! :rolleyes: )– almost getting bit or worse, mauled (dogs were working together, and they were huge). The rest of us turned around, backed up, and got the attention of the locals. This time, the super nice hospitaleros at the albergue in Pradela helped out. The gentleman mentioned that they are just curious working dogs from the farm above and only come down to the path in the mornings. He grabbed his large herding stick and escorted all of us out of Pradela till we were way past them. So... ask the locals. They know the dogs and the dogs know them back. A few other pointers from experience:

1. Always take off sunglasses when passing a dog. They are looking for your eyes/gaze and if they can't see them, they might feel threatened.
2. Try not to stare them down or look at them in the eye, but keep them at safe distance, wider berth and sight in your periphery.
3. Have trekking poles in the case that they do get uncomfortably close, or worse, lunge.

4. Reach out to the locals. Most of the time these are working dogs and may not be in the right place.
5. Refrain from petting dogs. On several occasions, students decided to treat working dogs like they would their pets back home and ended up at the clinic with flea bites all over. Thankfully that was the extent of the situation.

Be safe y'all! and Buen Camino!

IMG_5278.JPG
 
Last edited:
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I seldom have to throw a rock---just pretending to pick one up sends most dogs away.

My wife can make most ferocious guard dogs roll over for a belly rub.
 
If roaming loose AND/OR you think it might be lost: Call Local police: 092, or APACA: 881.973.068– this is the Association for the Protection of Road Animals. Many times I've experienced this, and although I think its cute that they follow me, I often think about the fact that they could be or are lost.

If a dog is injured, proceed as if it was a human: Call Emergency: 112, provide it with shade and shelter, water if deemed necessary, but never move it. Also call APACA: 881.973.068.

If you suspect maltreatment or abuse of a dog along the Camino: Call SEPRONA: 062 (This is a unit of the Guardia Civil for Nature Protection Services) and deal with the locals in the case of animal abuse.

View attachment 65736

092 is only open in big cities for access to local police.
In small and mediun municipalities they have normal numbers (9 figures) different for each police. So, in case of problem dial 112.
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
To all those walking from Triacastela to Sarria. Beware of dangerous dog that bit me quite badly this morning.
The location was about 20mins after leaving Triacastela, you walk down a hill into a very small hamlet of about 2 or 3 house plus some farm buildings. There is a vending machine in one of the houses. As I walked across a bridge over a small stream there was a very large herding dog lying in the road. I glanced at it..nothing more..and it went for me and gave me a nasty bite on my arm. Have just finished at Sarria hospital getting a tetanus injection. If you see this dog..stay well clear of it.
This is awful to hear! I was attacked by a large dog in the Portugues Way, walking between Ponte de Lima and Rubiaes. It was before the hill climb at a road underpass. I was lucky it did not break skin as it tore holes in my pant leg and sock, taking me down. I was alone and had no stick. 😫
 
To all those walking from Triacastela to Sarria. Beware of dangerous dog that bit me quite badly this morning.
The location was about 20mins after leaving Triacastela, you walk down a hill into a very small hamlet of about 2 or 3 house plus some farm buildings. There is a vending machine in one of the houses. As I walked across a bridge over a small stream there was a very large herding dog lying in the road. I glanced at it..nothing more..and it went for me and gave me a nasty bite on my arm. Have just finished at Sarria hospital getting a tetanus injection. If you see this dog..stay well clear of it.

I am very sorry about it. I wish you a quick recovery.
My rules :
1) Never eye contact. Dogs think of it as an agressive attidute
2) never run unless you are sure you can escape. Running wakes up hunting insticts to them and they bite not to protect property, but to kill as hunters
3) do not show fear, if possible
4) Do not get close. Choose other road far away of them .
5) If they are more then one, alarm must sound in your heads. Groups of dogs mean serious danger.
6) a wooden stick can help but not in all cases. Dog that guard a flock, group of dogs, very big dogs may not stop the attack because of a stick
7) Best defence: to not be there=avoid them=change road
 
This is awful to hear! I was attacked by a large dog in the Portugues Way, walking between Ponte de Lima and Rubiaes. It was before the hill climb at a road underpass. I was lucky it did not break skin as it tore holes in my pant leg and sock, taking me down. I was alone and had no stick. 😫
Interesting....that is the one that attacked me and I hit with my trekking poles as I mentioned in my earlier comment on this thread. A Rottweiler type of dog. That is exactly where I had my encounter and I recall another dog nearby inside a fenced area which was also barking.
I hit it as hard as I could with both poles held together and I hit it on the top of the head and shoulders. It let out a yelp and ran off when I did that. I hope I caused it enough pain so that it did not attack anyone else.
 
Get a spanish phone number with Airalo. eSim, so no physical SIM card. Easy to use app to add more funds if needed.
Spain

In Spain, pepper spray is approved by the Ministry of Health and Consumption for sale to anyone over 18, if it is:

  • at a concentration no greater than 5%
  • in canisters containing not more than 22 grams

Legal use is technically confined to self defence against large wild animals, such as wild boar in rural areas.
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
I have trained in the use of pepper spray and have used it on people but not animals. It doesn't always work on people and may not always work on animals. Mind you, it is good stuff when it does work but there's always a possibility of overspray being blown back to you and getting in your eyes. That's no fun. Part of our training was getting a full spray to the eyes. Trust me, you do not want that. The spray comes in many brands, percentages, stream or spray. The ones carried for defense against bears and other large animals are large canisters and not something you will want to walk with on the Camino, and not legal.
I personally would not carry pepper spray on the Camino but I do understand the concerns about vicious dogs. Perhaps any forum members who have carried pepper spray on the Camino can relate their experience doing so and give experienced advice.
 
I bought a small canister of pepper spray ( I think it had 3-5 sprays in it) at an army disposal type store in Salamanca. I never needed to use it but it gave me great security. Untethered dogs are my greatest and only fear on any Camino
 
Very light, comfortable and compressible poncho. Specially designed for protection against water for any activity.

Our Atmospheric H30 poncho offers lightness and waterproofness. Easily compressible and made with our Waterproof fabric, its heat-sealed interior seams guarantee its waterproofness. Includes carrying bag.

€60,-
I had no problems with dogs, only cattle that tried to squash me against a rock wall. That said, however, you might want to stack the aggressive Dog with your poles, rather than whack it over the head. If it continues, you will be in a better position to fend it off, in a timely manner.
 
This dog attack matter really scares me for my "first" next 2020 CP. I was biten once in my youth and last year while training for my (then canceled) camino I got assailed by two unleashed boxers while walking in a wood with my pet. Result: 12 bites most on my legs while trying to defende her, luckly I was wearing long technical trousers that protected me . I understand that I was prolly safe if hiking with no dog since at first they were not interested at all on me, but none the less I'm growing more and more worried by what I've read above.

My plan was to shorten a couple of stages (Baiona and Vigo) by cuttin through hilly tracks but now I really feel unconfortable by doing that alone. I guess the chances to be attacked by dogs are inversely proportional to the number of people walking together so I think is better to stay in group whenever is possible, is it?
 
Last edited:
I walked the Camino Frances this year in May/June and thankfully dogs on the main route were either well controlled, fast asleep, fenced in or tied up.....the Spanish people along the route are well aware of the pilgrim traffic and don’t risk their dogs being out of control. Having said that, one night when walking with two companions we were staying 8kms off the main Camino route and we decided to walk there through a couple of small villages.....the number of threatening dogs, including two running free who charged across two fields to get to us was amazing. This was on the edge of Galicia. I had my coyote spray from Canada at the ready and if the dogs weren’t so out of breath when they got to us we surely would have been attacked and I would have unleashed my defence. I have no idea whether these little portable sprays work or whether they are legal in Spain but they sure do make me feel more secure on training hikes in Newfoundland in the winter. (See picture)

74BB5644-3668-4760-9856-F28BDB831C29.jpeg
 
New Original Camino Gear Designed Especially with The Modern Peregrino In Mind!
No. Not anywhere in Europe that I know of. A big stick is legal though. So is an axe, but I find it a bit heavy! :cool:
I was under the impression spray was legal. However, I carry a spare packet of biccies for little dogs, give the big ones a wide berth and take the rubber tips off my pacer poles just in case. Tried taking a trebuchet but it was too big for the hold! :) Where possible I also keep a pilgrim between me and malcontents of ANY kind. :)

The malingerer.
 
Jesus Christ. Dog attacks are something I hadn't considered at all when planning my Camino, the only thing I was concerned about was meeting cattle on the way. I have a fear of cows, and one of my hopes for the camino is to try overcome that fear. Now I have an extra thing to be worried about lol
How common is this on Camino Frances? Can anybody who has walked it recently confirm that they walked it and weren't attacked? Make me feel better please!! 🙏
 
A selection of Camino Jewellery
Jesus Christ. Dog attacks are something I hadn't considered at all when planning my Camino, the only thing I was concerned about was meeting cattle on the way. I have a fear of cows, and one of my hopes for the camino is to try overcome that fear. Now I have an extra thing to be worried about lol
How common is this on Camino Frances? Can anybody who has walked it recently confirm that they walked it and weren't attacked? Make me feel better please!! 🙏
Extremely unusual on the CF as there are so many walkers and the dogs are already to full of older pilgrims! Not sure what JC has to do with your question…...
 
Extremely unusual on the CF as there are so many walkers and the dogs are already to full of older pilgrims! Not sure what JC has to do with your question…...

Sorry, didn't mean to be blasphemous. I'm Irish, it's just the way we talk......
I hope your right, that dog attacks are a rare thing
 
Down bag (90/10 duvet) of 700 fills with 180 g (6.34 ounces) of filling. Mummy-shaped structure, ideal when you are looking for lightness with great heating performance.

€149,-
The dogs along the Camino Francés are so accustomed to pilgrims that they'll bark a few times "for show", then ignore you. If you encounter a dog that's barking a lot or is very aggressive you should check to see if you have wandered off the Camino!
 
Where can you get pepper spray in Spain and Portugal? I had no real problems with dogs however I want to be prepared for next time.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
ow common is this on Camino Frances?
Not at all. Where dogs are not used to herds of pilgrims, more so.
Where can you get pepper spray in Spain and Portugal? I had no real problems with dogs however I want to be prepared for next time.
Don't bother. Pick up a rock, or just pretend to, and bellow 'NO,' or 'OIGA' at the dog with a deep voice (a squeaked feminine 'noo' won't do it). That works better, and at a distance. At closer quarters, water in the eyes from your squirt bottle works wonders. The surprise effect can turn a monster into a spooked puppy in an instant - and no harm is done to anyone. Your sticks are the last resort when the dog's in striking distance.
Not to be concerned. You'll be fine.
 
Coirolles on the Via Gebennensis... I tried to attach a video clip, but it was too large to post ... This hamlet is apparently infamous for its loose dogs. This is a fraction of them. Thank goodness for walking sticks.
 

Attachments

  • 6B5DAF16-8FD5-4707-A6CA-4CC593BA66D6.jpeg
    6B5DAF16-8FD5-4707-A6CA-4CC593BA66D6.jpeg
    876 KB · Views: 48
Last edited:
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
Jesus Christ. Dog attacks are something I hadn't considered at all when planning my Camino, the only thing I was concerned about was meeting cattle on the way. I have a fear of cows, and one of my hopes for the camino is to try overcome that fear. Now I have an extra thing to be worried about lol
How common is this on Camino Frances? Can anybody who has walked it recently confirm that they walked it and weren't attacked? Make me feel better please!! 🙏
Dogs are not a problem at all, I met lovely friendly dogs all along the Frances. You will meet a cow or two, plenty of sheep and the odd bull or goat, they also see a lot of pilgrims and arent concerned.
 
Dogs are not a problem at all, I met lovely friendly dogs all along the Frances. You will meet a cow or two, plenty of sheep and the odd bull or goat, they also see a lot of pilgrims and arent concerned.

I actually love dogs, nice friendly ones that is lol... As I said, I do have a fear of cows, but I know they are generally sound, and I'm determined to overcome that fear on the camino as I know its irrational on my part. I like goats and sheep don't bother me at all (in fact, because of all my hikes in Ireland, I feel like I've met more sheep's than people recently)... But now bulls have been bought in to the conversation😬😬. What is the suggestion for dealing with them? I plan to just stand still at a distance and hope they feck off lol
 
The only dog trouble we had was on the Portugues. In one of the tiny villages after, I think, Coimbra, there was a pack of them wandering loose and barking. Another good reason for walking sticks.
 
Technical backpack for day trips with backpack cover and internal compartment for the hydration bladder. Ideal daypack for excursions where we need a medium capacity backpack. The back with Air Flow System creates large air channels that will keep our back as cool as possible.

€83,-
To all those walking from Triacastela to Sarria. Beware of dangerous dog that bit me quite badly this morning.
The location was about 20mins after leaving Triacastela, you walk down a hill into a very small hamlet of about 2 or 3 house plus some farm buildings. There is a vending machine in one of the houses. As I walked across a bridge over a small stream there was a very large herding dog lying in the road. I glanced at it..nothing more..and it went for me and gave me a nasty bite on my arm. Have just finished at Sarria hospital getting a tetanus injection. If you see this dog..stay well clear of it.
Hi
Whilst walking from Sarria to Portomarin this year (on my first day) I was on the verge of being attacked by a large dog. Fortunately I was able to run back and climb over a wall to escape and waited till the dog got fed up. My immediate thoughts (which I still maintain) is that the farmers couldn't care less about the dogs attacking pilgrims. This had a profound effect on the remainder of my camino because whilst I was walking along I always attempted to walk near other people especially in remote places. My 2nd Camino in May 2020 and i shall carry a large stick and aerosol spray. I saw dozens of angry dogs that week so solo pilgrims be warned !
 
You are certainly right: the owners of these kinds of dogs are quite aware that they are leaving them loose. Fortunately, most owners do keep their aggressive dogs behind fences or chained up.
 
The 2024 Camino guides will be coming out little by little. Here is a collection of the ones that are out so far.
I carry a whistle ...one used by the U. S. Coast Guard. It can be heard for a mile in undulating waves and stormy weather. I used it three times on the Portuguese Camino. While nary a single person was around (or made their presence known) it did deter the advancing, encircling dogs. The biggest offender was a mastif sized dog about 3-4km south of Ansiao. His side kick, what appeared to be a yellow lab, seemed indifferent.

It’s unsettling. Even a cadre of three to four small ankle biters worry me.

I share your angst when seeing an untethered dog, am grateful for the ones that are, and hope to heck their rope isn’t fraying nor their fence too low or unweildly!
As I am getting ready to continue the Via Francigena South and on to the via Egnatia to Istanbul, i wonder about dogs. On all my caminos I never had a problem but as there is always a first time I thought besides my sticks a whistle might be a good idea. I wonder if you could tell me the brand and where to shop for? Thank you
Karl
I carry a whistle ...one used by the U. S. Coast Guard. It can be heard for a mile in undulating waves and stormy weather. I used it three times on the Portuguese Camino. While nary a single person was around (or made their presence known) it did deter the advancing, encircling dogs. The biggest offender was a mastif sized dog about 3-4km south of Ansiao. His side kick, what appeared to be a yellow lab, seemed indifferent.

It’s unsettling. Even a cadre of three to four small ankle biters worry me.

I share your angst when seeing an untethered dog, am grateful for the ones that are, and hope to heck their rope isn’t fraying nor their fence too low or unweildly!
 
If you are walking outside of western europe, you may be as well investing in Rabies shots. Just be aware they don't give you immunity, they just give you more time to get to a hospital. You still have to get the rather painful injections if you do get bitten. :/

As to when you are out in the middle of nowhere and find aggressive dogs, uncap your poles and shorten them to the minimum height. They are pretty effective if you need to poke something.
 
If you are walking outside of western europe, you may be as well investing in Rabies shots. Just be aware they don't give you immunity, they just give you more time to get to a hospital. You still have to get the rather painful injections if you do get bitten. :/

As to when you are out in the middle of nowhere and find aggressive dogs, uncap your poles and shorten them to the minimum height. They are pretty effective if you need to poke something.

As above. Going through rural Greece a couple of years ago there was a noticeable increase in packs of feral dogs. They appear aggressive but will leave you alone eventually. Then there are the farm dogs whose will adopt the same posture but will be recalled if the farmer is near.

At least in Italy there is some infrastructure but as you head away to the edge of Europe, you'll have to plan for other scenarios or take precautions as suggested above.

Also ask @timr as he's been in a few 'interesting' places.

Buen Camino and keep us updated on your journey.
 
Last edited:
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Pop up umbrella saved me a few times from gnarly dogs with ill intent !
 
As I am getting ready to continue the Via Francigena South and on to the via Egnatia to Istanbul, i wonder about dogs. On all my caminos I never had a problem but as there is always a first time I thought besides my sticks a whistle might be a good idea. I wonder if you could tell me the brand and where to shop for? Thank you
Karl
Karl, check with a marine supply store. They should have whistles! I’ll try to find my old one for a brand name.
 
To all those walking from Triacastela to Sarria. Beware of dangerous dog that bit me quite badly this morning.
The location was about 20mins after leaving Triacastela, you walk down a hill into a very small hamlet of about 2 or 3 house plus some farm buildings. There is a vending machine in one of the houses. As I walked across a bridge over a small stream there was a very large herding dog lying in the road. I glanced at it..nothing more..and it went for me and gave me a nasty bite on my arm. Have just finished at Sarria hospital getting a tetanus injection. If you see this dog..stay well clear of it.
i think i saw this dog in that same hamlet! i avoided eye contact and just kept walking slowly by and praying it wouldnt move and fortunately it did not pursue me - it sure was a scary looking dog. so sorry to hear it went for you. i hope the bite doesnt impact your journey any more than it already has. buen camino
 
St James' Way - Self-guided 4-7 day Walking Packages, Reading to Southampton, 110 kms
i think i saw this dog in that same hamlet! i avoided eye contact and just kept walking slowly by and praying it wouldnt move and fortunately it did not pursue me - it sure was a scary looking dog. so sorry to hear it went for you. i hope the bite doesnt impact your journey any more than it already has. buen camino
The original post is from 2019
 
What I want to know is why do they always appear when you are going uphill? They look fierce but there is a twinkle in their eyes saying they can do this longer than you.

And then they break off.
 
The one from Galicia (the round) and the one from Castilla & Leon. Individually numbered and made by the same people that make the ones you see on your walk.
lol well apparently it's still there! frankly i had just had a bathroom mishap with pee all over my pants and i thought maybe that put it off! sorry- i know that's more than you need to know!
I thought you were going to tell me you had tried out one of those female urinary devices that cause ME to pee down my leg! Hahaha!
 
I thought you were going to tell me you had tried out one of those female urinary devices that cause ME to pee down my leg! Hahaha!
actually that IS what happened lol! those come in handy but are sometimes hit or miss! at least maybe that helps keep aggressive dogs at bay! :)
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

Similar threads

Forum Rules

Forum Rules

Camino Updates on YouTube

Camino Conversations

Most downloaded Resources

This site is run by Ivar at

in Santiago de Compostela.
This site participates in the Amazon Affiliate program, designed to provide a means for Ivar to earn fees by linking to Amazon
Official Camino Passport (Credential) | 2024 Camino Guides
Back
Top