• 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)
  • ⚠️ Emergency contact in Spain - Dial 112 and AlertCops app. More on this here.

Search 69,459 Camino Questions

Dog Warning

mmm042

Active Member
Time of past OR future Camino
VDLP 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014
Hi.

I'm in Zamora now and wanted to warn those behind me about two aggressive dogs that are just outside the town of Calzada de Valdunciel, a little north of Salamanca. Two days ago as I was leaving town around 1 p.m., I heard two dogs barking and racing towards me. They appeared to be German Shepherd mixes. The home has a gate, but they scrambled over debris next to the gate and onto the road. I turned toward them, but kept walking backwards down the road. One ran back to his house once he saw I was passing, but the other kept snarling and me and baring his teeth. He was only a yard or so away from me and I knew my walking sticks wouldn't be any protection. I yelled, "GO HOME!" -- which I've done many times in the past, without luck -- and the dog actually paused and started to turn back. But then he turned back towards me and made two little charges, so I tried what someone else on this forum said, which was to reach down and pretend to pick up a rock to throw. My Camino angels were there, and the dog went home. I couldn't believe it, given the level of aggression he/she was demonstrating.

Just a warning to those of you coming through. If I had to go again, I'd find someone from town to walk me past that house!

Other than that, my first few days out here have been heavenly. Beautiful views, good food, great people, great weather.

Melanie
 
The focus is on reducing the risk of failure through being well prepared. 2nd ed.
mmm042 said:
Hi.

. But then he turned back towards me and made two little charges, so I tried what someone else on this forum said, which was to reach down and pretend to pick up a rock to throw. My Camino angels were there, and the dog went home. I couldn't believe it, given the level of aggression he/she was demonstrating.
Melanie


You did the right thing Melanie. I once posted this:

I see every dog as a challange....to get it to come over to me, belly up and give me a kiss. I can almost always accomplish this, even with big mountain dogs guarding the place.

Every now and then there is an incorrigable one. I have yet to see one of those who doesn't run at the mere motion of picking up a rock. I have never had throw one

I suppose someone might have to throw one sooner or later.
 
€2,-/day will present your project to thousands of visitors each day. All interested in the Camino de Santiago.
Hi Melanie, thank god nothing happened to you. I remember people telling me that on the camino St.James always guides you. Hope you won´t be in similar situation in the future. Next time show him/her (these dogs) your beautiful TEETH and let him know that your BITES really hurt!!! :) :) :) ha!ha!ha! Cheer up :D :D :D
 

Most read last week in this forum

One reason for me choosing the VDLP is to avoid the constant stress of the bed race on the busier routes. Alas I haven’t escaped it. Literally every bed (that I’m able to contact) is full from...
I think I’m on day 12, so not quite two weeks in. Thus far the VDLP is definitely a different animal than the CF. And I have to say, I’m struggling to enjoy it as much as the CF last year. I...
Hello, Has anyone travelled by train or bus from Santiago to Zamora on to Granja de Moreruela, I've checked online and it seems there is a train from Santiago to Zamora. I will be flying from the...
Gronze has a note for the albergue in Valdesalor saying the key needs to be picked up from the town hall or the bar. Am I correct in assuming that this only applies if you are the first to arrive...
(Live on the Camino, but I don't know how to post with that tag) The Camino Sanabres winds through small stone villages and along vast green pastures rimmed in stone walls. Sometimes you walk on...
Be careful when you organise a transfer from the Arca de Caparra (Via’s emblem) to one of the three hotels in Jarilla. The guide books we are using state that you will be picked up at ARCA DE...

❓How to ask a question

How to post a new question on the Camino Forum.

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