I am planning on walking from Rome to Santiago. I have encountered loads on dogs in Italy walking to Rome (VF to Lucca then Way of St Francis) and even more walking from Rome to Monte Sant'Angelo. Throughout the day small groups running out of remote farms and houses barking at me. I dont like dogs and am quite scared but had managed well until two large wild dogs came out of a disused building on a footpath in the middle of nowhere and were barking and growling at me. I was terrified. Fortunately i was not not harmed but rather traumatised and had to take the bus the next two days. I am now am hesitant to walk any more. I understand there are the large Maremma sheep dogs guarding their flocks on the latter parts of the VF. I was hoping to find out which sections others pilgrims had come across them so I could either walk on the main road or take a bus/ taxi for that stage. I am aware that i will meet dogs throughout the pilgrimage but i would particularly like to avoid these in the first leg of the pilgrimage, which i will be doing in 3 week sections, to give me the confidence to try the rest. any information will be greatly appreciated.
Hello
@Pilgrim 122 It is an interesting question and a common worry.
I walked VF to Rome then on to Brindisi and then through Albania and North Macedonia to Greece.
I met many dogs!
You mention that you remember meeting more dogs on the way from Rome to Monte St Angelo and I think that my experience would be that the numbers of dogs increase considerably after Rome, on the (so-called) VF del Sud, and this is partly due to the fact that the path is relatively remote and less travelled, at least in parts, so you are more likely to meet dogs in their own environment. But I note that you did have worrying experiences before Rome. And encounters with large working dogs were daily or more often in Albania and N Macedonia.
I don't remember any
particular problems from Lucca to Rome. Although I am not naturally a dog lover, I can cope generally. And I would say it is not the Maremma which are the main problem. Genuine working dogs with a large flock will generally be with their shepherd. I found this nearly always in southern Italy and through Albania and N Macedonia. My practice was always simply to stop and stand. And wait. And this can take a long time and walk backwards if necessary.
I know other people will tell their own experiences, but I found that no dog ever attacked me, out of literally hundreds. Once a shepherd sees you, your problems are over. He, or she, will call the dogs. I spoke to dozens of shepherds and found them universally kind. With large flocks, the shepherd will not be far away.
Much more problematic are dogs guarding property. They are not so disciplined. Again I found if I did nothing they always eventually stopped. I never threw a stone or raised a stick - many people will advise you to do this, but I didn't. Nor did I ever carry any kind of deterrent.
The section from Lucca to Rome would certainly be the most walked section of the VF and because of the numbers of people walking, I think you would not have too much problem. Having said that I know that you are quite reasonably anxious, but I think where there are lots of walkers on an established path, there are less sheep and less dogs.
There is a helpful 'official' video from Swiss tourism about how to deal with working dogs in the mountains
but I cannot find it just now. I will keep looking. this is one:
but there is another one with English dialogue.
Edit: here is the longer video
I hope that as your first leg towards Santiago will be the most busy section you should not have serious problems. It sounds a wonderful walk!
Walking 'backwards' over that stretch, you will meet lots of people, some of whom will be anxious to tell you you are going in the wrong direction!
You can always ask them if they have seen any dogs if you are in a quieter area.
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