Along the Natural Path of the Parks, you may encounter flocks of grazing sheep, which are usually guarded by guard dogs, more specifically Abruzzese sheepdogs or mixed breeds, which play a fundamental role in protecting sheep and goats from predators and theft. They have long, thick, white coats, which allow them to blend in with the sheep and withstand cold temperatures, and they are large in size. They have thick tails, black noses and low-set ears.
Guard dogs spend weeks, sometimes months, alone with the flock, so they need to be very confident and independent. Their defensive attitude and keen senses, which allow them to detect even the slightest changes in their surroundings, are genetically selected and fixed traits, while the habit of spending most of their time with the flock is taught to them from puppyhood.
The attitude of the guard dog is defensive, not aggressive, and manifests itself in dissuasive barking and dominant behaviour towards the “aggressor”.
Habits
The guard dog’s attitude is defensive, not aggressive, and manifests itself in deterrent barking and dominant behaviour towards intruders. To a distant observer, the dog’s attitude may seem peaceful and sleepy, because guard dogs spend a lot of time dozing among the flock, but when strangers approach, their attitude changes very quickly. They observe the stranger carefully and place themselves between the stranger and the flock.
Guard dogs do not stray from the flock, do not chase predators and rarely attack directly, relying much more on the deterrent effect of their size and teamwork.
Sociality and relationships with humans
Guard dogs are dogs that are used to spending long periods alone, without contact with humans. They are independent and confident animals, loyal to their task of protecting flocks. There are usually more than two of them and they have peaceful relationships with each other, united by their work. They spend most of their time dozing over the sheep as they graze, but if a wolf or bear approaches, they react immediately to scare it away. Abruzzese sheepdogs, a breed now recognised as cultural heritage, are often equipped with a vreccale, a special collar designed to protect the dog’s neck from wolf bites.
They are very attentive to detail, austere and devoted to their owner, with whom they establish a bond based more on interaction than on physical or verbal coercion. If the shepherd is nearby, don’t worry, as soon as he calls the dog, it will let you proceed in peace.
They are used to hikers passing by, so they never attack humans, but they can still be intimidating due to their barking and large size. If you encounter a flock along the way without the shepherd present, do not walk through it but go around it without showing any interest in the sheep. Walk slowly and look beyond the flock to show the dog that you are just passing through and are not a threat. If the dog becomes alarmed and comes towards you barking, do not turn your back on it or run away, and do not look it in the eyes. Speak in a calm, low voice until it has calmed down, then proceed cautiously. If the dog continues to block your path, slowly turn back, again without turning your back on it, and take a wider route to continue on your way. Never throw stones or sticks at it, as this may irritate it further.
