Le Patou is a remarkable guardian of herds. Large dog, strongly built, with long hair and a white coat… It can be scary. Some tips to better understand it and especially know how to react to it.
It does not make us younger…
Do you remember Belle and Sébastien?
The oldest ones first saw the TV soap opera in black and white, in 1965. Then, the kids of which we are part, followed the Japanese series in 85 ...
But life is not a TV series!
There is nothing beautiful about the patou you will meet!
Its role is to protect the herd against attacks from wild animals and stray dogs.
His bond with the herd is very strong: born in a sheepfold, the dog comes into contact with the sheep very early on. The relationship with the sheep takes place gradually, until it is fully accepted.
The guard dog sleeps, lives and eats with the herd.
You will meet him in the mountain pastures!
He does the job
Patou's role is to dissuade. He's big, he's big, he barks loudly… In short, he discourages predators!
His first reaction is to bark to warn the stranger of his presence, to alert his shepherd and his flock. He will then intervene between the herd and the intruders.
So what do we do against Patou?
- Do not try to pet or feed him (or to feed a sheep or a lamb): he will interpret your gesture as aggression
- Do not make sudden movements and avoid using stones or a stick to push it back
- Don't look him in the eye
- Don't start running: you're not Usain Bolt, the fastest man in the world. The dog will therefore be faster than you!
We have understood everything that should not be done ... But what are we doing in front of the Patou, name of a pipe?
- These dogs need to identify that you are not a danger to the herd
- If they approach you, stay calm, stop and talk to them
- Once the Patou has calmed down and understands that you are not a potential predator, quietly walk around the herd.
