Is there a problem with dogs in some villages?

[Spencer]

I have heard, hopefully wrongly that in some villages there can be problems with dogs, has anyone experienced that or is it an untrue rumour?

[Covey]

There is not a problem generally with dogs in Spain, but occasionally you may come across a stray dog who will hope you might give it something to eat.

In rural Spain, dogs are generally of the working variety, rather than pets, and you will often see large dogs tied up in yards or pens acting as guard dogs. These dogs sometimes look somewhat mangy as they live outside all the time.

Unfortunately, when some of these dogs reach the end of their working lives, they are often just turned loose to fend for themselves, and they know that along the Camino there is a steady stream of potential donors of biscuits and chocolate.

Rule No1 is DO NOT FEED THEM, if you do they will follow you all day. Rule No2 is carry a walking pole so you can keep the mangy flea ridden beasts away from you. Dogs are not a threat, but can be an irritant. Remember: THE DOGS SPEAK SPANISH

[HuskyNerd]

First, belated congrats to Covey for his 1,000th post. That is an amazing number and a sign of Covey's true affection for pilgrims and their needs. Covey, you are a treasure.

Second, Covey's right about dogs as most everything else. Camino stories about dogs undoubtedly stem from a) the medieval problem with wolves, long since eradicated from Spain, b) the problem with dogs from 20 +/- years ago at the early stages of the Camino renaissance, and/or c) the dog character in Paulo Coelho's book, The Pilgrimage which evokes all our childhood fears about wild dogs as well as our superstitious views of black dogs and cats. I can vouch, along with Covey, that dog problems are rare and that the biggest problem is actually the sadness dog lovers feel as they experience the apathetic (by American standards at least) manner in which dogs are treated by Spaniards.

I was followed by a darling white/brown mixed breed dog from just outside SJPP almost to Pamplona in 2008. That same year I met a pack of 4-5 dogs in a town near Larrasoaña who were insulted I'd crossed into their territory. I was herded off the path twice in 2008 by working sheep dogs who thought they saw a glimmer in my eyes of interest in their mutton wards for dinner. On the Via de la Plata last year I met a large dog who was furiously and savagely barking at a pilgrim a few dozen yards in front of me, but ignored me after I picked up a large branch from from the side of the road while looking avoiding eye contact (see below). A friend on the Via de la Plata reported to me he'd been knocked on his back by a large dog a few days before I'd met him and had to be rescued by the dog's owners. From that point on he carried a cudgel with him to ward off any and all canines.

Again, dog problems are rare on the Camino Frances. If you should happen upon an unfriendly dog there is at least one rule that non-dog lovers may not understand: Do not establish eye contact with the dog -- look the other way. Staring into a dog's eyes is a form of physical challenge in dog language (known by both Spanish and English-speaking dogs). If you're already on their territory, by looking into their eyes you are directly challenging their territorial protection instinct. Although it's counter-intuitive, look away from the dog and the dog will bark, sniff, decide you're not a threat, and ignore you. If that's too scary, do what Covey suggests and carry a stick. My only problem with carrying a stick to ward off dogs is that you may have it for 500 miles and only use it once.

Hope this helps. Buen camino!

[Covey]

"My only problem with carrying a stick to ward off dogs is that you may have it for 500 miles and only use it once. "

Unless of course you are one of the many Pilgrims who carry the telescopic metal walking poles which are a very useful aid to keeping one's balance on steep rocky paths!!

[Leslie]

It is an untrue rumour.

Never had a problem with them.

[RandyStG]

Last May, I was nipped in the thigh by a German Shepherd X at the Alto do Poio. The dog then crossed the road and bit another man. I wasn't hurt but was surprised. Otherwise, I didn't have a problem with dogs although I felt fortunate many were on leashes.

[Larry]

Spencer
I walked in Spring 2009 and the first day a little doggy followed me all the way from St. Jean to Roncesvalles. Coming down off the Meseta there was a dog barking in a courtyard that seemed aggressive but the gate was shut. From time to time there were dogs running loose but I just ignored them and kept moving and they, by and large, ignored me. At no time did I feel fearful or threatened by the dogs I chanced across.

[grayland]

There are dogs but they are not worth a great deal of concern. I can only recall one case in two Caminos where a dog actually came out where we were walking and ran close to us. Even that was not a concern.