dogs on the camino

[jo hughes]

Hi, have heard various tales about dogs on the camino. After a couple of unpleasant experiences, one in Morocco and one in Nepal, I am a little frightened of meeting unfreindly dogs whilst walking. Can anyone tell me of their experiences with dogs on the Camino, or offer any advice as to the best way to cope. I have bought one of these sonic noise deterents which I have never used, am not sure I want to use, or indeed carry! as it is quite heavy. All response greatly received. Many thanks Jo

[Leslie]

I feel the same way about dogs. For reason they just frighten me - now that drives me nuts - I can do all sorts of weird and wonderful things but dogs give me the shivers.

Anyway I have walked the Camino Frances twice and had a problem with dogs once. Not even a problem. I was walking down through a small village and there was two dogs barking in the street. I stopped. I took a left turn and walked down round them using different streets. So no problem really.

I also used a walking stick which made me feel a bit more secure.

I just hate this type of fear - it seems to over-rule the rational in me, I have never been bit or attacked by a dog in my life.

[Sheens]

I have just walked from St Jean to Burgos and had no problems with dogs... The only thing i will say though is if you do come into contact with a dog, try your hardest not to act afaird- dogs sense fear from 50 paces and react accordingly. But as i said, i didnt come across any- only ones that were either tied up or behind residential gates.

[womananddog]

I want to know if I can bring my canine pal to accompany me on the Camino.

[Douglas]

Dogs on the Camino are not a problem. Spanish dogs mostly sprawl in the sun and won't pay you much attention.

If you walk in France, very different. French dogs are awful, and every home seems to have more than one. A French lady walker told me that the average French family has more dogs than children. I hope the children are better behaved!

A walking pole or pilgrim staff is adequate protection, even in France. I have to admit I kicked two French dogs that were annoying me - more satisfying than prodding with the pole.

To the poster who asks about taking a dog: yes you can, but you will be more restricted in your choice of refuges, especially if it is a big dog.

[John Hussey]

I saw no wild vicious dogs in Spain but I did see an awful lot of loud, barking, tied-up ones, securely sequestered within the confines of their owner's property.

I believe this is an untrue rumor which perhaps began in Shirley McLaine's book of her travel along the Camino-specifically the part where she walked through the then-abandoned city of Foncebadon and her confrontation with "wild dogs" there. (HHHmmm...perhaps she took a little literary license here, I wonder...)Because of it, I was a little concerned when i walked through it in 2005 (Foncebadon is no longer 'abandoned') but saw nothing more than a few tied up outside their owner's home and none of these even bothered to glance up to give me an inquisitive stare. I wouldn't worry much about dogs in Spain, unless their loud barking disturbs you.