Handling sheepdogs when hiking

Canton Bern is preparing itself for wolves. Seriously. Following a score of slaughtered sheep over the past 12 months, the authorities are encouraging farmers to use sheepdogs to protect their livestock. The government is even subsidizing the purchase of each sheepdog to the tune of SFr 500, and will even throw in an annual food allowance of SFr 1,000 (no jokes about the use of taxpayer's money please). The only problem with this wise plan is the problem it creates for hikers. Some people are just plain scared of dogs, especially the aggressive-looking barking kind. But it is important to remember that the dogs are actually not aggressive, and provided you don't threaten the sheep herd you'll be fine. So as you wander around the alpine pastures, just keep in mind the following rules: 

Attention! Free-running dog! When dog is present, lay down flat on the ground and wait for help. If no help comes - good luck!

Er, seriously now, these are rules...

1. Sheepdogs protect their sheep by barking. If you are barked at, stay calm and do not abuse the dog with a stick. Avoid fast movements and continue slowly past the herd.

2. Sheepdogs might try to block your path especially if you're heading in the direction of the sheep. Try to avoid them, circle around, try another route. Remember they are just doing their job.

3. Sheepdogs are particularly attentive towards other dogs, so keep yours on a leash. If the two dogs start to play with each other, then go ahead and let your dog off the leash (and report the dog to the farmer for being idle). But don't let the dogs get into a confrontation.

4. Sheepdogs may approach you out of curiosity. If they do, do not pet or feed them. The dogs are wokring and should stay focused on their herd at all times.

5. If a sheepdog starts to follow you on your hike, just ignore it. It will eventually return to its herd.