Hiking in CH with my dog

Hi,

I am a regular visitor to Switzerland and I am now planning my holiday to Switzerland again for next year. This time I would like to bring my dog. The holiday would be an active one with a lot of walking and running on the alps, preferably in the Interlaken region. I have done some reading and I am looking for a firm answer, is my dog allowed to run with me off leash? My dog is a Sheepdog and is very highly trained therefore I never have her on a leash in the UK. If I was running in the alps I would not want to have to leash her for safety reasons.

Can you help answer? I may have to change plans if I cannot do this.

James

I don’t think anyone can answer you specifically as it may depend on what canton and even commune/gemeinde (town) area you are in at the time. For example one town may allow dogs off leads within its town boundaries, but the next town over may not so once you cross the boundary your dog would need to be on a lead at all times, no matter how well trained. Dog ownership laws are very strict here, much more so than in the UK. Have you investigated whether or not the places you plan to stay at will allow dogs? I would contact the Interlaken tourist office as a starting point, they should be able to put you in touch with others if they can’t answer your questions.

Firm Answer: Not a problem.

If you are truly running in the alps, say above 1200 meters, and not through villages or farmland, it's not really an issue. I wouldn't choose the most popular hiking trails to do this and you should be prepared to put your dog on a leash at a moments notice. If your dog is truly in your command, and not taking detours to go smell the animals and barns, the farmers won't care. If your dog avoids other walkers who might be afraid then it won't an issue. Also, don't get snotty with someone that asks you to put your dog back on leash; just do it, say sorry and then take it off leash once around the next bend.

Canton SZ is the only canton with a leash law in force for all public spaces in the canton, including hiking trails.

In all other cantons you will need to check local regulations as Medea has said. Again, watch for signs. Be aware that some areas require a dog be leashed after dark.

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Be aware that:

Dogs are forbidden in the Swiss National Park. This is a wildlife protection area.

In all cantons where a Naturschutzgebiet (nature conservancy area) is signed, dogs must be on lead.

ETA: During the spring, dogs must be on lead in most forested areas in most cantons. This is to protect animals with young.

Do make sure you understand when the various hunting seasons are, and avoid those zones at those times. If you find yourself in a wood during hunting season, keep your dog on lead and very close. Hunters have been known to mistake a dog for a deer, with tragic consequences.

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Your dog must be under control at all times. That can be under voice control, provided that your dog is instantly recallable. If recall is less than perfect, the dog should be on lead.

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Some general etiquette:

Even in areas where dogs are allowed off lead, if someone asks you to recall or releash your dog you should do so, bringing your dog to heel and keeping him there until that person passes. It is the polite and responsible thing to do - especially on hiking trails where other people might feel uncomfortable around an off-lead dog.

You should recall your dog to heel and give way when a bicycle approaches - cyclists are supposed to ring their bells with enough time to allow you to do so. Take your dog off the trail, keeping him to heel until the bike passes.

You should never allow your dog to approach another person without the person's consent.

You should never allow your dog to approach another dog without the owner's consent. When you see a person or dog approaching, recall your dog to heel and take the two seconds necessary to ask if the dogs may greet one another. If you see a dog on lead, that is a signal that the owner does not want contact - recall your dog to heel.

Keep out of pastures where cows/sheep are grazing. If you have to cross, skirt the outline even if it means going a bit out of your way. If you see a farmer in the field, ask his permission before crossing his fields.

Do not enter a field with a mother cow and her calf. Seriously. If you absolutely have no way around, put your dog on lead and skirt the edges, keeping well away.

And of course - always pick up after your dog. You will find green Robidog containers dotting the trails - even many mountain trails. These are where you may dispose of bagged dog waste, these also dispense bags. Use them. Especially in farm pastureland. Dog waste is a serious problem for farmers.

Be aware that many people in Switzerland are afraid of dogs, so be polite, be proactive to put others at ease - and never, ever utter the words 'He just wants to play! or 'Der macht nichts!'

This all boils down to: Be respectful of others who are sharing your space.

Oh, and a safety tip:

Pastures are often fenced with a live electric wire. Don't touch them - and keep your dog well away. The current is set to make a large cow take notice - think of what that might do to your dog.

Hope you and your friend enjoy Switzerland - Happy trails!

*** Yes, I know that some people ignore the laws, ignore basic etiquette. They are the idiots who give us all a bad name.

Switzerland is indeed dog friendly, as long as you respect others. If you do so, you will likely be greeted by smiles and a friendly 'hello' - and perhaps your four-footed friend might even be surprised with a gratis cervelat at a local Gasthaus.

As Meloncollie says + there are a lot of sheep that craze in uplands areas. If your dog chases sheep or other livestock, and is not directly under your clear control- a farmer can shoot your dog (mind you I beleive this is also the case in the UK- as has happened before in the Peak and Lake District). You'd actually fare much better with a dog off the lead in less touristy areas- like the Crêtes du Jura. In early Summer your dog could be a real threat to young wild animals, be they chamois, ibex, dear, marmots, hares and mountain nesting birds- again, that depends whether your dog is used to stay close to you, and if you have perfect voice recall, even we your dog 'lifts' a hare. Young wild animals are taught not to move until the last second (which is why 1000s get 'mowed' by combine harvesters)- and few dogs can resist (neither of mine ever could, I have to admit- although they never actually caught anything).

Having said that, Hôtels, restaurants, etc, are 100x more dog friendly than in the UK. We've just returned from the UK, and we could only take our dog in 2 pubs in the whole region where we were, and sit in a corner in a back room- and in none of the Cafés at all. Elf and safety, and all that.

Shame on me, I had no idea. I always thought it is a natural fertilizer.

To give you an idea of the extent of the damage, here is an article from Schweizerbauer, where cows in AG became ill due to parasites infestation from dog waste. The cows had to be slaughtered, at a loss to the farmer of CHF 15K:

https://www.schweizerbauer.ch/tiere/...kot-16717.html

And an article from SwissGenetics, over the roll of Parasit Neospora caninum:

http://www.google.ch/url?sa=t&rct=j&...eIHYsNtpUHI6KA

Farmers in my area have put up posters along pastureland, the 'Abfall macht mich krank' campaign. This refers to dog waste as well as garbage.

Bottom line - for a healthier environment, healthier cows, and healthier food chain (remember - we eat the meat, the cheese, and drink the milk those cows produce)... pick up!

Agreed x 1000- BUT the only people who do NOT pick up around here, are the farmers- whose dogs run free and wild all over

That's a very good point from of odile about the farmers dogs. Presumably they are allowed to run free because they are on the farmers land. And the rule about putting a dog on a lead when another dog is on a lead doesn't apply because it is their land? On several occasions passing through farmland, on a wander weg, my dog ( who was on the lead) has been chased and harassed by farm dogs. Fortunately she is not so big to be picked up but its a bit unnerving all the same. On one time the 3 dogs that were harassing her started harrasing me when I picked her up and a young one nipped me on my leg! I was shouting and kicking them to get off and the farmer stood down the hill by his house laughing! Unfortunately it was before I spoke good german and I didn't feel confident challenging him.

Also while I'm ranting why does everyone go on about people not picking up their dogs poo. Where we live there are far more cats than dogs and the grassy areas and flower beds are covered in cat poo much of which is bigger than my dogs poo. Switzerland needs to make a rule that owners of outdoor cats come and pick up their poo!

[Fortunately she is not so big to be picked up but its a bit unnerving all the same. On one time the 3 dogs that were harassing her started harrasing me when I picked her up and a young one nipped me on my leg![/QUOTE]

Be careful about picking up your dog when being harrased by other dogs, you are more likely to be bitten yourself. You might be better, if you feel able, to just stand tall and strong and basically tell the other dog to B**gger off, loudly and firmly, that is what it is trying to tell you after all. It takes a bit of courage but I have found that if I turn towards the other dog and firmly make a stop sign and say NO, NON or NEI and then walk on my way it works. Sometimes it takes a couple of turns but so far we have been OK here.

The farmers dogs of course do not know where the farmer's land begins or stops. They just roam free as they wish- and farmers do not pay dog tax either. One of the nearest farmer's dog used to really hassle people, especially those with other dogs. So many complaints were made- and one day she bit our neihgbour's daughter (teenager not young child) for no reason but that she was walking past, on the public road. Official complaint was made- he picked up the dog in front of everybody, took the dog to the back and shot it- then came out again and shouted 'is that what you wanted, you got it now'.

The new dog with the old terrier both hassle people and follow them, but are no trouble at all and all locals know how to 'handle them'- but a stranger would still find them un-nerving. Never hurt anyone though- and there are lots of young children around here too.

I also think you have to take care where there are sheep dogs guarding their flock. These are not bright little border collies from one man and his dog, but bloody great only semi-domesticated hounds that live with the sheep in the mountains to protect them from predators. They’re usually in fenced-in enclosures and you get warning signs on the gate across the path saying, among other things, keep your dog on a lead, don’t approach them, don’t try to feed them, and whatever you do, don’t let your kids try to stroke them!

'Round these parts, 'PFUI!' is the universal 'no!'. When said in a firm, confident tone with, as you suggest, confident body language it usually works with unknown dogs, even most Bauernhofhunde I have encountered.

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Sophie, when I see a strange dog approaching with malice aforethought, I find it best to put my dogs into a stay behind me. I am thus blocking the other dog's approach - that, along with the 'Pfui!' generally does the trick.

We have always had pleasant encounters with other dogs; most people do respect the general etiquette but I also had a horrible experience last week that just makes me wonder what goes through some peoples minds! I have to take my little guy Levi for his walk whilst I ride my bike as I am very pregnant and find the 1-1.5 hour walk a bit much. Nearing home the other day, I saw two ladies with a very large white dog walking towards me in the parking area. I crossed over to the other side to create more distance as even though my dog was on a leash; theirs was not and I did not want any interference as I am not so flexible and quick on the bike in my state at the moment. Their dog runs across the road and pounces onto Levi – he falls onto his back, yelping and crying with terror at the shear size of this dog ontop of him. The force from this dog pushes me right off my bike and I fall over onto the gravel. I am on the ground, Levi all tangled in his leash and the bike and is still pinned down by this dog. It was a scramble for me to get up, get Levi untangled and get this dog off him! Levi is now cowered, tail between his legs, I have grazes on my hands and my pants are torn at the knee, my bike seat is ripped and scratch marks on the handle bars and all down the one side of my bike and my bike chain is off and wedged that I cannot get it out. I am overwelmed; burst into tears and try gather up myself, Levi and my bike. I finally look up and both woman are just standing there – staring at me and one says in German with such a mocking, sarcastic tone ‚would you like me to put my dog on a leash‘and then just walked off whilsting for their dog to follow. They did not even bother to ask or check if Levi was ok, whether I was ok (It is clearly visible I am pregnant) or to help me and my bike up or to even to apologise?! SO infuriating....all I could do was sob the rest of the way home. Some people can really know how to ruin it for others with their inconsiderate ways

Styger so sorry to hear this. Makes me so mad! Hope both you and your dog are getting over the shock now. People like that need to have the book thrown at them for their behaviour. Never a police person around when you want one.

Styger, did you get the name of the owner of the white dog?

If so, report her to the ZH Veterinäramt. This kind of behavior is inexcusable. Not to mention clearly against the ZH dog control law, (§ 9 Abs. 1 HuG/ZH):

http://www2.zhlex.zh.ch/appl/zhlex_r.nsf/WebView/3B56A8C2326D4D97C125768E00468B21/$File/554.5_14.4.08_67.pdf

ETA: Don't know why I can't link this. But go to the Tier Im Recht site, click on the HuG link:

http://www.tierimrecht.org/de/tiersc...ht/zuerich.php

" Hunde sind so zu halten, zu führen oder zu beaufsichtigen, dass sie weder Mensch noch Tier gefährden, belästigen oder in der bestimmungsgemässen und sicheren Nutzung des frei zugänglichen Raumes beeinträchtigen und die Umwelt nicht gefährden. "

If you or your dog were hurt, the owner of the dog is responsible for your medical or your dog's vet bills.

Additionally if your bike was damaged the owner of the dog is responsible for the costs of repair.

If the dog in question was List 1, the owner could be in even more trouble.

BTW, if you need to see a doctor or Levi a vet, both doctors and vets are mandatory reporters - they must file a report of a aggressive dog with the Veterinäramt.

Even if you don't know the name of the owner of the white dog, file a report 'against an unknown person'.

This kind of irresponsibility needs to be addressed. I am fed up to the back teeth of dog owners who refuse to obey the law, let alone show a bit of common decency. And I say this as a dog owner myself.

Idiots like the white dog's owner are exactly why so many people in Switzerland dislike dogs, why so many anti-dog laws have been enacted. And we, the other 99.99% of responsible, polite dog owners, end up paying for their sins.

I'm so sorry this happened to you, and I hope you and Levi are OK now - and please, see a doctor if necessary.

ETA:

Here is the form to report the incident to the ZH Veterinäramt, should you decide to do so:

http://www.veta.zh.ch/internet/gesun...Andere-def.pdf

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Thanks, we are good ...those ladies are just lucky hubby was not with us because I don't think he would have been very polite On the flip side, we have met some lovey people and their dogs

How awful- you should really try to do something about this. In a village or rural location, you could just go to the Gemeinde and describe the dog, and they would know immediately who it is, and deal with it. I suppose in town, it is more difficult- I would still go to the Gemeinde and tell them about your experience and as good a description as you can muster. I cannot believe anyone can be so callous and stupid. Glad to hear you are both OK x

Whatever the Swiss dog rules are they don't seem apply to all.

Last summer my friend went for a walk near her house (she was 5 months pregnant), she was attacked by a large dog while the two owners stayed 50 meters away watching it. The dog jumped on her, ripped through her jackets and pants with his teeth and bit into her wrist while she was trying to protect her face.

Finally the man yelled in Swiss German blaming her that she was the one that clearly provoked the dog by looking into his eyes. She was very shaken and wanted nothing to do with them at that very moment so she rushed home without taking their details.

As she lived in a small town, it turned out that they lived a few houses down from her. Police was notified and the owner was called by the police, which he lied to saying that he had nothing to do with it.

However the same day the owner went down to the Gemeinde and registered the two dogs, as we later found out he only had one dog registered and the other two officially never existed even thou he lived with them for two years in that apartment.

Finally it came down to a confrontation a week later in a parking lot, she recognized him and approached him, he admitted that it was him but she couldn't prove it, at that very moment another friend of hers walked behind him and heard the entire conversation. He realized that there now was a witness and started screaming at her, threatening her. His exact words were; you f...ed me and I will f... you back.

At the end of a long police interview, she was told that unfortunately they couldn't do anything unless the dog attacks again.

The police was presented with photos of the ripped clothes and body bruises and they believed here, but supposedly there is a two strikes rule in this country.

As yes the laws here clearly state that dogs should not be without a leash but not everyone follows them.