Dogs on the premises

To ensure a peaceful coexistence between all guests — both human and animal — we ask you to follow a few simple rules of common sense and respect:

• Upon arrival and when moving around the premises, we ask you to keep your pet on a leash. This is a new environment for them, and this will prevent them from running freely in common areas or rooms.
• If you know that your dog tends to be wary or reactive toward other dogs or people, we invite you to use a muzzle when necessary.
• While pets are part of the family, they remain animals: we kindly ask you not to let them on beds, sofas, duvets, deckchairs, or outdoor mats.
• We strive to maintain the tranquility that characterizes the Maira Valley: please prevent your dog from barking or becoming agitated inside the facility. If you must leave them alone in the room, please do so only if they are accustomed to it, for a limited time, and if you are certain they will not cause any disturbance to other guests. If they use a crate, please bring it with you: it will also be useful to allow staff to clean without issues. We also ask that you always inform our staff of your pet's presence.
• Out of respect for all guests, we ask you not to bring your dog into the dining room.
• Pets can sometimes have small accidents. Should they soil the interior, please notify the staff immediately: we can intervene quickly to clean and sanitize the area.
• The garden is a shared space: if your pet soils the area, please pick it up immediately and, if necessary, ask the staff for cleaning products.
• When outdoors, please consider that not all guests have the same familiarity with animals. If you are unsure of your dog's reaction or that of the people around you, it is best to keep them on a leash. In any case, the Maira Valley is full of meadows and trails where they can enjoy themselves freely!

Livestock Guardian Dogs

In Valle Maira, you may encounter livestock guardian dogs: here's what you need to know.

With the stable return of the wolf to the Alps and particularly to Valle Maira, a fundamental figure for mountain livestock farming has also returned: the flock protection dog, or livestock guardian dog. These are typically Maremma-Abruzzese sheepdogs, traditionally used to protect grazing animals against natural predators such as wolves, as well as stray dogs or human disturbances.
These dogs grow up with the sheep and consider the flock their family. Their protective instinct is strong and, for this reason, they must be respected and not provoked.

What to do if you encounter a livestock guardian dog in Valle Maira?

During a hike, you may come across a flock guarded by one or more livestock guardian dogs. In these situations, it is essential to:

• Remain calm and do not run. Like all dogs, livestock guardian dogs can react with predatory behavior to fleeing.
• If the dog approaches you, stop and let it come closer, speaking in a calm and firm voice to show you are not a threat.
• Keep children close to you, preferably holding their hands, to avoid panic reactions.
• If the dog continues to appear wary or agitated, back away slowly and never turn your back. Go back and choose an alternative route that allows you to maintain a safe distance from the flock.

With these simple precautions, in most cases, the encounter will resolve without problems and you can continue your hike peacefully.

What never to do in the presence of a livestock guardian dog

• Do not run! Even if you are afraid, fleeing triggers the dog's predatory instinct and can make it more aggressive.
• Do not shout, do not wave sticks, do not throw stones or objects. These behaviors do not frighten the dog: on the contrary, they put it on alert and can worsen the situation.
• Do not attempt to walk through the flock: go around it at a proper distance or wait for it to move away. This will avoid alarming the dog and disturbing the animals.
• Avoid intrusive behavior or excessive proximity, even if the dog appears calm.

Remember: you are on vacation, but the shepherd and his dog are working. Respect for their work is part of the authentic experience in Valle Maira.

Experience the mountains with awareness: knowing the correct behavior is the first step to protecting yourself, the animals, and those who work in harmony with this territory.