Dog in the facility

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

• Upon arrival and while moving within the facility, we ask that you keep your pet on a leash. This is a new environment for him and so you will prevent him from running freely in the common areas or rooms.
• If you know that your dog tends to be wary or reactive toward other dogs or people, we encourage you to use a muzzle when necessary.
• Animals, while part of the family, remain as such: we kindly ask that you do not allow them on beds, couches, comforters, lawn chairs or outdoor mats.
• We try to maintain the tranquility that characterizes the Maira Valley: please prevent your dog from barking or fussing inside the facility. If you have to leave him alone in the room, do so only if he is used to it, for a limited time and if you are sure he will not cause discomfort to other guests. If he uses a carrier, bring it with you-it will also be helpful in allowing the staff to clean up without problems. We also ask that you always report your pet's presence to our staff.
• Out of respect for all guests, we ask that you do not bring your dog into the dining room.
• It may happen that animals also have minor snags. If it does get dirty inside, please notify the staff immediately; we can intervene quickly to clean and sanitize.
• The garden is a shared space: if your pet gets dirty, pick it up immediately and, if needed, ask the staff for cleaning products.
• When outdoors, consider that not all guests are equally familiar with animals. If you are unsure of the reaction of your dog or the people around, better keep him on a leash. In any case, the Maira Valley is full of meadows and trails where he will be able to enjoy himself freely!

Guard dogs

In Valle Maira you may come across guard dogs: here's what you need to know.

With the stable return of the wolf to the Alps and in particular to Valle Maira, a fundamental figure for mountain farming has also returned: the flock protection dog, or guard dog. Usually these are Maremma-Abruzzo shepherds, always used to protect grazing animals against natural predators such as the wolf, but also against stray dogs or human disturbances.
These dogs grow up together with the sheep and consider the flock as 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 guarding dog in Valle Maira?

While hiking, you may come across a flock guarded by one or more livestock guarding dogs. In these cases, it is essential to:

• Stay calm and do not run away. Like all dogs, livestock guarding dogs can react predatorily to escape behavior.
• If the dog comes towards you, stop and let it get closer, speaking in a calm and firm voice to make it clear that you are not a threat.
• Keep children close to you, preferably by the hand, 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 be resolved without problems and you will be able to continue your hike peacefully.

What never to do in the presence of a guard dog

• Don't run away! Even if you are afraid, running away triggers the dog's predatory instinct and can make it more aggressive.
• Don't shout, don't wave sticks, don't throw stones or objects. These behaviors do not scare the dog: on the contrary, they put him on alert and can worsen the situation.
• Don't try to cross the flock: go around it at a safe distance or wait for it to move away. This will avoid alarming the dog and disturbing the animals.
• Avoid invasive behavior or excessive closeness, even if the dog seems 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 protect yourself, the animals and those who work in harmony with this territory.