Hiking a GR with a dog: rules and advice

First check that the GR is open to dogs

Before choosing a route, check whether it crosses a national park. This is the first question to ask, because on its own it can make a GR impossible with a dog, on at least part of its route.

National parks

In the core areas of most national parks, dogs are banned, even on a leash. The only exceptions are herding and livestock guardian dogs, and assistance dogs for people with disabilities. FFRandonnée sets out the reasons:

• a dog running free disturbs wildlife and can pass on parasites and diseases;
• its predatory instinct can drive it to chase, harass or bite animals;
• it can come into conflict with flocks, shepherds and their dogs;
• many walkers are tempted to let it off the lead as the hike goes on.

Cévennes National Park is an exception: dogs are allowed in the core area provided they are kept on a leash. The rules are set by each park's own regulations: check them on the official website of the park concerned before you set off. Outside the core area, in the municipalities of the park's outer zone, the ban does not apply, but other local rules may exist.

In practice, several mountain GRs cross the core area of a national park on part of their route. With a dog, you then have to give up the section concerned, look for a variant that skirts the core of the park or choose another route.

Other protected areas

Some protected natural areas, such as nature reserves, also ban dogs or require a lead. Local authorities can also require a lead or ban dogs in certain areas, for example grazing land. The signs at the entrance to these areas and the website of the body that manages them are authoritative.

Leads: what the law says

In public spaces, a lead is generally not compulsory, provided the dog stays close to you. Two national rules do, however, govern walking with a dog, under the order of March 16, 1955, which is still in force:

• dogs must not be left to roam on land whether cultivated or not, in meadows, vineyards, orchards, woods and marshes, or along rivers, ponds and lakes;
• in woods and forests, from April 15 to June 30, it is forbidden to walk a dog off the lead away from forest tracks. This rule aims to protect game.

FFRandonnée advises always carrying a lead and a muzzle, whatever the breed of your dog. You are responsible for any damage it may cause: if in doubt about how it will react, put it on the lead.

Flocks and guardian dogs

In the mountains and in livestock-farming areas, GR trails often cross summer pastures and grazing land. A dog can make a flock panic: keep it on a leash as you approach the animals.

Flocks are sometimes guarded by livestock guardian dogs, the patous: large white dogs whose job is to protect the sheep. To them, your dog represents a potential threat. FFRandonnée recommends not approaching a flock guarded by patous with a dog and giving it a wide berth: they may go for your dog, or even for you, to defend the flock. Stay calm, do not threaten them and make a wide detour around the flock, even if it means leaving the path for a while.

Before a multi-day hike, gradually get your dog used to passing sheep, cows and horses, so that it stays calm when the time comes.

Finding accommodation

Not all refuges and gîtes accept animals. Ask when you book, stage by stage, and get the host to confirm their agreement. On a GR where accommodation is scarce, a single refusal can force you to rethink the stage, to sleep in a tent where this is allowed, or to change route. Also plan for your dog's bedding and food for the whole trip.

Preparing your dog for a multi-day hike

Walking several days in a row is demanding for a dog as well as for its owner. A few precautions:

• Train it gradually with longer and longer walks before you set off.
• Check its paw pads at every break: remove any stones and bring disinfectant. Breathable dog boots can help on very rough terrain.
• Check its coat for ticks every evening.
• Carry water for it, on top of your own, especially on sections with no spring or stream.
• Do not push it: if it is injured, see a vet rather than carry on walking.

Trail etiquette

Keep your dog close to you when you pass other hikers, do not frighten horses and do not get in the way of cyclists. Bear in mind too that a dog greatly reduces your chances of seeing wildlife, and that it can get lost chasing an animal. Well prepared, a multi-day hike with your dog is a wonderful shared adventure.