An easy outing in the Parma Apennines, in the Monte Barigazzo area, to get up close and personal with livestock guard dogs, understand how they work in the pastures, and learn how to behave when you encounter them on a hike. Guard dogs, or livestock guardian dogs, are invaluable helpers for livestock herders. For this reason, it's important to understand them, respect them, and know how to behave around them.
We'll hike through an area where woods, meadows, and pastures reveal the profound connection between human activity, wildlife, and the landscape. We'll discuss wolves, pastures, biodiversity, and extensive livestock farming, recalling how the presence of grazing animals has shaped many Apennine environments over the centuries. Meadows, pastures, and open spaces are precious environments, rich in biodiversity, but today they are increasingly fragile, partly because fewer animals are raised outdoors.
Every year, Deborah and Gabriele of Podere Bianchi Galli take their sheep to graze in this area, contributing to the preservation of these open spaces and the ecological mosaic that characterizes them. The heart of this experience will be interacting with them, grazing with their flocks of sheep, their guard dogs, and their herding dogs. Together, we will discuss the daily work of a farmer, the role of dogs, the difficulties and commitment required to properly utilize prevention systems, and the concrete challenges of coexistence in an area also frequented by wolves.
The Paths of Coexistence: The Wolf, the Sheep, and the Guard Dog was created to demonstrate that coexistence is not an abstract concept and doesn't just concern those who breed or care for wolves. It concerns everyone: breeders, hikers, guides, citizens, government officials, and anyone who frequents areas where human activities, domestic animals, and wildlife share the same spaces.
GUIDE:
Daniel Ecotti
Founding partner
President of Environmental Hiking Guide – Environmental Educator
AIGAE ER940
EVENT DATE
June 14, 2026
Mount Barigazzo (PR)
RECIPIENTS
Open to all. The hike follows mainly a road and some short sections on trails. It doesn't require any particular technical ability, but does require some mountain walking experience. The route passes through wooded areas and open spaces. Total length approximately 4 km round trip, with a 100 m elevation gain. Hiking time: 4 hours.
€ 25,00
€20,00 Members of "I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf" with a valid annual membership for 2026
The participation fee will go entirely to the I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf Coexistence Fund, to support those who actively practice prevention and coexistence in their local communities.
PARTICIPANTS:
min. 10 – max 18
REGISTRATION CLOSES BY
7 days from the start date
AIGAE TRAINING CREDITS
DO NOT
INFORMATION
campi@iononhopauradellupo.it
WHAT TO BRING
Backpack, a water bottle (at least 1 liter), layered clothing appropriate for the season, hiking boots with treaded soles, and a waterproof jacket or raincoat. Registered participants will receive further information and details about clothing and logistics by email.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Dogs are not permitted – This activity is suitable for those who are not afraid of dogs.
The event will take place once the minimum number of participants is reached. It will continue even in the event of rain, except in exceptional weather conditions, in which case we reserve the right to cancel. A full refund will be given if cancellation is made within 15 days of the event start date or if the cancellation is due to reasons attributable to the organizers. Alternatively, the fee is non-refundable but can be used to pay for other I'm Not Afraid of the Wolf events.
Minors must be accompanied by at least one adult.
The program may be subject to changes decided by the guide based on contingencies and weather conditions.