Farm dog at Priory farm near Hay-on-Wye

Image: © Jeremy Bolwell Taken: 17 Jun 2012

Just doing his job! A torrent of barks greeted me as I approached the farm across the fields, so I anticipated a welcoming committee and was pleased to learn that it was just one dog. At least this one just defended his turf, and unlike some farm dogs, did not go on the offensive and attempt to see me off a public footpath. I was also pleased to see that it was not two or more dogs, who can operate very effectively in a pack and work their way behind you...with sometimes dire consequences. I have been nipped, had an ankle seized, been bitten and slobbered on more times than I wish to recall, and can now spot a cur with a mean streak in an instant. I always speak to farm dogs, even the one eyed 'nasty' ones with psychopathic tendencies and find that saying "Good boy / girl!" is enough to put their minds and jaws at rest. Failing that I command them in Welsh or English as appropriate to get home / get in their bed / go scratch. Failing that I turn to face them and skirt around making a shuffling but often agile getaway that sometimes impresses the dog concerned and on occasion even surprises myself. I haven't high-tailed it screaming and sobbing yet...

Images are licensed for reuse under creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0