“Walking in the forest with a bear dog” only during the bear hibernation season

The Bear Dog is a dog that works to promote coexistence between bears and humans.PicchioIn response to requests to meet bear dogs, we have planned a tour where you can walk through the forest with bear dogs and learn about how they work. Picchio's handler (bear dog breeder and trainer), who is familiar with the ecology of Asiatic black bears, will guide you.

What is Bear Dog?

A bear dog is a dog that has been specially trained to detect the scent and presence of bears. Follow your handler's instructions and bark loudly to scare the bear away into the forest. They bravely stand up to bears and are kind and gentle towards people.

Picchio introduced bear dogs from the American bear dog breeding organization Wind River Bear Institute in 2004, and currently has four bear dogs working in the company. *One of the four dogs will accompany you on the tour.

Tour content

In the first half, the handler will give an easy-to-understand lecture indoors about efforts toward coexistence between humans and bears in Karuizawa and the work of bear dogs.

In the second half, it's time to walk through the forest with Bear Dog. We will introduce you to how they work as professional dogs that closely follow the instructions of their handlers.

The proceeds from this tour will be used for Asiatic black bear conservation and management activities.