-
Rules change for dog walking in France from April
Here is how to ensure you and your dog remain within the rules and avoid fines
-
France reports 250,000 dog bites a year: What to do and who is responsible
Any breed of dog can bite, and there are certain rules and restrictions on certain breeds, and what to do in the event of an attack
-
Alert after several dogs found to have been poisoned in south-west France
Cases are widespread in and around Bordeaux and reports are increasing
Adventure film-maker takes adopted dog paragliding in French Alps
Shams adopted Ouka a Samoyed after being returned to the breeder twice as too energetic. ‘He was born to fly!’

Ouka the Samoyed loves paragliding with his French owner Shams, an adventure film-maker who travels the world in a self-built camper-van.
“Ten years ago, I quit my job to travel and do outdoor sports and make images and videos.
But during Covid, life became hard, so when friends told me about Ouka, I adopted him. He had been returned to his breeder twice because he’s so energetic,” said Shams.
“Samoyeds are bred to pull sledges in Siberia, need three to four hours’ exercise a day, and can’t be left alone.
I hoped he would enjoy paragliding, because some dogs do. I had a harness custom-made for him and trained him step by step.
Our first flight lasted 12-15 seconds, and he wasn’t afraid. So we flew for a minute, then 15 minutes and then half an hour. Ouka has never shown the slightest fear.”
When Shams, 39, says décollage (take off), Ouka comes running and stands between his legs ready for the off.
“In the air, he is very relaxed. I’d say he was born to fly!” They have been mostly in the French and Italian Alps since Shams adopted Ouka last year but are now looking forward to exploring the world together (instagram.com/ouka.sam).
Related articles
Thousands of animals await adoption in France after Covid lockdowns
How to get a French EU pet passport as a British second-home owner