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With their habitats and food sources shrinking, coyotes are venturing closer to our neighborhoods and homes than we鈥檇 like. Not only do they prey on livestock such as chickens and lambs, but our pets can become prey for these predators, as well. Here are some ways you can protect your dog from coyote attacks, both at home and while you鈥檙e out enjoying nature.
Coyote Protection on Walks
Whether you鈥檙e walking your dog early in the morning or late at night, keeping your dog close is key to preventing any unwanted coyote encounters.
Get a Coyote Vest for Your Dog
after one family lost their small dog to a coyote. They vowed to help reduce the chance of a similar tragedy happening to someone else. are made for small dogs and have a Kevlar neck collar armed with 1-inch spikes and spikes down the back, making it hard for coyotes to get a bite. If you have a small dog, these vests can help provide good protection.
Keep Your Dog on Leash
While you鈥檙e out for a walk with your dog, be sure to keep your dog on . Most coyotes are wary of people and won鈥檛 attack your dog if your pet is close to you. Bringing something along that makes a loud noise 鈥� a , , horn, or something similar 鈥� is another good way to scare off a lingering coyote.
Protecting Your Home Against Coyote Attacks
Even if a coyote doesn鈥檛 attack your dog, they could still transmit diseases to them if they鈥檙e carrying one. These could include anything from mange, fleas, ticks, and worms to , rabies, and parvovirus. If you have community meetings, you may want to bring up these tips or suggest creating a Facebook group where neighbors can post coyote sightings.
Don鈥檛 Leave Your Dog Outside Unsupervised
If you鈥檙e not around to keep an eye on your dog, it鈥檚 best to leave them indoors, especially if you don鈥檛 have good fencing. This way, they鈥檒l be out of reach of a coyote.
Add Coyote-Proof Fencing to Your Yard
Speaking of fencing, you should invest in one that鈥檚 solid, at least 6 feet tall, and buried in the ground at least 18 inches, since coyotes are amazing diggers. At the top, you need to put something that will stop even the most athletic coyote. This could be barbed wire or a tube of PVC pipe (its slick, round shape is almost impossible for a coyote to grip).
You can also create an overhang on the outside of the fence. Finally, you can install , which are aluminum rods that spin when a coyote tries to grip them, preventing them from climbing over. Coyote rollers won鈥檛 make your property look scary in the same way PVC pipe or barbed wire might, and many homeowners鈥� associations will accept them.
Light Up Your Yard at Night
Another backyard tip is to install that are pointed outside your fence line. That way, if a coyote does come around, the light will turn on before they get into your yard. The light will make most coyotes turn back.
Pick Up Poop and Trash
Your dog鈥檚 feces can attract coyotes to your property. Cleaning up poop on your property can lower the risk of attracting a coyote. You can use a or . Coyotes will also eat fallen fruit, so picking up any windfalls is a good idea. It鈥檚 a good idea to avoid leaving trash outside in bags. You may want to invest in a secure garbage can with a lock.
Training Your Dog in Case of Coyote Attacks
When faced with a wild animal, even the best-trained dog will struggle not to react. Managing your dog appropriately and working to prevent coyote attacks are the best ways to keep your dog safe. If you believe you might come across a coyote while out for a walk, keep your dog on a leash.
However, you can teach your dog some basic commands that are helpful for all dogs, whether or not a predator is approaching. Make sure your dog has a reliable recall. This means your dog comes to you pretty much every time you ask. If a coyote approaches your dog in an off-leash area, you may not have time to get the leash on. Having a reliable recall can save your dog鈥檚 life in this type of scenario, so practicing this skill in advance is key. Refresh your dog鈥檚 knowledge by playing recall games, using positive reinforcement training methods, and adjusting your verbal command if you have a poisoned cue. 鈥淧oisoned cues鈥� are cues that have lost all meaning to your dog, whether through poor reinforcement or lack of repetition.
If your dog tries to chase a coyote, use the 鈥渟tay鈥� command to make sure they don鈥檛 pursue. Regardless of your dog鈥檚 size or strength, coyotes are dangerous predators. Plus, they may be carrying dangerous diseases and parasites that you don鈥檛 want your dog to contract. Other skills you may want to refresh include teaching your dog to ignore distractions and heel (walk at your side), as well as behaviors you use when you don鈥檛 want them to approach other dogs (like an emergency U-turn or getting behind you immediately).
In exciting moments (like a coyote sighting), it may be hard for your dog to focus on you. So you may also want to carry high-value rewards with you, like your dog鈥檚 favorite or their favorite , as a way to reinforce their training.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.