How to Keep Your Dog Safe From Wildlife

Protect Your Dog From Coyotes and Other Wildlife

Lately, my dog training clients have been very concerned about wildlife harming their dogs. As a city girl, we are limited to opossum and an occasional raccoon. However, my clients have spotted several coyotes roaming their neighborhood. It will only get worse. As Dallas continues to spread farther out, humans are encroaching into rural areas that home wildlife. Below, I share my tips for keeping your dogs safe from wildlife.

Leash Your Dog

By far, this is the best dog safety tip for protecting your dog from coyotes. Keep your dog leashed during walks, especially when walking through rural areas. Toss out your retractable leash, and walk your dog on a sturdy six-foot nylon or leather leash. Keeping your dog on a short leash ensures your dog remains on walking trails instead of disturbing wildlife. Snakes and scorpions (yes, they are in Texas) can quietly hide in brush and will bite if stepped on. Plus, dogs will chase vermin, birds and even deer, and they can easily become lost in heavily wooded areas. Keeping your dog close to you keeps your dog and vulnerable wildlife safe.

RELATED: The Dangers of Invisible Dog Fences

Protecting Dogs From Coyotes

These are special tips for protecting your dog from coyotes. These wild canines are learning how to navigate within their new habitat even if it’s filled with brand new suburban homes. For the most part, coyotes start hunting at dusk and will roam areas during the evening. Due to adaption, coyotes have learned to easily scale sturdy six-foot fences, so dogs behind a fence are no longer safe. Coyotes tend to focus on small animals, such as cats and small dogs. Large dogs are not always safe, as a pack of coyotes can easily overpower a 100-pound dog.

Coyote Safety Tips

• Small dogs should never be left alone in the backyard regardless of time of day.
• At night, bring your small dog out to potty on leash and stand close to your well lit backdoor.
• Close and lock doggie doors to prevent dogs from wandering into the backyard at night.
• During early morning hours, turn on all the lights to ensure a coyote is not in your backyard.
• If walking your dog at night, keep your dog on a six-foot leash and carry pepper spray.
• Again, toss retractable leashes away.
• If you spot a coyote, make a loud noise; pick up your small dog and head home.
• If walking a medium or large dog, continue to make loud noises until the coyote disappears. Keeping your dog close to you, head home quickly.
• Immediately inform your neighbors about the sighting.

Taking a few precautions will keep dogs safe from coyotes and other wildlife.