Purple and Paws As I’ve mentioned quite a few times on this site, I live in Phoenix, AZ. It’s a great city with a lot of wildlife. Wildlife that includes coyotes. Me and Socks see them everywhere, which means other dog owners see them everywhere. Maybe you’re lucky enough not to live in an area that has coyotes or maybe you do. Either way, here are some tips for living with a dog and coyotes.
Stay Aware and Alert
I’ve heard and read countless horror stories about dogs who were snatched or killed by coyotes. Socks is 70 pounds, so I don’t need to worry about a coyote coming up behind us and grabbing him or letting him out at night for fear a coyote will jump a fence and attack him. Every time we see a coyote, they’re almost always scared of Socks. But for anyone out there who owns a smaller dog, please pay attention to your sights and surroundings when walking your dog or letting your dog into the backyard unsupervised (especially if you live close to the desert). It only takes you turning your back for tragedy to strike, so always always be alert and aware.
Use Scare Tactics
Again, this advice is more for owners of smaller dogs who coyotes look at and think, “Yum, a tasty snack.” If you see a coyote while out walking your dog, yell, shout, or scream to scare the coyote off. Coyotes aren’t big fans of loud noises and will most likely turn around and head in the other direction if you create a big commotion.
Don’t Act Friendly
Coyotes are wild animals. It can be hard to remember that sometimes because they look so much like dogs. Even I admit that occasionally on my solo runs if I see a coyote, I stop and admire him or her. But we have to remember that as much as they may look and act like pets, they are not (for some interesting facts about coyotes, check out this great National Geographic article). So don’t encourage a coyote to come closer and under no circumstances should you feed a coyote.
Move Away
If you’re walking with your dog and you see a coyote or a group of coyotes, if you can, turn around and go in the other direction. Walking away is your best bet. And what if a coyote is following you? I’ve had this happen a couple times with Socks. Almost always the coyote eventually loses interest in us and falls back after a few feet. A coyote is probably not going to chase down your dog and you. But if the coyote does not lose interest, try yelling and screaming, which should scare it off.
Encountering coyotes in your neighborhood or the wild doesn’t have to be scary. Just follow these tips to keep you and your dog safe!