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Coyotes are native to many areas across North America and have adapted to living near human populations. As opportunistic predators, they can pose a risk to smaller dogs, particularly in urban or suburban environments where they’re more likely to enter backyards or public spaces. Since coyotes are most active during dawn and dusk—times when dogs are often outside—dog owners must take precautions to protect their pets. The following safety tips are essential for minimizing the risk of a dangerous coyote encounter.

Keep Your Dog on a Leash

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Always keep your dog on a leash when walking them, particularly in areas where coyotes are known to be present. Coyotes are more likely to see an off-leash dog as prey, especially smaller dogs that are easier to hunt. A leash ensures you maintain control of your dog, preventing them from running off into areas that may be risky. Even if you’re walking in a familiar neighborhood, it’s important to stay vigilant and keep your dog close, especially if coyotes have been spotted in the area.

Keep Your Dog in a Secure Yard

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When your dog is outside, make sure your yard is securely fenced to prevent coyotes from entering. Coyotes can easily jump or dig under fences, so it’s important to ensure your yard is properly secured. A fence at least six feet tall is ideal, and burying the bottom of the fence several inches underground can help deter coyotes from digging their way in. Make sure there are no gaps in the fence that could allow a coyote to slip through, and always keep an eye on your dog when they are outside.

Never Leave Your Dog Outside Unattended

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Never leave your dog outside unattended, especially during dusk or dawn when coyotes are most active. Coyotes are opportunistic and may view an unsupervised dog as an easy target. Even if your yard is securely fenced, the risk of a coyote sneaking in undetected increases when there’s no one around to keep watch. Always supervise your dog when they are outside, and bring them in at night to reduce the likelihood of an encounter with coyotes or other predators.

Train Your Dog to Respond to Commands

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Training your dog to respond to basic commands like “come” and “stay” can help you quickly get them to safety in the event of a coyote encounter. If your dog is off-leash or wandering in a yard, you can call them back to you at the first sign of a coyote. The faster your dog responds, the less likely they are to engage with a coyote. Recall training is a simple but effective way to ensure your dog remains safe when outdoors, especially in areas where wildlife is prevalent.

Avoid Walking Your Dog in Coyote Territory

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If you live in an area known for coyote activity, try to avoid walking your dog through coyote territory. Stick to well-lit and populated areas, especially during the early morning or evening hours when coyotes are more likely to be active. Coyotes tend to avoid human activity, so sticking to more urban or busy areas can reduce the likelihood of an encounter. If you do have to walk through areas known for coyotes, be sure to stay alert and carry a form of deterrent like a whistle or pepper spray.

Watch for Coyote Signs

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Keep an eye out for signs that coyotes are nearby, especially if you’re walking your dog in areas known to be coyote habitats. Look for coyote tracks, droppings, or sightings of the animals themselves. If you see any signs of coyote activity, it’s best to turn around and head in the opposite direction. Coyotes tend to avoid humans but may be more aggressive if they feel threatened, so recognizing the signs of their presence can help you take precautions before an encounter happens.

Carry Protection While Walking

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Carrying protection while walking in coyote-prone areas is a smart safety measure. Items like a walking stick, air horn, or pepper spray can be used to deter coyotes in the event of an encounter. If a coyote approaches aggressively, using these tools can create a barrier and scare the animal off. While attacks on humans are rare, it’s important to be prepared in case of an emergency, and having protection with you can provide peace of mind when walking your dog in risky areas.

Spay or Neuter Your Dog

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Spaying or neutering your dog can reduce the likelihood of attracting coyotes. Unspayed female dogs in heat can emit hormonal scents that coyotes find appealing. Male dogs, especially those that are not neutered, may also attract coyotes with their scent. By spaying or neutering your dog, you reduce the chances of your dog becoming a target for coyotes searching for mates. In addition to reducing the risk of a coyote encounter, spaying or neutering can also have health benefits for your dog.

Install Coyote Deterrents

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Coyote deterrents can help make your yard less inviting to these predators. Motion-sensor lights, sprinklers, and noise-making devices can effectively scare coyotes away. Motion-activated lights startle coyotes and discourage them from approaching your yard, while sprinklers can create an unpleasant environment for them. Some ultrasonic repellents emit sounds that coyotes find unpleasant, though humans can’t hear them. Using a combination of these deterrents can make your property less attractive to coyotes and provide an extra layer of protection for your dog.

Be Aware of Coyote Mating Seasons

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Coyote behavior can change depending on the time of year, especially during their mating season. Coyotes become more territorial and protective during mating, which generally occurs in late winter to early spring. This is when coyotes are more likely to be seen in urban areas as they search for mates or defend their territory. During this time, be extra cautious when walking your dog, as coyotes might act more aggressively or boldly around areas they view as part of their territory. Staying alert during these months is important for avoiding unwanted interactions.

Avoid Leaving Food Outdoors

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Leaving food outside, whether it’s pet food or leftovers, can attract coyotes to your yard. Coyotes are opportunistic feeders and will scavenge food left unattended. This includes pet food, birdseed, garbage, and even fallen fruit. If you want to avoid attracting coyotes and other wildlife to your property, make sure to store pet food indoors and keep trash securely covered. By eliminating food sources, you make your yard less appealing to coyotes and other creatures looking for an easy meal.

The Coyote-Free Canine Club

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Coyotes play an important role in the ecosystem, but they can pose a threat to smaller pets. By following safety tips, you can keep your dog safe from coyotes and other wildlife. Keeping your dog on a leash, securing your yard, and training your dog to respond to commands are effective ways to reduce risks. Protect your dog and don’t let them become a coyote’s next snack—it’s your responsibility as a pet owner to ensure their safety and well-being at all times.

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