How to protect your dog from coyotes: 6 tips from a girl and her dog who saw one in the suburbs of Toronto in the winter
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Picture this. It’s January or February, and you’re walking your dog on the sidewalks of Toronto and the GTA. It’s evening – maybe just after work. The sun is setting. You’re ready to start your night, and the last thing you’d expect is to spot what looks like a big roaming dog wandering the streets off-leash.
If you saw a dog-like animal with greyish-brown fur and tinges of red fur around its eyes, nose, and legs, then surprise! You saw an urban coyote.
That’s exactly what happened to me one February evening. My dog and I were on our evening stroll when we suddenly stopped dead in our tracks. A coyote crossed the road just 6 ft away from us. It was 5:00 PM and we were in a very populated neighbourhood. Talk about the unexpected!
I learned a while later that not moving was a good move. Thankfully, this one slinked away and left us be. But it got me thinking… what would have happened if that coyote didn’t leave us alone? How do I protect myself and more importantly, how do I protect my dog from one?
Now, I’m better equipped after deep diving into researching coyotes and dogs. Here are the best 6 tips I’ve found to protect you and your dog from a potential conflict with a coyote.
1. Keep your dog on a leash
An off-leash dog can trigger a coyote attack for quite a few reasons:
- Their young are nearby. Coyote parents are highly protective of their young and will respond defensively to off-leash dogs that are too near their dens.
- It triggers their prey drive. While a coyote’s usual prey is a mouse, rabbit, or vole, coyotes may end up chasing things (like your small dog!) that run away from them.
- They’re playing. Coyotes are curious and intelligent animals. Some juvenile coyotes might try and play with your dog which can lead to bites and accidental attacks.
Coyotes tend to stay away from people so keeping your dog on a shorter leash (6 ft and less) can help prevent conflicts.
2. Pick up your dog (If you can)
Coyotes have a prey instinct and are more likely to attack if you or your dog runs. If you can, pick up your dog to keep it still, or if it isn’t possible, keep your dog’s leash as short as possible to reduce movement.
3. Back away and go indoors
Have a bold coyote that’s following you? Back away slowly to increase distance and try to go indoors as soon as possible.
Never turn your back towards the coyote and always maintain eye contact so you know where they are.
4. Make yourself appear BIG
Stand tall, keep eye contact, and wave your arms to make yourself appear more intimidating and threatening.
5. Throw sticks or rocks toward (not AT) the coyote
You can find sticks, clumps of dirt, small rocks, or a tennis ball to throw toward the coyote to distract and scare the coyotes away.
Coyotes are naturally timid creatures and typically like to avoid people and confrontation. They will usually pick flight over fight.
6. Shout and be assertive
Don’t feel silly if all you can think of shouting is “Go away coyote!” Continuous loud noises like shouting (try to avoid screaming) and other loud noises can scare and encourage the coyote to run away.
You can also use various noisemakers like:
- Keys jingling
- An air horn or
- Snapping a large plastic bag
Coyote protection gear for dogs
Everything I’ve mentioned up until now has been things that can scare off a coyote from doing anything to you or your dog.
If you’re looking for specific protection from coyote attacks, you can find Kevlar-made, puncture-resistant neck and body protective gear for dogs.
CoyoteVest is the first-of-its-kind pet body armour that protects your dog’s vital organs and neck from sustaining claw and puncture injuries. This San Diego-based company makes protective vests that fit up to 55-pound dogs.
You can order CoyoteVest products on Amazon Canada to avoid paying international shipping costs and duties!
Have a larger dog? You can get bite protection with hunting vests or tactical vests commonly used by police and military dogs.
