Coyotes with my with dogs

[Negligence]

Where I'm at it's no surprise to see coyotes. But last night I was in a bit of shock.

Our four dogs -- two Shelties and two Bernese Mountain Dogs pups (3 months old) were outside in front of the house. I opened the door to feed them and my female Sheltie and one of the pups ran inside, but when I looked out I saw four "dogs". My male Sheltie, one of the pups, and two coyotes.

They were all within a few feet of each other and nobody looked scared or aggressive, but maybe interested in each other. I ran out screaming and calling the dogs back and the coyotes slowly took off, stopping to look back at me to see what I was all about.

I can't quite figure out what happened. Maybe the coyotes heard the dogs yapping and came to see what was going on, or they were trying to play and lure the pups. I just don"t know.

What I do know is that normally our Shelties howl at every moving thing, but this time they didn't. Kinda scary... and the fact that the pups aren't full size yet is a bit of a concern. Now that the coyotes know they are here, they might come back.

I'm within city limits so I can't shoot, and they are mostly outdoor dogs so it will be tough to keep an eye on them. So... even though all the locals told me to watch over my dogs to keep them from getting lured, ya just don't believe it until you see it yourself. That was close enough to make me a believer. Be warned!

 

[dave1949]

Is coyotes luring domestic dogs a wife's tale? Your neighbors seem to believe it isn't. I have wondered about this. Coyotes kill house cats - without luring them I would think.

If the coyotes wanted to eat your Sheltie or pups, wouldn't they have done so? Some strange things going on with coyotes. The interaction you describe would also fit feral dog's behaviour - no?

Do you think they were getting ready to attack or have a butt sniffing session?
Dave.

 

[20 20]

Coyotes will lure they have tried with mine{pups} on many occasion. Not sure what was going on with your incident. IMO coyotes can be very misleading and down right sneaky. They probably knew enough not to attack right at the house but instead lure the pup/s away then try and kill.

Years back I was out in our woods late at night. I heard one hollow/bark so I walked towards it to try and get a look. Before I new it they had started to surround my position, I had NO weapon. I did let out a yell and acted aggressive, might have saved my butt?? They have surrounded our house on many occasions and seem to know their fighting ground is in the woods. They followed a wounded deer right up to our front door but would not attack. I kept an eye on the deer for a couple of days. They KNEW where to try and attack and where not to. I finally put the deer down{with the help of DEC}. IMO don't underestimate these guys, they do this for a livin

 

[20 20]

Is coyotes luring domestic dogs a wife's tale? Your neighbors seem to believe it isn't. I have wondered about this. Coyotes kill house cats - without luring them I would think.

Top of the day to ya Dave1949

Luring is not a tail, it is their secret weapon of choice. I have watched them in action, they use the preditor/curious instinct of a domestic dog to their addvantage. One coyote will be a decoy, while bingo is paying attention to that coyote the others will close in behind. To kill a cat it is simple compared to a dog especailly a bigger one. Plus not many cats can be lured to/by a dog/coyote.

If the coyotes wanted to eat your Sheltie or pups, wouldn't they have done so?

Nope, they know how to hunt without putting themselves in danger. My quess is that they've been lurking around for some time? Scoping out the area so to speak. They probably feel an all out attack would be a dangerous move. Earn trust, lure, pull the pups away and BAM!!!

Some strange things going on with coyotes. The interaction you describe would also fit feral dog's behaviour - no?

I agree 100% with this they seem to be having less and less fear of humans.

Do you think they were getting ready to attack or have a butt sniffing session?
Dave.

If it were my babys I'd rather not find out Like I exaplained I believe they were checking their options, after all in the end it is the good hunter that wins.

 

[CurlyDave]

In OR I can shoot them to protect my dogs.

There was a thread with a long, long discussion of calibers not too far back. The best caliber is the one you have handy.

 

[MoKelly]

It seems to me whether you are in the city or the country, you can shoot another animal you feel is a threat to your pet or yourself.

I do not like coyotes and do not like them around ... both for my small dog as well as my boys.

If the coyotes stay in the woods they are OK.

If they come into the yard and close to the house, they are, in my opinion, a threat and are valid targets.

 

[two_bit_score]

Yep, you stepped out at just the right time to save your pups.

 

[forgeblast]

you may want to trap them, there are locking traps that will get them good, just dont have any scent on it they are sneaky.
i saw some at forest supply co.

 

[firefighter jim]

Will coyotes go after humans?

 

[NSBound]

Will coyotes go after humans?

Absolutely. Have a read through this thread from a couple of months ago -
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/rural-living/156212-maybe-first.html