Crazy Dog!!

[Gary Fowler]

Aiming at a bare patch of ground or one of the coyotes might be a little safer.

Aim directly at the one leading your dog off. Why waste ammo shooting in the air, even if you miss the close proximity of a bullet will make them thing twice about coming back. What is the sense in just making racket with a gun.
By the way, your dog should be trained to stop the chase and come to you when called.