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Although my company, Pawfriendly Landscapes, typically gets the call
about companion animals, such as, “How do I keep my dog in the yard,” I
am going to discuss preventing non domestic canines (and other rascals)
from entering your yard. Last year, we had numerous calls about it and
we remedied each one. I routinely follow up with my clients because I
want to make sure our methods are working.
Unfortunately,
the most popular call has been about coyote entering backyards. I’m
speaking from experience because I have had coyote try to enter my
yard. I have 3 dogs ranging in size who enjoy their bones outside,
which attracts coyote, so I’m also very fearful and want to prevent them
from harming my dogs. I’ve also seen them on walks with my dogs.
However, I have never had an incident with them and here is the reason.
If you
see coyote on dog walks - always keep your dog on a leash! Always!
(Leashes also prevent your dogs from falling through ice!) I learned
this lesson many years ago when I was living in an apartment and had to
walk my two small dogs daily next to a coyote’s den and her pups. I was
terrified. I contacted my veterinarian who told me if I keep them on a
leash, she will leave me alone. I took this advice and respected the
mother coyote by never taunting, approaching or feeding her. I never
had an incident – not even a close call! Coyote are very smart and fear
people; they will not approach your dog if he is tethered next to you.
I’ve heard some coyote are approaching dog walkers but most confess
their dog was running at large. Another measure of protection is to
carry pepper spray. I carry this for numerous reasons when I walk my
dogs and it gives me peace of mind.
Pawfriendly Landscapes - How to Share the
Turf When Your Backyard Belongs to Barney.
(Click
on the book to purchase a copy) |
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Coyote also enter backyards. Many people have contacted us about this
problem. When they opened their backdoor to call for their dog, they
saw coyote in their yard with their dog – some dogs were injured,
killed, or, fortunately, the coyote were scared away in time. The cost
effective remedies are as follows:
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If
you do not have a fence, invest in one.
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Along side
your fence, install vinyl lattice (NOT cedar – it will rot and they
will tunnel through it) about 2-3 feet below the ground. They will
not be able to tunnel under it. Call 8-1-1 to have your utilities
located – since you’ll be trenching many feet below your fence, you
need to have utilities located before you dig!
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If you have
a privacy fence and live on open space, secure chicken wire on the
other side of the fence – the one without lattice sheets. We
install chicken wire on to the fence about 8” off the ground with
staples or nails. Then we brought the chicken wire down to the
ground and cut it about a foot or so from the fence (it forms a “J”
or “L”) - we secure it into the ground with fabric pins.
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For three
rail fences or chain link – install the vinyl lattice along the
fence but secure the mesh wire to the ground with edging pins.
If
coyote are jumping over your fence, add height by securing lattice to
it. Tricking canines is key – if you can angle it so it appears to be
coming at them, they tend to look elsewhere for food.
All
these methods prevent other wildlife from entering your backyard and
keep your pets safe. But be a responsible dog owner by leashing your
dogs in parks, check on them frequently as they play in their backyards
and get a secure fence and gate in your backyard.
For
more information please go to
www.pawfriendlylandscapes.com
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