06/06/2026
PSA: Protecting Small Dogs From Coyotes in Santa Clarita
⚠️ Recent Close Encounter
Tonight, I came within just a few feet of a coyote while walking Teddy, our Maltipoo.
Encounters like this are increasing across Santa Clarita, and small dogs are at the highest risk.
This PSA is meant to give dog owners clear, practical, life‑saving information — not fear, but preparedness.🐺
Why Coyotes Target Small Dogs.
Coyotes see dogs under ~25 lbs as prey.
Dusk, night, and dawn are peak hunting hours.
Urban coyotes are bold and habituated.
Birds of prey also target dogs under ~15 lbs
🛡️ How to Prevent an Encounter From Becoming an Attack
Keep dogs on 4–6 ft leads
Avoid retractable leashes
Carry deterrents (air horn, pepper gel, high‑lumen flashlight)
Stay in open, well‑lit areas
Be extra cautious March–August (pup season = territorial behavior)
🗣️ If You Encounter a Coyote
Stand tall and assertive
Make yourself big
Use loud, sharp commands
Never run
Back away slowly
🟥 NEW: What To Do If a Coyote Actually Makes Contact With Your Dog
This is the part almost no PSA includes — but it’s the difference between injury and catastrophic injury.
1. Do NOT lift your dog toward your chest, neck, or face.
When a coyote is already in attack drive, lifting a dog:
brings the dog closer to your vital organs,increases the chance of redirected aggression,and can escalate the attack toward your throat and upper torso.
2. Your body becomes the shield
If the coyote grabs or attempts to grab the dog:
Lower your center of gravity
Curl over the dog to prevent it from being dragged
Protect your neck and throat with your forearms
Use maximum-volume vocalization
This posture protects your vital organs and prevents the dog from being carried off.
3. If the coyote disengages — do NOT chase it
Instead:Maintain protective posture
Back away toward light and people
Chasing can trigger a second attack or pack response.
4. Treat the incident as a medical emergency
Even small punctures can hide:internal bleeding
crushed tissue shock
Both human and dog need evaluation.
📍 Santa Clarita Coyote Hotspots
Riverbeds & wash trails
Brush-lined paseos
Placerita, Sand Canyon, Fair Oaks, Copper Hill, Saugus hillsides
❤️ Final Message
Coyotes aren’t villains — they’re wildlife surviving in our shared environment. But small dogs are vulnerable, and owners deserve real, actionable information.
Tonight was a reminder of how quickly these encounters can happen.
Stay alert. Stay prepared. Protect your dogs and yourselves.
