Hiking, experiencing nature and walking in the woods are great pastimes for many reasons. Exploring a new place with lots of greenery reduces stress and blood pressure, improves your mood, and encourages creative thinking. your dog would most likely love their walks outdoors as well, but unfortunately, conflicts between dogs and wildlife can occur.
You can be sure to avoid these conflicts between your pup and wild animals through taking precautions and proper training. After all, you both deserve an enjoyable, safe hike.
Protecting Your Dog
While most wildlife avoid contact with people and dogs, there are some species that may pose a threat to your dog. But don’t worry! With the right knowledge, you can avoid conflicts and keep your pup safe.
- Deer are usually gentle creatures. However, during rutting season (in the beginning around August) male deer become extremely territorial and can cause significant injuries to your dog if she gets too close. Deer are most active at dawn and dusk, so be sure to keep your dog close when out walking then.
- Coyotes are medium-sized canine predators who have been known to attack small dogs while they are in their yards. It is crucial to watch your dogs when you let them outside during the early morning and evening.
- Panthers, while rare, still live in the Everglades and surrounding areas. If hiking here, keep your dog leashed and close by. Never walk after the sun sets because panthers hunt at night. If you live in or are visiting these areas, you can keep your pets safe by keeping the grass cut short, never leave dog food outside, and installing motion-sensored lights. These methods will deter hunting panthers from approaching your dog.
- Venomous snakes pose a particular risk to dogs, as they are difficult to see as you approach. The best protection you can offer your dog is to learn to identify venomous snakes, and keep your dog leashed so they don’t stray off the path. Here in south Florida we have coral snakes, copperheads, cottonmouths, eastern diamondback rattlesnakes, dusky pygmy rattlesnakes, and timber rattlesnakes.
Protecting Wildlife
Dogs can also harm wildlife, but with proper training they can be wonderful trail buddies and courteous neighbors to the animals that live there. All dogs have a natural drive to chase and kill birds, rabbits, and other small mammals. Some species, such as greyhounds, herding dogs, and terriers, have a higher drive than others. But don’t worry–there are training steps you can take to help your dog to curb this instinct. This will make hikes much more enjoyable, since your dog won’t be lunging after every creature they see.
The key is to redirect their attention to you instead of the prey. Use tasty treats to teach your dog to maintain eye contact with you as you pass an animal. After some time, they will understand that paying attention to you (and thus receiving treats) is much more rewarding than trying to chase a squirrel.
Improving your dog’s recall–the speed and reliability with which they come when called– will be a great help as well. Begin in a controlled environment, such as a small fenced area. Offer treats and use a calm, happy voice to call their name. Once they consistently come to you, work your way to larger areas such as a fenced field, then use an extended leash for practicing recall on trails.
The above behaviors are among many that the professionals at Gulf Coast K9 Dog Training can teach to your dog. If you need help with puppy training, obedience training, or need some reinforcement – give us a call.
