Domestic dogs are closely related to coyotes - so closely that they can even have puppies together (check out this 1/4 domestic dog puppy in Queens, New York; though this is a very rare event)! Because they are so closely related, coyotes can perceive medium-large sized dogs as a threat, especially during denning season when they are most protective of their dens and territories. This may lead coyotes to barking or growling at dogs or chasing them off, though rarely coming into physical contact with larger dogs. Coyotes may also see smaller dogs as prey. Research suggests that keeping dogs on the leashes is one of the best ways to avoid both potential conflicts! 

Off leash dogs may wander into coyote denning areas or coyote-defended territory, by keeping them on a leash you can prevent this from happening. If a smaller dog wanders toward a coyote, it may be grabbed by a coyote as food. Keeping a small dog on a leash should keep a coyote from approaching. If a coyote does approach and try to take a dog off a leash, this is a sign that animal has been habituated, and is considered abnormal behavior. If this happens please contact the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. While we don't recommend having your dog off leash, if you do, it's best to make sure your dog has very strong recall skills and doesn't stray too far from you to minimize the risks.

Common Myth: Coyotes do not lure dogs or cats to ambush and attack! They do occasionally even engage in play with domestic dogs, but this is playful behavior and not hunting behavior. Regardless, we do not suggest letting your dog play with a coyote as coyotes have different methods of play and hierarchical systems than domestic dogs and could lead to injury.