Moment Woman’s Quick Thinking After Hearing Coyotes in Yard Saves Her Dog

An owner leaped into action to recall her dog after the sounds of coyotes swirled around her home.

Unaware of the dangers that loomed nearby, Lisa let her dogs outside to conduct their business as usual. She noted in her October 8 Instagram video (@next_perihelion) that she lives on top of a mountain and never sees coyotes venture that high, let alone in a pack. But the echoing howls immediately concerned Lisa, as it was an unfamiliar sound to her.

Her German shepherd was about to sprint off into the wooded area behind her house, chasing the sounds, but Lisa stopped her in the nick of time. The home security camera captured Lisa running outside and immediately recalling her dog. The German shepherd paused and the two looked around. Then, as soon as Lisa said “in,” her dog went running back toward the house without hesitation.

Lisa shared the experience on Instagram and asked for advice on how to protect her dogs going forward. While she wrote in the caption that coyote sightings in northwestern New Jersey are uncommon, she is now nervous. Her dog had already been attacked by a bear and now she’s fearful the coyotes will strike.

While at home, the American Kennel Club (AKC) suggests, owners should never leave their dogs outside unsupervised, especially if the yard does not have fencing. To coyote-proof the yard, consider installing motion-sensor lights, which will likely make a coyote turn around. Clean up the yard by picking up your dog’s poop and any trash, such as fallen fruit, as this might attract animals to your property.

Owners might also want to consider adding a fence to the yard. AKC recommends one at least 6 feet tall and buried in the ground at least 18 inches because coyotes are known to be amazing diggers. To stop them from hopping over the fence, add barbed wire, PVC pipe or rollers that will spin if one tries to grip it.

Keep your dog on a leash or use a coyote vest while walking your canines. The vests, which were made for small dogs, are armed with spikes going down the back to make it harder for a coyote to bite.

Viewer Reactions

The frightening clip amassed over 1.5 million views as of Wednesday, with people immediately offering suggestions for Lisa—add a fence or set off firecrackers before letting the dogs out. Others speculated the coyotes were celebrating a food catch or attempting to lure in her dog.

“Wow that’s a lot! Glad y’all ok,” a comment read.

One user wrote: ” Oh man that’s so scary!! Thank goodness they listened!”

Amazed at how quickly her dog responded, viewers praised Lisa for her training: “… A solid recall is the best way to keep one’s dog safe.”

Newsweek reached out to Lisa via email for additional comment.