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Feral Dogs | Feral Dog Overview | Feral Dog Damage Assessment | Feral Dog Damage Management | Feral Dog Resources | Feral Dog Acknowledgments | ICWDM | Wildlife Species Information |
Domestic dogs can be a serious problem to livestock, especially to sheep pastured near cities and suburbs. Dogs often attack the hindquarters, flanks, and head of livestock. They rarely kill as effectively as coyotes (Green et al. 1994). Normally, little flesh is consumed. Dogs are likely to wound the animal in the neck and front shoulders; the ears often are badly torn. Attacking dogs often severely mutilate the victim (Bowns and Wade 1980).
Coyote and dog tracks are similar but distinguishable. Dog tracks are round with the toes spread apart. Toenail marks are usually visible on all toes (Dorsett 1987). Coyote tracks are more rectangular and the toes are closer together. If any toenail marks show, they are usually of the middle toes. Also, coyote tracks appear in a straight line whereas those of a dog are staggered.
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Summary of Damage Prevention and Control Methods
Exclusion
Net wire fences. Electric fences.
Frightening
Yard lights, effigies, pyrotechnics. Electronic Guard. Livestock guarding animals.
Repellents
Several products are registered but are practical only for small areas. Capsaicin and anise oil may protect humans from attack by dogs.
Toxicants
Sodium cyanide in M-44 ejector devices
Fumigants
None are registered.
Trapping
Live traps. No. 3 or 4 steel leg hold traps. Cable neck snares.
Shooting
Hunting from the air. Hunting from the ground.
Other Methods
Eliminate food supplies. Destroy dens. Catch poles. Jab sticks. Cultural Considerations
Public education. Dog control laws. Professional carnivore damage control specialists.
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Feral Dogs | Feral Dog Overview | Feral Dog Damage Assessment | Feral Dog Damage Management | Feral Dog Resources | Feral Dog Acknowledgments | ICWDM | Wildlife Species Information |
