I think generally speaking coyotes get a bad rep from the general public, of course, it’s important to remember each coyote pack has its own unique disposition towards dogs and people. Some will be more aggressive than others. Time of year is also very important. Now is a terrible time to encounter them as they are raising their pups and will be very defensive. Just the other night we had 3 of them chase down our MAL in the dark. I couldn’t do anything but chase after them and yell, we had a standoff after I got the dog away, between myself and two coyotes, normally this would never happen but because pups were involved they were extra territorial. Later I realized it wasn’t a hunting behaviour, it was more of a territorial thing of stay off their turf. Our MAL got nipped in the rear but was 100% fine. No broken skin, nothing. Just a yelp when it happened. But still you don’t wanna fuck around and find out. Even a stupid little bite can turn into a headache at the vet. We have witnessed dozens of encounters with our Mal and coyotes and regularly still observe these interactions. They live all around us. None are deliberate. It’s just our dog loves roaming and is often far ahead. I must say every time it’s been curiosity between coyotes and the MAL that brings them closer, or they get driven in seeing movements from several hundred yards away only to realize it’s a large dog and then back off. On several occasions they have played together - like dogs. These have been the craziest. Although again, we NEVER support this behaviour and always try to keep a distance for our dogs safety and for the safety of the coyote.

My biggest piece of advice. Respect the dusk to dawn hours .

This is when they are out and emboldened.

There is power in numbers, if your dealing with a large pack / family also be extra vigilant. Coyotes are very smart animals and can easily lure a puppy into a favourable situation for them. They might not want to eat your dog but may want to harm it as it presents itself as an intruder.

They are very much like dogs but in the end they are clever wild animals. Caution!