[farmerDale]

The other morning when my wife left the yard, she texted me; coyote in with the sheep by the feeders.
I grab the .22, which was the wrong choice. I should have taken the time to grab the .222 or the .22-250. But, time was of the essence.

I get out there and spot the yote about 200 yards away, and pop at it a few times to at least scare it. Well that was a waste, I thought to myself. Walked back to the driveway, and all heck was breaking loose. Three of our guard dogs had the coyote penned into an alleyway. Easy shot now, I figured. Nope, outa shells. Coyote trots towards the bush and I went back to grab the RIGHT gun.

And the dogs went ballistic. I got back out there. Coyote pinned to the snow, two dogs have it by the rear. Third dog was who knows where. I couldn’t finish it as the dogs were dodging and fkailling around. As I stood there, mama dog grabbed the coyote by the back of the skull. Crunch. And the thing went limp, just like that. She kept chewing and shaking for about 10 minutes. Big diesel dog chewed the thing methodically from one end to the other, working as a team from hell. I was wowed.

So I have found two other dead coyotes this last year, and could only presume. But now I know. They are worth their weight in valuable lamb.

Get guard dogs.

We have 5. Two are in training on zip lines. The three free ones took care of business. The third dog wasn’t in on the action because when I shot, it seemed to scare him off unfortunately.

 

[BadOregon]

What breed(s) of dogs are they?

 

[Pony]

Give those dogs extra treats!

We have 4 LGDs. Wouldn't trade them for all the tea in China!

 

[farmerDale]

Sorry, four are marremas. One is a Kangal. The funny thing about them, is that they love us to pieces. They are softies with us. The one who administered the coupe de Grace on the coyote has the softest personality imaginable. She comes up when I am feeding the sheep and if you aren’t paying attention, you would never feel her tiny little nudge with her nose against my sleeve or glove for a petting. Such a sweeetheart. And huge Oakie? He collapses to the ground (and the earth shakes) for a belly rub if you get to within three feet.

 

[altair]

Great job, dogs. They did very well.

I've wanted one for years but we fortunately haven't the predator load and the fence is daunting since we're so close to road frontage.

 

[barnbilder]

I have coyotes for livestock guardian dogs. They are great, and were free. Low food and vet bills too. Basically just feed them scraps. Don't have to buy dog licenses from the county. Very economical. Sometimes the neighbor shoots them, but they are easy to replace.

 

[Pony]

Sorry, four are marremas. One is a Kangal. The funny thing about them, is that they love us to pieces. They are softies with us. The one who administered the coupe de Grace on the coyote has the softest personality imaginable. She comes up when I am feeding the sheep and if you aren’t paying attention, you would never feel her tiny little nudge with her nose against my sleeve or glove for a petting. Such a sweeetheart. And huge Oakie? He collapses to the ground (and the earth shakes) for a belly rub if you get to within three feet.

Ours are the same way. Huge and intimidating to strangers, but big ol' balls of fluff to us.

The youngest one, Finn, wants nothing more than to have me bury my face in his glorious fur coat, and give him loves and cuddles. He's a big boy, only 9 months old. Already as big as the adults, with one of those big lion heads, and super stocky body. He adores his humans, but let anyone threaten stock -- watch out!

@farmerDale, you give sound advice. People should get guard dogs!