tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post1778227058950997473..comments2023-10-09T06:54:04.099-06:00Comments on Past Times and Present Tensions: Living with a coyote hybrid (Coydog)John Hooker FSAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-51969931117000822252019-11-04T10:56:00.565-07:002019-11-04T10:56:00.565-07:00Sorry for the awful delay in replying, but I have ...Sorry for the awful delay in replying, but I have not been checking the blog as much as I should. I might resume the blog with one post a week, soon, so the delays should stop.<br /><br />Tristan invents his own games (and the rules for it) I do not know of dogs who do that, so it is very possible he has some coyote. Coyotes are very playful. Shedding with Tristan comes from both sides: German Shepherds shed lots, but coyotes can molt twice a year and it comes off in huge clumps. This depends on temperatures and might not happen where it is warm all year.<br /><br />There is no DNA test that will tell you the mix -- all are canine, so there would have to exist a local DNA database for wolves and/or coyotes in your area.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />JohnJohn Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-20817446152285597432019-11-04T10:27:07.372-07:002019-11-04T10:27:07.372-07:00I'm sorry to hear that.I'm sorry to hear that.John Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-23453469077735669642019-11-04T10:24:48.088-07:002019-11-04T10:24:48.088-07:00Email me a photo (or more) at john(at)writer2001.c...Email me a photo (or more) at john(at)writer2001.com (you know the right format, this way I don't get spam!) I will post the pics on the Coydog community page. You can also include some text in the email about her and I will publish that, too.John Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-48176437109445206402019-09-26T21:39:20.702-06:002019-09-26T21:39:20.702-06:00Can I post a pic of her? Can I post a pic of her? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14503120108839711915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-82646665928011898172019-09-26T21:38:52.907-06:002019-09-26T21:38:52.907-06:00I recently lost my German shepherd/ airedale/ coyo...I recently lost my German shepherd/ airedale/ coyote mix. She was 3 and had just had a litter of pups 6 days priorAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14503120108839711915noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-52943666501350253062019-06-25T19:42:05.948-06:002019-06-25T19:42:05.948-06:00Hi! We adopted Tide 5 years ago. We nearly didn’t...Hi! We adopted Tide 5 years ago. We nearly didn’t keep him when he started snarling at us. Over time, though, we have learned that, while it looks scary, he really means nothing by it. He is very loyal and had clearly been trained by someone before we adopted him, but we have not been able to teach him “new tricks” in all these years. It is strange because he seems very smart. However he does play a game with my kids. He chases them, and sometimes nips if he catches them, but somehow they have mutually agreed upon “bases” where he will leave them alone. I have no idea how this game evolved - it was almost like he taught them where the bases were. <br /><br />Recently, we have started to wonder if he is a dog-coyote or dog-wolf mix. He has the most beautiful red - blonde coloring i have ever seen. He also sheds more than any dog i have ever met. He has huge teeth. He has nails so hard my clippers will not cut through them, although the vet can do it. He is extremely protective of our home, barking at everything that moves. We have other dogs. He plays with them but also growls at them often. Like us, the dogs seem to have realized the growl is a bluff and they tend to ignore it. He is very friendly to our guests. It seems he only snarls at his family. <br /><br />Does any of this indicate to you whether he could be a coydog, or a wolf mix? Any ideas where i could research this further? <br /><br />Thank you!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16022917406930123270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-56441162521439700752019-05-29T19:23:28.391-06:002019-05-29T19:23:28.391-06:00As usual, I do have to apologize for the delay in ...As usual, I do have to apologize for the delay in replying -- I have taken a break from my blog while I work on other projects and do not check for messages as much as I should.<br /><br />As far as shots go, get him what is most recommended for dogs in your area. Certainly a rabies shot is essential, but regions might vary in what is also a common health problem.<br /><br />That he is adapting well to your other animals is a very good sign, probably a combination of nature/nurture. Whatever you are doing, continue. It is working great and I would say that you a good animal owner.<br /><br />It sounds like the food is just fine, but not knowing the brand I cannot be positive. grain-free is good -- grain is just filler. I feed Tristan this food from Walmart in Canada. I'm not sure it is available in the U.S. Walmarts:<br /><br />https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/actr1um-holistic-adult-dog-food-7kg/1455222100259<br /><br />It comes in different flavours and there is also a puppy version. I have yet to find a better food for him. What is important is that it contains a range of fruits and vegetables and coyotes will eat various fruits like watermelon and blueberries in the wild. It even includes salmon which is very good for them.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />JohnJohn Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-29710657799618871582019-05-17T19:04:47.860-06:002019-05-17T19:04:47.860-06:00I need health-related info. My son adopted a Male ...I need health-related info. My son adopted a Male Coywolf pup from a breeder in California and has left it with me (n Arizona) while he re-settles. The pup is now 3-4 months old. I wonder about puppy shots, rabies shots and diet. My veterinarian was not helpful. Can anyone here advise me? The pup is fitting in beautifully with my 2 Chihuahuas, my Belgian Malinois and my cats. I'm feeding him premium grain-free puppy Kibble unless there is something else he needs. Thank you all!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15819211124738315267noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-33443382427850388862019-04-15T06:07:01.638-06:002019-04-15T06:07:01.638-06:00Thank you!
Best,
JohnThank you!<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />JohnJohn Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-28489783746197807622019-04-15T06:06:20.542-06:002019-04-15T06:06:20.542-06:00Sorry for the delay in replying, I've not be c...Sorry for the delay in replying, I've not be checking the site too often, lately.<br /><br />If you are on the eastern side of N. America, there is likely to be some wolf as well as coyote, but in western areas it is more likely either a wolf or coyote mix. Howling, more than yipping suggests wolf hybrid.<br /><br />Wolves are pack animals while coyotes exist in family groups so a pack dog will be more assertive among other dogs.<br /><br />Here are some Cesar Milan videos on training wolf dogs:<br /><br />https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2mwrdz<br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlOZuGRILIU<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />JohnJohn Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-30753786306376620352019-04-03T22:45:50.465-06:002019-04-03T22:45:50.465-06:00i really got here details idea. really amazing inf...i really got here details idea. really amazing information. thnaks Adles Fuerhttps://huntingspro.com/best-predator-hunting-lights-reviews/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-83099862380751715642019-03-28T06:30:16.245-06:002019-03-28T06:30:16.245-06:00I found this site and have thoroughly enjoyed read...I found this site and have thoroughly enjoyed reading all the comments. I recently rescued a pup and was told she is 1/2 German Shepard and 1/2 timber wolf. Last nite was our first night at a dog training class. The instructor informed me that he thinks she's part coyote. She was kind of agressive toward dogs that got to close to us. Almost got us kicked out if class because they do not tolerate eye contact between dogs. She loves to dig. Has a den in the back yard. She howls versus barking and she is very stubborn. But we are adjusting. Is there some advice on how to adjust training for her breed? I love this girl and want her to have a great lifeAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12433115285986548258noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-29632269046310317422019-03-16T07:35:31.031-06:002019-03-16T07:35:31.031-06:00Thanks, Alea, and apologies for replying so late -...Thanks, Alea, and apologies for replying so late -- I have not been checking my blog much, recently.<br /><br />Someone else mentioned the grape thing so I stopped giving him them right away.<br /><br />He is doing great and is becoming even more civilized. He does not react as badly toward people showing fear around him, and seems to have modified his belief that they mean to do him harm.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />JohnJohn Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-34716511788661113812019-03-02T05:32:42.591-07:002019-03-02T05:32:42.591-07:00Hi John thanks for sharing your coydog story. I ...Hi John thanks for sharing your coydog story. I too have a unique hybrid, white shepherd coyote..most beautiful creature ever. He was a rescue, as you say most people are not equipped to deal with natural canids' intelligence and intense instincts. I too love this boy more than imaginable, tho he frequently tests rank order and holds the family leader to high standards. Btw, may want to research food safety for canids. Some of our foods are toxic to canids. You mentioned Tristan liked crush grapes. The seed ie grape oil is very healthful, but the skins are toxic to their kidneys. I hope he is doing well after 6 years. Dr hAleahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01766260742690625483noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-45514045902464118702018-06-01T09:30:30.527-06:002018-06-01T09:30:30.527-06:00Thank you very much, Dennis, I'm pleased that ...Thank you very much, Dennis, I'm pleased that you enjoyed the blog and everyone's comments.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />JohnJohn Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-30472169910599968252018-05-30T18:05:43.069-06:002018-05-30T18:05:43.069-06:00I just stumbled across this after googling what a ...I just stumbled across this after googling what a coydog was. Amazing article, was a good read. Loved hearing about his behavior around other dogs and people I hope you have a great life with Tristan. D<br />Dennis of Albany NYhttp://www.google.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-60625634156151313112017-02-23T09:20:55.572-07:002017-02-23T09:20:55.572-07:00With the chow mixture, they would be especially a ...With the chow mixture, they would be especially a one-family coydog. while having a large property is ideal (providing it has no large predators like bears, cougar, or wolves nearby), even having an urban coydog is fine providing it can visit large dog-parks or run free along a riverbank and gets lots of exercise regularly. It is also important for a coydog to have lots of human company. They are not the sort of animal to leave at home while everyone is at work five days a week. Those great minds need exercise too!John Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-52655687710190130732017-02-23T00:33:45.737-07:002017-02-23T00:33:45.737-07:00Reading this has me reminiscing about my coydog wh...Reading this has me reminiscing about my coydog who died years ago. He was simply the best animal companion ever. I can't call him a pet or dog because he was just more than that. We had a huge property in the country and he was allowed to run free and was never on a leash. My sister and I both had one from the same litter. We bottle fed them from birth because the mom died. Your blog reminds me of how smart they are. SO SMART!! Ours wouldn't even take a steak from a stranger unless we gave a head nod saying it was ok. They trusted nobody but our family. I would love to have another but think I would wait until I had a big enough property for plenty of run room. Ours were coyote/chow mix. Mine was reddish brown with green eyes and my sisters was black with a red tint in the sun and green eyes. Beautiful! I was actually thinking of them and started looking for pics of other coydogs because I've never seen other ones before. Thanks for posting about yours!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-39674900095211534542016-12-28T06:42:39.896-07:002016-12-28T06:42:39.896-07:00Thank you for sharing. It sounds like you have rea...Thank you for sharing. It sounds like you have real winner there! You can send me some pictures at john(at)writer2001.com (you know the correct form -- this way avoids the spam bots). I'll do what I can to identify the other half. Let me know if you would like his photos to appear on the Coydog community page, and if so, include a brief blurb about him (your choice whether to include any contact info).<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />JohnJohn Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-88724067982857937032016-12-26T18:12:25.028-07:002016-12-26T18:12:25.028-07:00We just adopted a sweet coy dog and he looks to ha...We just adopted a sweet coy dog and he looks to have a light colored Akita/or shiba inu in him. Maybe one parent was a shepherd yellow lab or retriever. Looks exactly like a long snouted coyote tailed cream and white shiba inu! My buddy had a German shepherd coydog he had coaxed from a coyote family with a black German shepherd mated with the coyote mom- BS that a domestic dog won't run with a coyote family! Just has to be right dog!<br />So I was looking for a coydog as I had fallen in love with my friends. He was listed as a shepherd mix and is coy thru and thru! He digs dens and made a bed/bone hide hole in the gigantic aloe plant out front (totally learned diff bw that and cactus QUICK!) <br />He is so SMART! He def responds to the encouragement even when he isn't doing his best and does better. He wants to go super crazy as we begin to play then he mellows out. They said he is over a year, but he seems like he just got kicked outta his dog family in November bf they picked him up. Less than a year, I think. Great with kids and other dogs so far (so far same gendered old, giant and puppy were cool!) He has wiggled outta his collar a couple times in public and let us get it back on him. We have had him 10 days and he knows his name, how to sit, waits for food dish, stays by us when we walk, Andy is already learning other assorted tricks and tasks. He even rode the BUS on the FIRST day we had him (I know we shouldn't have taken him, but he seemed really alert and keen on us getting him home and I swear his coy nature let him know we were being sneaky and he was thrilled to play along w new friends!) <br />Still working with the nipping but he has never bitten and we are good at getting him a toy to replace our hands when he gets playful. We have a big yard and he doesn't jump the fence- we keep a good eye on him cause I know he could! He prolly grew up with city street dogs after leaving his coyote family cause he seems happy to be with us and not with all the other pups roaming about (he does wanna play, though!)<br />I feel deeply blessed to have found this lil guy and I'd say we have already bonded quite deeply. He seems to read my mind. So amazing. He is really great with the 8 year old boy and his friends. He barks and play goes after dad when he is wrestling with his boy- very protective and sweet! <br />We are keeping a close eye on all his behaviors and interactions- today some large pit bulls were in their yard not just behind big gate and he raised his hackles for the first time in a noticeable way (very spiky on shoulders and back end but nothing mid-back) as we walked by. <br />Thanks for posting so much info! If you would like some pics or could help us figure out how old he is or what the other parent was, we would love it! I don't think I will ever want any other kind of dog after meeting my friends last year and having one of my own has sealed the deal ;)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14714514646426152989noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-86416099050825095782016-11-15T08:14:28.566-07:002016-11-15T08:14:28.566-07:00Thank you for sharing your story about Lyrica. Yes...Thank you for sharing your story about Lyrica. Yes, the first year is always the hardest and patience and love is what it takes.<br /><br />Their apparent aggressiveness to people or creatures who show fear seems to be be really just show and even any actual nip, I think is likely to be non-damaging. But they can certainly put on a good show!<br /><br />When you do all the right things, the only problem that remains is not with the coydog, but with people you might meet who do not understand them. I often have to explain that Tristan has never bitten anyone and that his behavior toward anyone that shows fear, is more like distrust and he's essentially saying "Don't come too near me".<br /><br />Right now, I think his biggest problem is in NOT disciplining puppies who play with him and get too insistent or aggressive. He will just avoid them when he's had enough and doesn't do the usual dog thing of putting them in their place. It's probably because coyotes are not pack dogs but live in family groups so pack behavior is a bit of a stretch for them.<br /><br />But when you become part of their family you could not want for a better sort of dog: loyal and intelligent. It's very much worth a little effort at the start. Go easy on her for hunting, though. It's in their genes!<br /><br />I'm sure that Lyrica gets as much joy as she gives, so well done!<br /><br /> John Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-45855975863367409182016-11-15T05:51:17.432-07:002016-11-15T05:51:17.432-07:00very intresting thread .thank you so much for shar...very intresting thread .thank you so much for sharing .last year about this time well the first week of November a friend of mine was out spoting for dear when he saw what he thought was a deer from a distance then he relized it was a dog shepard mix .she was in very bsd shape about 4 months old weighing only 22 lbs.i of course agreed to take her in .our family named her Lyrics yes after the nerve pain medication lol my kids loved that name .we noticed how strange she acted from the begining she was never house traind we started her in a crate in a few weeks we was able to move her from the garage to the house .lyrica was such a sick puppy with a few nights at the vet some meds and hamburger a rice she got her health back .after getting her crate trained she got upset when we took the crate because she got to big so we had to buy a bed and put it in a coroner away from eveyone .we noticed how timid she was of everything every noise how she would put her head down and cower.we also have a terrier mix also a rescue and two cats.it took a long time to get lyrica to not to try and eat the cats .she plays fine with her buddy tucker the terrier mix but does nip at his back legs and cleans his ears often also noticed her licking his mouth.sometimes she does scare me when they play she gets annoyed when he starts barking then i have to seperate them.i have also been able to train lyrica to stay in the yard she listens very well and i also trainex her to watch tucker she walks him around the yard on a leash and will not let him leave tbe yard.lyrica loves people but will act out if she knows you are affraid of her she will bark and show her teeth i worry she may bit so i have to choose wisley what humans she meets.a friend of mine that hunts cyote said if he seen her in the woods he would shoot her not knowing it was my dog he feels she is a coydog i asked the vet but they have no idea said possible but she is deffintly shepard mix.it was nice to find this thread and see all the similiar behaviors .i have noticed so many lyrica also will hunt and eat anyhing running she has killed rabbits in the yard and birds she takes the moles from the cats and will eat them ,still working on breaking her from that but in all it has been a long year of training but just like any animal with lots of love they can be trained a be very loyal to there family my family fell in love with lyrica and has turned out to be a wonderful dog i wish anyone reading this the best if you think you may have a coy dog just remember patiance and love.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-9864458410254522692016-11-03T18:46:31.526-06:002016-11-03T18:46:31.526-06:00From everything you say, he sure sounds like a coy...From everything you say, he sure sounds like a coydog.<br /><br />They are very likely to always be very protective of your home. Tristan, since I first got him, has known a friend of mine and is always pleased to see him and acts very friendly -- unless my friend comes over and then Tristan is barking at him as if he is a stranger. The other day, he caught sight of a neighbor he had not seen for several months and just about pulled me along in his effort to go over to greet her. She asked me if he did that to everyone and told her "No, not at all - he remembers you and wanted to say hi". I suppose that if someone visits often enough, you dog might get used to them being there, but just having him get used to them someplace else will probably not do it. With the roommates, it is possible that he will get used to them coming in late, but if you have gone to bed at that time, don't count on it. He probably feels he on "guard duty" at such times. Tristan never barks as I approach the house, even when the blinds are down and he can't see outside, but he does with everyone else.<br /><br />Tristan also barks at every land mammal he sees when I'm watching Netflix. He does not bark at whales and dolphins. As an experiment, I showed him a Youtube clip of Disney's "Lady and the Tramp" he barks at cartoon dogs, too. I think it is because they are also in his space, because he never initiates barking at dogs outside and will rarely even return a bark from a dog "defending" its house.<br /><br />I expect that your dog would be quite able to catch a rabbit, but not so much a jackrabbit (which are actually hares). I would see having wild rabbit without any chance of biting into buckshot as a distinct advantage! I had (farmed) rabbit pie for lunch today. Wild rabbit is much nicer.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />JohnJohn Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-80232981802681319712016-11-03T00:29:42.629-06:002016-11-03T00:29:42.629-06:00I just came across this blog post as I was surfing...I just came across this blog post as I was surfing the internet to find information on coydog traits. My partner and I have a strong suspicion that our dog Koda is a coydog. His other breeds that we know of are german shepherd and red heeler. He was born on a reserve in northern California which makes me think that the possibility of him being cross bred with a coyote is not unlikely. <br /><br />Aside from his appearance (at 48lb he is roughly coyote size and has big pointed ears) It is his hunting habits that make us think he is coydog. He hunts for mice in the fields near our house and pounces out of the grass, he will catch one every now and then. Last week he spotted a rabbit and he started to yip many times while chasing; this is a behaviour we hadn't witnessed before, it was really neat to see! And man can he run fast! The rabbit only barely escaped because I got between him and the rabbit to give the rabbit a chance. We have spotted a moose with him and he will stand between us and moose to keep the moose from approaching.<br /><br />He has so many similar traits that you mentioned in your dog Tristan. He is friendly with people once he knows them but is very suspicious of strangers and will bark aggressively to anyone entering our house until he sees that they are friendly and non threatening. We walk him off leash and he generally ignores people but we also have to be mindful around joggers because he has jumped up and barked at them. <br /><br />He is very attached to us, especially myself, and will not leave our side when either of us are home. He gets walked off leash by our dog walker when we are at work and one afternoon he bolted from his walk (something must have startled him) and ran 15km all the way home. It was a miracle that he wasn't hit by a car along the highway and we were amazed that he found his way home from an area quite far from our house.<br /><br />One thing we would like to work on with him is his reaction to people entering our home. We have 2 roommates at our home and if they come in late, at the first sound of someone entering our house Koda goes crazy barking. He is very protective and territorial of our property. I know this is instinctual and maybe we wont ever be able to train him out of it, but if you have any advice from your experience with Tristan that would be great! <br /><br />Thanks for your blog post its so nice to read about dogs with similar traits to our boyBeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00323825995247121797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3137246730421866659.post-30995475410254546122016-07-04T13:45:43.127-06:002016-07-04T13:45:43.127-06:00Hi Meg,
It sounds as if you are off to a good sta...Hi Meg,<br /><br />It sounds as if you are off to a good start: all coydogs can have different personalities but yours seems to require little adjustment so far. If you are to introduce him to your nieces and nephews and want o make sure that all will be well then instruct them before you visit with them: tell them that at first not to rush up to him and just ignore him and when you do visit have him on a leash and judge his reaction to them. If all is well then take him over to them so they can pet him. Sometimes, kids can be a little too excited and that might alarm him, so try to make sure that everyone (including the adults present) are calm and make the introductions calm and casual if all seems to be well.<br /><br />Keep us posted on the outcome! We can all learn from each other's experiences.<br /><br />Best,<br /><br />JohnJohn Hooker FSAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10001080340384925879noreply@blogger.com