Dogs out at night (Phoenix, Chino Valley: work, home, university)

[roadrunner1]

Hello, I read in a post that it is not advisable to let your dogs loose at night due to predators. I currently live in the DC area and have 4 Jack Russell Terriers, 2 which have access to a doggie window 24x7. My question is when I purchase a home in Southern AZ that has a 6 foot block wall in the back yard, is it still advisable to keep the dogs in at night? I would probably live in a development. Thanks!

[altus2006]

There was a thread either here on or the Phoenix forum several months ago discussing this topic. I remember that someone posted a link to a video that showed a coyote hoping over a 6' fence without taking a running leap!

Discussions seem to indicate that the coyotes have been spotted all over the metro area, so I don't know if there is an area where animals are safe outside at night.

altus2006

[esselcue]

I live in Chino Valley (90 miles north of Phoenix) in the heart of coyote country (and pumas and javelinas)...I have three Jack Russells who also have a doggie door. I own an acre of property fenced all around by a four foot chain link...never had a scare yet. Then again, my dogs were raised in the area and know the dangers of the wild...so they would probably run inside if a 'yote jumped the fence. But they can and reportedly do...although I think it is rare. Most pets are taken while out walking off leash or in campgrounds, etc.

[xwideopenskyx]

Originally Posted by roadrunner1

Hello, I read in a post that it is not advisable to let your dogs loose at night due to predators. I currently live in the DC area and have 4 Jack Russell Terriers, 2 which have access to a doggie window 24x7. My question is when I purchase a home in Southern AZ that has a 6 foot block wall in the back yard, is it still advisable to keep the dogs in at night? I would probably live in a development. Thanks!

Many people leave their dogs out at night. Some in dog kennels and some loose, but they are usually big dogs. Coyotes are not my worry, the rattlers, scorpions and toads are a bigger concern. The toads are only around during the wet season and they are toxic to dogs. I have a rat terrier that kills everything in sight, so therefore she stays inside at night for her own good. The other dog is a local rescue mix breed that is cautious about everything.

[roadrunner1]

esselcue or anyone, any concerns in the AZ heat on leaving your JR's during the day when you are at work?

In the summer here in DC it'll get up into the 90's and with 80-90 % humidity my JR's do fine (they have unlimited access to one "dog proof" area of my yard off the deck).

Thanks!

[esselcue]

It doesn't get as hot up here where I live...not even close to Phoenix and the Valley temps, so no, I don't worry. But I do keep a wading pool of water on my back patio and they love to run in and out of it while I'm at work. I know this because I find the pawprints all over my Pergo floors when I get home

[esselcue]

We DO have those darned toads and I have a pond in my yard so I have various sorts of hopping cretures there. The regular big toads my terriers will attack but immediately spit out as they have a noxious taste. Makes the dogs foam and gag...but they have never even begun to eat one. I think it's a different type of toad that has caused dog deaths but I'm not sure.

And I had a rattler bite one of my dogs some years ago...cost me about $800 to save him but he was okay.

[roadrunner1]

Thanks, here's a photo of the dog's comming inside. Cheers!

[shadow91]

A few years back an Arizona State University Professor told me that there was some study done on coyotes and that it was proven that they can jump a 20 foot wall to get their prey. I wouldn't leave my beloved family members (pets) out if someone gave me a million dollars. Once you hear a pack of coyotes tearing up your neighbors dog that was enclosed in a walled back yard, you will never forget that sound.

[esselcue]

Yes, that is definitely a JRT face coming through the door! I think, depending on where you settle in AZ, you will have to make your own decisions about lettiung your dogs have access to the outdoors at night. It's true that a coyote can be extremely tenacious when it's after prey...but, as I said before, it sort of depends on the coyote and the situation.

I would have to see a film of a coyote jumping a 20' fence to believe it, unless it was chain link or something they could "climb". I doubt they would attempt that...but it's possible, I suppose. Anyway, my guy and gals have been safe behind a four foot chain link for many years...but they do know to come running inside at the first sign of danger! I know this because they all pile on my bed!