I live in an area with eagles, hawks and owls. Also, osprey, cranes, herons, vultures, alligators, and a bunch of other predators
. I also have koi ponds ... my yard was built to protect the fish. They're good fish, show-quality - and I haul their little finny butts off to shows, too. My dogs were all larger, but we just got Puddin'.
The hawks and other winged predators can't get the fish, and in fact, I've never even seen any of them eyeing the ponds because of the deterrents. But Puddin's a different story. And during the past week, I've seen a hawk perched on the roof several times.
Small dogs disappear around here all the time, dogs that were allowed to run free in the supposed safety of their fenced back yards.
He has such a blast running in the yard, but I fear for his safety, even when I'm outside with him because he runs so fast and away from me. If a hawk was eyeing "lunch", he'd be gone in a heartbeat.
I've been trying to figure out how to make an area for him to run in, that has a roof/netting over it to protect him. Any ideas?
FWIW, my hubby just purchased a high-powered BB gun. I respect all life and the birds are majestic additions to our skies - but if one goes after my dog(s), it will end up in a hole in the yard right quickly.