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A hawk tried to grab my dog.

17 years ago

Earlier this morning I took my toy yorkie outside, he's just about 4lbs, and right before my eyes, a hawk swooped down from over top of the house and went after him. I couldn't see the dog because the hawk was so large. Luckily, after screaming and waving my arms, the bird flew up again, and I could see my yorkie hunkered down, terrified. How can I get rid of this hawk, I can't take the dog outside without the hawk circling him, but he never tried to catch him until today. I need help, someone please tell me what to do.

Comments (10)

birding_nut
17 years ago
All raptors are protected, so there really isn't much you can do to get "rid of it". You may just have to resort to going outside with your little pooch while he does his business to make sure the hawk doesn't try it again. Also, be careful at night. If you have Great-horned Owls around, a Yorkie would be easy prey for these birds too.

BN
mike_18
17 years ago
Leave the hawk alone. Get a bigger dog!
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Hi DHS, Has Kennedy always done this, or did she initially accept the situation and calmly get along with Little Bit? If she has always done it, has something changed to make you more concerned lately? What is different? If it is new behavior, what changed around the same time as Kennedy's behavior? Think about all of these things. Think about exactly what Kennedy does, how she does it, what she looks at, when does she start the behavior, what stops it, and if there are changes in the environment that make her attacks better or worse. Write all these things out, keep notes. Have everybody in the family write what they see during these attacks. Don't say things like "Kennedy got jealous and attacked Little Bits when she was sleeping on the couch." Since we cannot know what is going on inside her, saying she is "jealous" or "scared" or "dominant" does not help. Instead, say, "I opened the door and came in from the garage and as soon as Kennedy saw me, she jumped up. She ran in circles barking for about thirty seconds. I could tell she was excited because the hairs on the back of her neck stood up and she was bouncing up and down on her front legs, which she held stiff. She darted toward me once, then ran to where Little Bits was sleeping next to the arm of the couch and jumped on the couch and grabbed Little Bits my the scruff of her neck with her teeth and shook her a bit. Little Bits squealed and yipped, so I knew she was scared." See, describe behaviors. Then the behaviorist can use her own observations and info you have gathered to give you the best advice.
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DrHorticulture_
17 years ago
This is one of the disadvantages of having 4 lb dogs. Don't even think about harming the hawk - that's the wrong way to tackle the issue. I'm sorry but the best solution would be to accompany your dog closely at all times on a short leash. Perhaps get a bigger dog to give him company.
comettose
17 years ago
Walk the dog on a leash every time. Don't leave it outside alone or the bird will take it. That's all you can do. Getting a bigger dog won't protect the little dog. Let them separate for one moment and the little dog will be taken despite the big dog being nearby.
marylandmojo
17 years ago
moddyzgirl: If it were me, I'd get a New Year's Eve noisemaker of some kind; a horn, or one of those things you crank, that makes a bunch of noise, and carry it with me.

Keep your Yorkie on a short leash, and if the Hawk is bold enough to STILL swoop on it, make a bunch of racket with your noisemaker. Should freak the Hawk into avoiding you and your Yorkie.
ksfarmer
17 years ago
I think the law allows for a person to protect himself and his property if it is being threatened with harm.
julysun
17 years ago
I would think only a Golden Eagle, Bald Eagle or a Great Horned Owl would be big enough to take a small dog. A shame to kill one of those or lose your dog. One may be nesting nearby, what region do you live? I would discuss the problem with the local Game Warden. Please don't harm the raptor.
Joe T
christy2828
17 years ago
My 18 month old was playing in the front yard yesturday. I was about 15 feet from her. She was crouched on the ground playing with the grass. A hawk swooped down above her, about a foot and a half above her head, and then flew off. It scared both of us, we didn't even see it coming! I would guess it to be a Cooper's Hawk, and obviously a 25 pound toddler would be way too heavy, but it took a look anyways!! Christy
Elly_NJ
17 years ago
No, the hawk was not looking at or thinking about taking the baby. The child happened to be there as the hawk swooped past.

Your child is safe.
christy2828
17 years ago
It clearly was taking a look, I not suggesting she wasn't safe, just thought it was an interesting story.

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