Urban Coyotes
From Vancouver to Toronto, urban coyotes have become increasingly bold. They often view small dogs as prey and larger dogs as territory rivals. Keeping your dog on a short leash—especially at dawn and dusk—is the single most important safety measure.
The Bear Protocol
If you are walking in provinces like BC or Alberta, having bear bells on your dog is a good idea to prevent surprising a bear. If you encounter one, never let your dog chase it. A bear defending its cub or food can easily silence even the bravest dog.
Wildlife Hazing
Carry a "coyote shaker" (a tin with coins) or a loud whistle. Making yourself and your pet look large and making loud noises is the standard advice from Parks Canada for discouraging curious wildlife.