I walk our 12 year old lab as often as possible on a trail that adjoins state park land near the river.
Last May it was just about dark and we hit the trail. Lab always stays close by except when he encounters deer scent, then follows scent a while and returns. This time he got onto a scent and did not return. Heard a yelp then a commotion and I blew the recall whistle (he gets a treat when the whistle blows). He came running back in the company of perhaps the most viscous German shepherd size dog I have ever encountered, and had the nerve to get behind me after bringing me this fierce varmit.
Was a coyote, and I had nothing in my hand except the leash. So I started yelling as loudly as I could and did not turn my back to the coyote. He eventually stopped following us. From that time on, I always carried a big stick with me, and the next time we encountered the coyote (or one of his brethren), he saw the stick and immediately went away.
I do not trust these coyotes at all. Even though my lab is about the same size, I realize a coyote could hurt him.
Here in Ohio,I keep hearing about coydogs-coyotes breeding with feral dogs.Imagine a German Shepherd/coyote hybrid.Something like that would give my male Rottweiler a serious fight.
You should carry a pistol and a serious knife, as well as a nice wizard’s staff.
A stick won’t do you much good against a hungry, determined coyote.
I would recommend something on the order of 38 caliber and up.
I prefer 12 gauge with single ought buck.