Hello, friends. Beau here, Chief Canine Correspondent, yellow Labrador neighborhood observer, and a dog who understands that not every rustle in the bushes requires a full committee investigation.
Fall in Centennial is glorious. The air is cooler, the leaves are showing off, and evening walks feel especially fine. But as the days get shorter, more of our walks happen at dawn, dusk, or after dark, which also happens to be prime time for noticing wildlife.
Let us begin with an important truth: coyotes live here too. So do rabbits, squirrels, birds, deer, foxes, and many smaller creatures who would prefer not to become part of your dog’s recreational programming. The goal is not panic. The goal is paying attention.
If you are walking near the High Line Canal, neighborhood greenbelts, parks, school fields, open spaces, or trail edges, keep your dog close.
The High Line Canal’s trail-etiquette guide asks visitors to keep pets on a short leash, give wildlife space, and share the trail respectfully. South Suburban Parks and Recreation also reminds dog families that dogs in parks, open spaces, and trails must be on a leash no longer than six feet.
Six feet may not sound very glamorous, but it is the difference between “I noticed a coyote” and “my dog has launched a diplomatic incident.”
If you see a coyote, do not run. Shorten the leash, keep your dog beside you, and calmly create distance. Pick up small dogs if you can do so safely. Stand tall, make yourself look bigger, and use a firm voice if the coyote approaches. Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s coyote guidance explains that people should never approach wildlife and should report coyotes that show dangerous behavior.
At home, make your yard less interesting. Do not leave pet food outside. Secure trash. Pick up fallen fruit. Supervise small dogs outdoors, especially early and late in the day. A fenced yard is helpful, but it is not a magic force field. I know this may disappoint the backyard security department.
If your dog is reactive, prey-driven, or convinced every moving creature is a personal invitation, choose calmer routes when wildlife activity is high.
Bring treats, practice “look at me,” turn around before your dog escalates, and reward checking in with you. A quiet retreat is not a failure. It is excellent management wearing sensible shoes.
Centennial Animal Services is also a useful local resource. The City notes that residents should call 911 for a coyote emergency, and its Animal Services page connects residents with local animal-control information and Colorado Parks and Wildlife resources.
My final Beau rule is simple: fall walks are better when we admire wildlife from a distance, keep our leashes short, and remember that every bush does not need a Labrador-led investigation.
Beau
Chief Canine Correspondent
Babs & Beau | Paws & Purpose
Source note: Centennial Animal Services directs residents to call 911 for a coyote emergency and points residents to Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
South Suburban lists a six-foot leash limit for dogs in parks, open spaces, and trails. Colorado Parks and Wildlife advises keeping dogs on short leashes around wildlife and never approaching unfamiliar animals. centennialco.gov
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We started doing treat walks just like this for practice. It truly helps my dog focus on me instead of every bunny in the bushes.
I wish more articles talked about picking up fallen fruit. That always brings raccoons to our yard. Good point Beau!
Fall is my favorite season here. Even with all the critters, I agree with Beau, it’s worth getting out. Just be smart and aware!
Couldn't agree more, fall in Centennial is just too beautiful to miss, as long as we keep an eye out for our wild neighbors!
Tom Y.Same here. You get the best colors and crisp air. Makes an early walk totally worth it, even if we have to watch out for the local wildlife crew.
Didn’t know about the city’s Animal Services page. Good to have the info handy in case we spot trouble. Thanks for the tip.
Samira U.I just bookmarked it too. With all the coyote sightings lately, nice to know where to look if something happens.
Can confirm: My schnauzer once started the world’s loudest squirrel investigation. Short leash = less drama for everyone.
Maggie B.Haha, I can picture it! My Aussie tries to herd birds, so we’re all about the short leash too. Way less chaos that way.
Those retractable leashes are always over 20 feet! Can we please stick to six? Wildlife and other walkers will thank you.
Absolutely, those short, six-foot leashes are key to keeping our wildlife (and walks) peaceful for everyone.
“A quiet retreat is not a failure” is my new motto for my nervous rescue dog. Thank you Beau!
So glad that message resonated with you, sometimes the best walks are the ones where we keep things calm and take it slow.
Solid info. But wish the city did more signage along the parks so people know the rules. Not everyone reads newsletters.
Great point, clear signage can be a big help, and we hope the city continues to improve awareness for all park visitors.
Love seeing Beau’s updates. We had a close call last fall with a coyote in the greenbelt. The advice about staying calm really works!
I never used to see foxes till recently. Now I spot one on my morning jog once a week! I always keep my little terrier super close.
I wish people would remember picking up after their dogs is part of sharing the trail respectfully too. Not sure Beau covers that but seems like basic manners.
A fenced yard is helpful, but not a force field, that line made me laugh! We had a coyote jump into our backyard last year, so it’s true.
It would be great if all dog owners read this before heading out. I love wildlife too, but I don’t love when off-leash dogs chase deer by the school fields.
Thank you for highlighting this! Leashing up keeps everyone, dogs, wildlife, and people, safe and able to enjoy our shared spaces.
Beau for mayor! That was fun to read and actually practical. More pet articles from this dog please.
Thank you! Beau will definitely be back with more pet wisdom, he’s always ready with a wag and a tip.
Thank you for mentioning the six-foot leash. I get really frustrated when people use those super long retractable ones, especially by the canal trails. Rules are there for a reason.
Samantha R.Right? I wish folks realized how tricky it can get when those leashes get stretched across the whole path. It makes things stressful for everyone.
Not gonna lie, my Lab thinks every squirrel is a new best friend. These reminders to carry treats and practice focus are so helpful!
Derek M.Glad I’m not the only one! My terrier is convinced she’s a wildlife detective. Treats help a ton, and I pick quieter routes when it gets wild out there.
Appreciate the calming tone! I walk my chiweenie at dusk and seeing a coyote always freaks me out. I didn’t realize standing tall and using a firm voice could help. Going to keep that in mind next time.
Thanks for your kind words! Standing tall and using a firm voice can be surprisingly effective, wishing you and your chiweenie safe and calm adventures.
I live near the High Line Canal and have seen way more coyotes recently. The six-foot leash rule is a must. Still, every year someone lets their big dog run loose and acts surprised when wildlife shows up.
We hear you! With coyote activity on the rise, following the six-foot leash rule really does make a difference for everyone’s safety.
Love Beau’s style here. We always forget just how active the wildlife gets when it cools off. Good tip about the trash and fallen fruit. Might finally get the kids to help with yard cleanup!