Wild Coyote and Pet Dog Turn Into Best Friends and Play Tag

Written by August Croft
Updated: October 18, 2023
Share on:
Listen to Article

Given that both dogs and coyotes belong to the Canis genus, it’s no secret that they get along so well. But it always seems shocking when dogs are able to make friends with wild animals, especially animals as territorial as coyotes.

Watch the Video Below!

Coyotes and Dogs: Not So Different After All

In this video from timmc1269, we open on a peaceful scene. It is a shallow river on a beautiful sunny day, with no sign of anything going wrong. The person filming, known as Timmy, lounges in the water in their bare feet, likely enjoying the peace and serenity.

However, Timmy soon exclaims, and we see a coyote running toward the person filming at a fast and potentially threatening pace. Seeing a singular coyote is not necessarily an odd occurrence, but coyotes are typically pack animals, similar to wolves and other dogs. While multiple coyotes likely pose more of a threat than one acting on their own, it’s not surprising that Timmy reacts in such a way. 

How and Where Do Coyotes Sleep - Coyote Resting

Coyotes and dogs belong to the Canis genus.

©Liga Alksne/Shutterstock.com

However, just as quickly as the coyote runs toward the person filming, a dog dashes after the coyote. Timmy reacts in surprise and excitement as what appears to be his pet dog begins playing with the coyote. The pair of animals then begin playing together, playfully biting and chasing one another as they run through the water. 

There’s a lot of speculation about what exactly is happening in this video, given Timmy’s lack of overall fear about a coyote attacking his dog. Many viewers argue that the coyote is trying to lead Timmy’s dog away from him and back to their pack in order to harm him. However, all of this speculation is in vain when you consider the fact that this coyote is also Timmy’s pet. 

Can a Pet Coyote and a Dog Be Friends?

How and Where Do Coyotes Sleep - Coyote Resting

Given the pack nature and behavior of most coyotes, they align quite well with pet dogs.

©sumikophoto/Shutterstock.com

Yes, it’s true! this video is not actually of a wild coyote and a pet dog playing, completely by accident. This TikTok user is an avid wildlife fanatic and owner of many different types of animals. Timmy owns a coyote and a raccoon, among other animals, which is why his dog and his coyote appear to be fast friends in this particular video. 

However, given the pack nature and behavior of most coyotes, they align quite well with pet dogs. The vocal and collaborative nature of coyotes and wolves are not so different, even though they often fight when meeting in wild settings. With a well-behaved dog and a firm hand, it isn’t so difficult to believe that you can have a coyote and a dog be best friends!

If this is still difficult to believe, watch the video below and see for yourself. There’s no denying that these two animals are indeed friends, playing through the river with the encouragement of their owner.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Mircea Costina/Shutterstock.com


Share on:
About the Author

August Croft is a writer at A-Z Animals where their primary focus is on astrology, symbolism, and gardening. August has been writing a variety of content for over 4 years and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Theater from Southern Oregon University, which they earned in 2014. They are currently working toward a professional certification in astrology and chart reading. A resident of Oregon, August enjoys playwriting, craft beer, and cooking seasonal recipes for their friends and high school sweetheart.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.