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Even if you have a covered play area in your yard, never leave your small dog alone outside. Your dog may find a way out of its enclosure and wander out into full view of a bird of prey. Retractable leashes allow your dog to get too far away from you. Purchase a standard leash that is no more than 6 feet (1.8 m) long. And never let your dog off the leash while outside of your yard, even if you've never seen predators near your home. Be on the lookout for trees, both near your home and along your walk route, where birds of prey have nested. These nests may be up in the branches or inside tree cavities. Don't allow your dog off its leash, even in your yard, if a bird of prey has nested nearby. Wait until the eggs have hatched and the birds have left the nest before you let your dog off the leash outside. In the U.S., birds of prey are federally protected, so do not attempt to disturb or remove an active nest. A Raptor Shield is like a dog coat that you sling over your dog's back and clip under its stomach. The canvas material makes it impossible for a bird's talons to latch onto your dog's skin and carry it away. Put this on your dog whenever it's outside, particularly if it will be off leash.
Supervise your dog whenever it's outside. Keep your dog on a non-retractable leash during walks. Keep your dog away from any trees with nests. Purchase a Raptor Shield for your dog to wear outside.