Trained Dogs and Falconry for Goose Control

Ever growing Canada geese populations, particularly in urban centers, call for an increase in goose control measures. The objective with all goose control efforts is to create an environment that geese perceive as unpredictable, unstable, unsafe, and unsuitable for nesting and breeding. In this article, we will explore the 2 most effective ways to accomplish that and have geese move on to more desirable locations on their own.

Trained Dogs for Goose Control: Ground-Based Deterrence

How it works

Dogs used to haze (or chase) geese, must be energetic, have excellent recall, and understand the goal. The goal, of course, is to move the birds off, not hurt or kill them. 

Advantages of Using Trained Dogs

• Versatility
  Dogs can be used in a wide range of open and semi-open environments, including small bodies of water;
  
  
• Immediate and Visible Impact
  Geese react quickly to the presence and movement of dogs - disbursing immediately;
  
  
• Relatively Low Risk to Non-Target Species
  A skilled handler can direct the dogs effectively and focus their attention on geese only;
  
  
• Can Cover Large Areas
  Experienced handlers and well-trained dogs can cover a lot of terrain in a relatively short amount of time.
  
  

Limitations of Using Trained Dogs

• Water Limitations
  Large bodies of water present challenges as geese can simply move to the far end of a pond, rather than leave the area.;
  
  
• Potential for Disturbance to Public
  Careful planning and execution is necessary to avoid alarming people or other animals and to manage public relations;
  
  
• Handler Dependency
  The success of chasing geese with trained dogs is highly reliant on the skill and consistency of the handler;
  
  
• Not Always Effective for Nesting Geese
  Once geese are nesting, they may not be so easily persuaded to leave their nests and eggs.
  
  

Ideal Situations and Locations for Trained Dogs

• Parks and Recreational Areas
  The open grassy areas found in public parks are a perfect environment for Canada geese and can be managed by trained dogs and experienced handlers;
  
  
• Golf Courses
  Similarly to parks, golf courses with short cut grass and water features are also prime real estate for geese. The use of dogs must be limited to times when there are no golfers on the premise;
  
  
• Agricultural Fields
  Rural areas and agricultural fields are also plagued by flocks of geese and dogs can be effective, as long as crops aren't in danger of being trampled;
  
  
• Airports and Airfields
  Managing geese on grassy areas adjacent to runways requires with careful coordination and safety protocols;
  
  
• Waterfront Parks and Beaches
  Trained dogs can do a fantastic job keeping beaches or waterparks clear of geese.

Birds of Prey for Goose Control: Aerial Predation and the "Fear Factor"

How it Works

Large birds of prey are natural predators and recognized as such by geese and other pest birds. An eagle soaring above a flock of geese gets the message across that the best course of action is to leave the area immediately. 

• Falconry offers a humane, effective, and environmentally friendly way to deter Canada geese;
• Geese perceive the eagle in the air as a lethal threat, even though the eagle does not attack;
• A skilled falconer fully in control of his bird is a must.
  
  

Advantages of Using Eagles

• Geese recognize and fear aerial predators, leading to long-term avoidance of the area;
• Birds of Prey can effectively deter geese on lakes, ponds, and rivers from the air;
• Raptors can patrol extensive territories and all terrains;
• Falconry offers a completely natural and non-evasive form of geese control;
• The persistent threat of multiple days of eagles in the air can discourage gathering and nesting long term.
  
  

Limitations of Using Eagles

• Higher Initial and Operational Costs
  Training and maintaining raptors and employing experienced falconers can require a higher initial cost;
  
  
• Weather Dependent 
  Effectiveness can be limited by adverse weather conditions, such as very heavy rain or strong winds;
  
  
• Regulatory Considerations
  All geese control measures require permits and employing birds will require a commercial licensed falconer;
  
  
• May Not Be Suitable for Very Confined Spaces
  Birds of prey require sufficient open airspace to fly and maneuver.
  
  

Ideal Situations and Locations for Eagles

In any area with enough space for eagles to fly and maneuver, falconry can be used to get rid of geese.

Using Both for Maximum Impact

As with all bird control efforts - no one method alone will yield long term success. Here at Hawkeye Bird and Animal Control, we use both birds of prey in the air and dogs on the ground. Each method provides a significant scare factor but used together, the impact is so much greater.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Goose Control Partner in Canada

The right goose control partner should have have the ability to offer a variety of methods to achieve long term success. Using falconry for geese control is using the laws of nature and the innate predator - prey relationship that Mother Nature put in place. The raptor of choice for geese control is the Eagle (Bald or Golden). Re-enforcing with trained dogs on the ground multiplies the chances of success. Both methods work hand-in-hand and require more than one application - as do virtually all goose control methods. 

At Hawkeye, we have a number of certified falconers on staff, plus Master Falconer Dan Frankian himself. Our dogs are also well versed in chasing geese. We also offer a number of custom solutions to deal with difficult geese situations - please contact us to learn more. Hawkeye Bird & Animal Control is your one-stop shop for all things goose control and long term geese management.