Protecting Lizards In The Back Yard

[Whippetsmum]

Does anyone have suggestions for protecting Lizards from 2 very skilled predators- aka Whippets?

I am not overly concerned about the lizards causing harm to the dogs, they could of course bite etc, may have ticks. The primary concern is the damage the dogs do to the lizards. There is also another Whippet 2 doors up who has also been catching lizards several times a week, with similar aspect/outlook. His owners are also concerned and want to minimize his impact on the Lizards too.

Can anyone explain why would the lizards come into the yard when there are 2 maniacs loose, what is it that is bringing them into our yard when the bush behind is their natural habitat (I assume)

Can I deter the lizards in any way? For example: Is there a lizard equivalent of the dog repellents containing citronella? Are barriers useful? Is there anything in landscaping that makes the yard less attractive?

The facts so far:

• There are Blue Tongues and Water Dragons coming into the yard.
  
• We have pool fencing backing onto a reserve and palings on the side fences.
  
• The Lizards are probably not after water in our yard as there is a creek behind us and a pool next door.
  
• The Dragons like swimming in the neighbours pool and then seem to run up and over the paling fence where they are easily picked off by pogo Whippets. The palings are 5 foot high approx, the top rail where the lizards sometimes sit is easily reached by either of the dogs bouncing up.
  
• There is no food being left for the dogs outside, they are fed on the deck with any left overs removed within 30 minutes, no food during the day or overnight.
  
• Gardens are minimal, no undergrowth to attract the lizards.
  
• The lizards share the bushland and creek with eels, red bellies, ducks, Kookaburras and assorted birds.
  
• There are 4 dogs within three house blocks- my 2 Whippets, a Lab pup next door whose food is left out, and then another Whippet on the other side of the Labrador.
  

[Guest RANDCMOORE31]

I too am interested in hearing any ideas/advice. We have had two lizards mauled to death by our dogs so far this year. Aside from the health hazard to the lizards - it has resulted in complaints of barking to the council - as my lot get quite anxious/excited when a lizard happens to stray into their garden. Obviously, if I am home - I will take them inside - but while I'm at work - there isn't much I can do.

[mirawee]

I would also love to know My Lappies are very effective Bob Tailed lizard killers and I really wish they wouldn't

[Jumabaar]

I would also love to know My Lappies are very effective Bob Tailed lizard killers and I really wish they wouldn't

My Lappie only does skinks- unfortunately they are all bought inside to show me

I have part of the yard sectioned off to stop fence funning and it appears that the skinks have all moved there and vacated the main part of the yard as I don't see them anymore. The Lappie moved on to butterflies and christmas beetles (also )

Kelpies only do flies

[Kavik]

Mine get blue tongues

[sandgrubber]

I remember Snake Catcher saying something about dogs that go for lizards are likely to go for snakes . . . and training dogs off lizards is likely to train them off snakes.

How about some aversion training with lizards as they show up? You should get anti-snake training at the same time.

[Sheridan]

I had a blue tongue in my yard recently, which Mini was very keen to get. The only way a blue tongue could get in the yard is under the fence and thus the only way it could get out. RSPCA wouldn't come to get it, the ranger wouldn't come to get it, and the blue tongue couldn't get out. It tried to climb the colourbond fence to get out! Luckily, someone with some experience came and got him.

[Malamum]

I'll also be keeping my eye on this thread for any useful tips as we also have the same issue.

Last year Indy killed two blue tongues and I hate it. The poor little things don't stand a chance.

I've seen another in the yard a few weeks ago and Indy got a hint it was there the first time the other day. He must have heard it rustling in the bushes and was quite intent on going in looking for it. I called him inside before he got too focussed on it and locked him in for a few hours to give the blue tongue time to hide again.

We live next to a bush reserve so I'm not sure why they want to come into our yard where they are likely to get munched.

[CBL]

We found one in the vege garden recently - thankfully it is fenced off from the dogs. We disturbed it by doing some tidying and he decided to relocate onto our paved area. We ended up building a little home for him using some pavers, bricks and timber back in the vege patch and then ushered him back into the area so he has a nice safe place to live. Little bugger moved off to the place behind us though but I hope he comes back to the vege patch to keep the snails down!

[Panto]

I've searched years ago and not come up with solutions, training or otherwise. I could definitely do with it and will be watching this thread - Panto has killed several lizards and even a red belly black snake...

[Alyosha]

There isn't a whole lt to be done unfortunately.

They move into our yards simply as they are seeking territory and/or space from other lizards. They are most active on the hottest days, and in the hottest part of days. So sometimes having dogs confined (or of they are naturally crashed out!) helps the relationship.

You can either work at making your yard and surrounds less attractive to them, and if that doesn't work or appeal you can make safer zones for them. They will keep moving in if you lve in an area of good habitat, whether your particular yard is good for them or not, as they will be breeding in nearby places then moving out for their own space.

Some lizards are beneficial in that they not only reduce snails and slugs etc but will even deter snakes. Big Bluetongues and Shinglebacks won't hesitate to take on browns and tigers. Especailly once the establish their own territory where they want to stay. They will also eat other pests like redback spiders.

To make safe zones for them create rockery areas wth crannies they can squeeze into when threatened by dogs, or nice heavy bits of hollow log that give them a safe retreat. These are often best in garden beds a short distance from a good sunbaking spot. So for example you may have a warm, concrete path they can use but can duck into the log etc in a garden bed when a dog comes near. A small drinking water source near the hiding places makes it even more attractive.

The other option is to create a safe area outside of your dog area (eg front yard if dogs are out back), and physically move them into that when you find them. This of course relies on you spotting and saving them before the dogs get them.

Lizards are easy to handle, bar the Dragons which of course are a bit fast to catch unless injured. But the skink family (including Bluetongues, Cunninghams, Shinglebacks etc) can easily be picked up, one hand firmly at the back of the head and one under the tail. They lack the equipment to do any real damage but have a strong bite - like being pinched in a strong pair of pliers usually... No venom or large piercing teeth though.

For anyone loathe to try and pick them up, they can be steered in the direction you want them to go by using a large container - anything from an ice cream container to a garbage bin - in front of them, they will either back up or turn and run from it. If they stop and hiss etc they can be scooped up in the container and carried off.

They will unfortunately come to grief sometimes with our dogs. We can work towards minimising it, not only because we hate seeing them suffer, but because there are great benefits to havng them about and they are lovely.

edit to add: my dogs get seriously told off if they are caught barking at or chasing a lizard, in the hope that it will make them think twice about taking on a snake. Frogs too but that is because I adore them. I don't know how effective it is but we haven't had a lizard or frog killed for a couple of years, although they seem to think that Chrissy beetle and Bogong moths are still fair game!

Edited January 5, 2012 by Alyosha

[grizabella]

Just the thread I wanted to see!

Luckily we have small rocky areas where lizards can get out the way, I believe there is a large blue tongue hiding there at the moment. The only trouble is that I won't be able to tell if it's still around or not, and I don't want to let Bella outside if the lizard's still around as she would definitley go for it. Bella (and her visiting Greyhound friend) have caught and killed one blue tongue before.

[mirawee]

Kelpies only do flies

My younger kelpie is fine with bobtails, although he did chase a goanna into my laundry (but called off it :p) The other day I let him out the front and he took off down the path before doing a strange leap then stood looking at me as he had a bobtail hissing at him. The look clearly said "do something Mum... he is scary" ROFL.

My older Kelpie plays tug of war with the Lappy though with bobtails as the "tug rope"

I remember Snake Catcher saying something about dogs that go for lizards are likely to go for snakes . . . and training dogs off lizards is likely to train them off snakes.

How about some aversion training with lizards as they show up? You should get anti-snake training at the same time.

I have not seen a lizard in with my dogs for ages... I only see lizard parts after they have dealt with them when I have been out

[Lugeanjaam]

Just the thread I wanted to see!

Luckily we have small rocky areas where lizards can get out the way, I believe there is a large blue tongue hiding there at the moment. The only trouble is that I won't be able to tell if it's still around or not, and I don't want to let Bella outside if the lizard's still around as she would definitley go for it. Bella (and her visiting Greyhound friend) have caught and killed one blue tongue before.

OT but Bella is beautiful

[MadWoofter]

My mum is heavily involved in wildlife (with a major interest in snakes & lizards) - I've asked her for some suggestions so will post them when they come through.....

[Kirislin]

my whippets have killed 2 blue tongues, I haven't seen any for a few years now.

they constantly chase the little skinks and kill some but at least they have alot of undergrowth to hide in.

[MadWoofter]

Sorry for delay in responding but had no 'net access over the weekend

Basically, the lizards don't know that your dogs are predators. They've got no idea of boundaries so just wander where they think there might be food and water. They have no idea what is bush and what is your property. There are no known effective deterrents for reptiles.

Barriers are useful. A solid fence that has no gaps under it will help. Landscaping won't make any difference as the lizard won't know what your property is like until it is on it. If it doesn't have a food source or water it won't stay, but by then it can be too late.

There is no known reason why dragons choose one water source over another. They swim in salt water pools, chlorinated pools and any natural water sources. Why they choose one over another is a mystery. They are territorial and it will be very difficult to "persuade" them to stop coming into your pool and use the river a short distance away.

Both dragons and blue-tongues prefer their natural diet but will eat left over dog food sometimes so making sure there is no food left about will help.

Apart from having a totally sealed property there is nothing that can stop reptiles from coming onto your property. Te only thing you can do for Blue-Tongued Lizards is provide several shelter spots for them that dogs cannot destroy such as putting several long pipes around the property that are long enough to provide safety for a lizard that dogs paws can't reach into. There is very little you can do for dragons. They can outrun most breeds of dogs but not the speedy hunter types.

The thing to remember is reptiles have no idea of property, introduced predators or anything except having a quiet life…………food, water, shelter and a nice sun bake.

We just have to do the best we can to keep them safe.

Best of luck with it.

Edited January 8, 2012 by MadWoofter

[MadWoofter]

Oh, and if your dogs do get hold of one, you need to pick it up with a clean towel and put it in a carton/container and phone your local wildlife group or take it to the nearest vet. Even if they don't look particularly injured still get it at least to a vet. Reptiles can live a long time even when they are badly injured and need veterinary treatment urgently.