We want to get 2 minature dachsunds & want them to have the ability to
be inside & outside whenever they want.We live in a nice suburban
development in Sonoma county calif next to hills & mountains.Hawks,
falcons,owls, eagles, & coyotesare present. My concern is their safety
with freedom in the fenced yard. There are neighbors that have their
dogs go in their yards and do not seemed
concerned. Do you have suggestions of how I can make this work so the
dogs can go in & out & be safe & it be appealing for our yard. We have
a large trex deck from our kitchen slider.There are 2 steps down from
the deck to a level yard which then does have a large part of the yard
downslope.We just put lawn & trees on the level & downslope.Please
please help us with this.

You're right to be concerned. A friend of mine who lives in a
semi-rural area recently lost her beloved Jack Russell terrier. The
little fella just went out into the backyard to pee, and he was
snatched up by a coyote that leapt over the fence, grabbed the dog,
and ran away. This happened in broad daylight.

Have you considered building a large, covered dog run? If small pets
run loose in the yard, it's practically impossible to protect them
from predators.

This will not provide protection from predatory birds, but you might
want to consider it if coyotes are your main concern:

http://www.coyoteroller.com/Products/index.html

Dogs and cats do enjoy the outdoors so if you want to give them that,
create a safe environment for them. An enclosed porch, or a small
fenced area (make sure it has a top on it, otherwise a bird of prey
can still get it), will allow your pet to enjoy being outside without
the risk of being a predator?s dinner. Many of their natural instincts
for self-preservation have been bred or trained out of our pets. That
places the responsibility for their safety on us, their humans. In
exchange for their unending love and devotion, the least we can do is
watch out for them.
http://www.yorkierescue.com/Newsletter-b.htm

Pet food should never be left outside to tempt a wild animal, and
garbage containers should be kept tightly lidded.

Build a dog run with a chain-link top if you want your dogs to have
more outdoor time. But be aware that dog runs are no barrier to
reptiles, venemous insects and scorpions.

Most predators are active between dusk and dawn, so keep animals in at
night. If you let them out, have an enclosed area, and do it when the
sun is shining - say, after 8 a.m. - and supervise them as you would a
kid.