Keeping Geese Away: A Smart, Safe Approach for Communities & Businesses

Goose dogs are highly effective in both commercial and residential settings due to their natural herding instincts. They humanely deter geese without harming them. In commercial areas, such as corporate campuses, industrial parks, airports, and golf courses, large open spaces and water features often attract flocks of resident Canada geese. This leads to unsightly droppings, aggressive behavior during nesting season, and potential slip hazards for employees and visitors.

The Benefits of Using Goose Dogs

Goose dogs excel in these environments. They can quickly and efficiently cover large areas multiple times a day. This creating an unpredictable presence encourages geese to permanently relocate. In residential neighborhoods, parks, and HOA-managed properties, goose dogs offer a discreet, non-lethal control method that aligns with community sensitivities. The trained herding dog mimics natural predators, which geese instinctively fear.

This makes the environment less appealing for nesting and gathering. Using goose dogs is not only fast and humane, but also sustainable. They provide consistent pressure that disrupts the geese's comfort and prevents them from returning.

Why Are Geese a Problem?

Canada geese may look peaceful, but large flocks settling in commercial or residential areas can lead to serious issues, including:

• Property damage from droppings and nesting behavior.

• Slippery walkways and entrances caused by excessive feces.

• Aggressive behavior during nesting season.

• Blocked access to walkways, entryways, parking lots, and recreational areas.

• Contaminated ponds, parks, rooftops, and playgrounds.

  
  

Health Hazards for Humans & Pets

Geese can carry and spread pathogens like E. coli, salmonella, and campylobacter, putting people and pets at risk. Goose droppings can reach 2–3 pounds per bird per day. This not only damages turf but also stains walkways and attracts rodents and insects.

Migratory vs. Resident Geese

• Migratory geese pass through seasonally and are less likely to become long-term problems.

• Resident geese stay year-round and breed locally. They typically hatch 4–7 goslings per nest and can become more aggressive in spring.

  
  

Because of their loyalty to nesting sites, once resident geese establish themselves, removing them is extremely difficult without a long-term, active strategy.

When to Start Harassment?

To effectively control the population of resident geese, start early—before they nest. The best time to begin hazing and harassment is late winter to early spring when geese are first observed scouting locations. Once eggs are laid, your options for action become limited.

The Molt Season: A Critical Window

During late June to mid-July, adult geese lose their flight feathers and cannot fly. This period, known as molting, presents an opportunity. It’s the perfect time to use ground-based hazing methods, like dogs and herding tactics, to safely pressure them to leave.

Why Dogs Work: Fast, Natural, and Humane

Trained herding dogs, like Border Collies, are effective because they mimic the natural predators of geese, such as foxes or coyotes. Geese inherently fear dogs. However, when handled professionally, no physical contact is made. The goal is for the geese to choose to leave due to feeling threatened.

• Dogs can move geese off grass, water, rooftops, and parking lots.

• They do not harm geese or nests.

• They provide the most effective, humane long-term solution.

  
  

Why Border Collies?

• Naturally silent and stealthy.

• Instinctively herd without attacking.

• Can be trained to work rooftops, fields, and water.

• Calm around people, making them safe for public settings.

  
  

At UCPAWS, our professional goose dogs are trained to work in various environments. They respond immediately to handler direction, providing a non-invasive and effective deterrent.

Nest Treatments & Removal

Once geese have laid eggs, Federal regulations (Migratory Bird Treaty Act) prohibit disturbing nests without a valid depredation permit. Nest treatment methods, including oiling, addling, or removal, can prevent egg development and help reduce population growth.

• UCPAWS can apply for permits on your behalf.

• Nest removal must be combined with harassment.

• If only eggs are removed, geese often re-nest nearby.

  
  

Why This Requires a Year-Round Commitment

• Geese are intelligent and persistent.

• Harassment must happen 5–7 days a week.

• Our team visits 3–4 times daily at varied times to disrupt their routine.

• Skipping visits or maintaining predictable patterns allows geese to return and adapt.

  
  

A year-round commitment ensures that geese do not imprint on your property, preventing young geese (goslings) from returning the following year to nest.

Special Considerations for Commercial Rooftops

Flat commercial rooftops are excellent nesting sites for geese. They often include HVAC equipment, parapets, and standing water, making them ideal habitats. These areas can remain out of sight until significant damage occurs, including:

• Equipment corrosion from droppings.

• Blocked drainage systems.

• Noise complaints from aggressive birds.

• Legal liability stemming from droppings or attacks.

  
  

Our trained dogs can safely access rooftops to push geese off and prevent nesting before it starts.

When You Can’t Touch the Geese

Under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it is illegal to disturb, relocate, or destroy active goose nests or touch geese without proper federal permits. We ensure that all work is fully legal and ethical, prioritizing humane methods and compliance with regulations.

Take Action Before It's Too Late

Don’t wait until geese settle in. The longer they are on your property, the more difficult it becomes to move them. With early intervention, professional hazing, nest management, and commitment, we can permanently reduce your goose conflicts.

Urban Canine Pest and Wildlife Solutions – Specializing in humane goose control with certified working dogs.

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