[Silent-Snail]

The short of it is I dont want the dog to get hurt. There is at least one of the little frellniks, and I would like some advice on how to remove the threat.
Just in case it matters I will be using either a Yugo SKS or a No.4 Mk.1 Enfield.

[EghtySx]

Hunt em at night. Use a coyote calling cassette and a spotlight. We had to quit hunting em so much as when we get em thinned out the rats get outta hand ... :(

[Silent-Snail]

Would I have to use a colored lens or will a normal light be enough?

[Chawbaccer]

Check your state's regulations. Here in WV we have to use amber lens.

[Art Eatman]

In what way is it a "threat"?

Putting out bait in an area where you know that Don Coyote passes through is good; then, just sit and wait. Late afternoon is good. Meat scraps (although most any cooked food is good) or even dog food. I've occasionally used el-cheapo canned cat or dog food. Put out the goodies for a few days before sitting and waiting. He'll get regular in his showing up; just like folks waiting for welfare checks.

If you call at night, you don't want a really strong light. The main thing is to not spook the critter by directing the beam into his eyes. Just catch him with the edge of the light.

I commonly use a Streamlight SL 20, but I sweep it quickly across the area. If I see eyes, I try to just barely catch them again with the edge of the light. I'll kill the light and then call more softly. Close in, a two- or three-cell flashlight is pretty good, particularly with red cellophane over the lens.

Art

[Silent-Snail]

By threat I mean that my dog is very territorial in regards to other canines, and was never as tough as he thought he was. A fight with a coyote even if he (the dog) won is something to be avoided if at all possable.

[Larry Ashcraft]

A coyote will rarely take on a dog alone. However, two or three coyotes against a dog is bad news.

[Sunray]

"...a Yugo SKS or a No.4 Mk.1 Enfield..." Opt for the SKS with commercial hunting ammo and be very sure of what's behind Wiley. You'd best check your local hunting regs too. Hunting at night without a special permit isn't legal in some places. Especially with a light. Nor is it usually legal to use surplus ball for hunting anything.