When dogs struggle and bite each other, they are usually just playing. Sometimes, however, those struggles can spiral out of control and you are in charge of dealing with real dog fights. If a fight doesn't seem to show any signs of stopping soon, it's important to intervene before one of the dogs gets hurt.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Stopping Fights from afar
Step 1. Be calm
Most dog fights last only a short time. Your biggest advantage in this situation is being able to think clearly. The best thing you can do is startle your dog to distract him.
Resist the urge to pull the collar on the dog. This may be your first impulse, but if the dog is really fighting, the dog will turn around and bite on instinct, even without a previous attack. If the dog's body is stiff and it's obvious that the dog is really fighting and not playing, don't take the risk of extending your hand
Step 2. Make as much noise as possible
Dog fights don't last long, so use whatever is available.
- Yell, stomp, and clap – whatever you can do to get the dog's attention.
- If you have a dog bowl or a metal trash can, you can bang them together.
Step 3. Sprinkle water
Water-as much as there is-can distract a dog. Water a fighting dog with a hose, bucket, or cup of fizzy drink if available. This won't do any harm and often the dog will walk away, even if he's a little wet, but this doesn't hurt him.
If you are going to a dog park or other place where there are unknown dogs, bring a spray bottle to use in an emergency
Step 4. Use a barrier to separate the two dogs
Find something you can use to separate the dog. A large piece of cardboard, plywood, a trash can lid, a large stick – any of these things can be used to separate dogs without harming your hands.
Step 5. Throw the blanket at the dog
Some dogs will stop fighting if they can't see each other anymore. If there's a large blanket, tarp, jacket, or other object that doesn't see through, try throwing it at the fighting dog to calm it down.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Physically Engaged
Step 1. Pull the tail
Dogs can startle and release their jaws if you pull their tail hard. Pull and back off-this can also put the dog out of a fight, depending on the situation. Continue pulling back to prevent the dog from turning around and biting you.
- If you must get physically involved, be careful when pulling the dog's tail as this can be dangerous for the dog. In addition to being painful, if you use a lot of force, the tailbone can be detached or the nerves at the lower end of the spinal cord can become stretched. If this happens, there is a risk that the bladder or intestines will malfunction and the dog will be unable to hold urine and bowel movements.
- Using these methods on your own dog is always easier. However, you should interact with other dogs if you are alone or if the other dog is an attacker. This is why contactless intervention is important.
Step 2. Use your feet
If none of these methods work, you may feel like you have to be physically involved to prevent serious injury. If you wear long pants and heavy shoes, you can push the dog apart on the legs and feet.
- This method is effective if done by more than one person.
- There's no need to kick or try to hurt the dog; the goal is to separate the dogs.
- If the dog is successfully separated, don't forget to protect yourself. Especially if one or more dogs become aggressive towards you, don't turn around and run-continue to face the dog, stand up straight, and avoid eye contact.
- However, be aware, you risk injuring yourself. This method is not recommended for large dogs, such as German Shepherd dogs, because of the possibility of accidental cuts in the groin from serious bites.
Step 3. Use your arms as a last resort
Approach the dog from behind and grasp the top of the hind legs. Raise the legs in a position like lifting a cart. Move the dog as quickly as possible. Keep moving until the dog is safe and calm.
- You can also use a leash tied to your dog's hind legs to pull him out of a fight.
- Once separated, keep the dogs out of sight of each other. Dogs start fighting again if they see each other. Get the dog in the car or behind closed doors as soon as possible. Use a belt or tie as a temporary leash if there is no leash attached to the dog and if you are alone. Tie a dog to an immovable object and move the other dog to another place.
Part 3 of 3: Stop the Fight Before It Begins
Step 1. Observe how your dog interacts with other dogs
Does your dog bark, pounce, and bite? How rough is the dog usually when playing? If you know the behavior your dog usually exhibits around other dogs, it will be easier to spot a fight.
Step 2. Pay attention to the dog's body
When dogs play, they often sound very much like they are fighting. Dogs will growl, gnash their jaws, and bite each other roughly. Instead of listening, pay attention to the dog's body. If your dog seems relaxed and calm and wagging his tail, it's probably just playing. However, if the dog's body seems stiff and the tail is down, it's likely that the dog is preparing for a fight.
Step 3. Act if the dog is playing rough and annoying
In some cases, one dog will think it's playtime, but the other dog doesn't look like he wants to play. If this is the case, it may be best to separate the dogs.
At times, playtime can get too rough, even if both dogs seem to like it. For example, a very large dog could accidentally hurt a small dog
Step 4. Don't encourage competition
Dogs can be protective of food and toys. Some dog breeds are more agile in defending their rights to their favorite objects, while others are better at sharing. Get to know your dog's unique personality characteristics so you can prevent fights from happening when another dog shows up.
- Keep snacks, treats, and toys away when your dog is hanging out with other dogs.
- Feed several dogs in separate rooms if they tend to be overprotective.
Step 5. Teach the dog to play well
When a dog is brought into your home for the first time, it is your responsibility to teach the dog not to attack other dogs. Use positive support for good behavior by rewarding. If your dog is biting, growling, or exhibiting other behaviors that seem overly violent, separate your dog from other dogs he is playing with and give him a break until he calms down.
Step 6. Teach the dog to approach when called
If your dog is good at obeying your call to come, you can get your dog out of the most stressful situations before they get worse. Start training your dog on how to approach and be quiet when your dog is small and practice it often, especially with other dogs.
Warning
- Always tie the dog up when you are outside for safety. Even well-trained dogs sometimes can't resist the temptation.
- Introduce new dogs to each other gradually-this is more likely to avoid a fight rather than letting the dog deal with it alone.
- If you are bitten, seek medical help. Better to be careful than sorry later.
