If you’ve ever taken your dog to a dog park or to an off-leash walk you’ve probably seen two dogs get into a fight at some point or other. It can be a terrifying sight. Many pet parents panic and don’t know what to do. Oftentimes, people will do exactly what they shouldn’t do and get bitten as a result. That’s because many people have never learned what methods are unsafe and what ones are recommended when dealing with a dog fight.
Every dog fight is unpredictable and there is always a risk of harm no matter what technique is used to try and break one up. Always consider your personal safety before acting and educate yourself on some of the recommended ways of breaking up a dog fight in order to minimize the risk of getting hurt.
And please remember, there is no one sure-fire solution to dealing with a dog fight. Dogs in the “red zone” are in survival mode and are extremely fast. If you think that your reflexes can be faster than a dogs, think again and always err on the side of caution.
This article is republished on Reshareworthy.com with permission from DogHeirs.com
Real dog fight or play fight?
The first thing to determine is whether or not the two dogs are actually fighting or simply play fighting. Sometimes when dogs play it can appear pretty violent, especially to people not familiar with dog behavior. There may be growling, snapping and tussling.
The easiest way to tell if you are looking at dogs rough playing is to look at the dogs’ bodies. Their bodies will appear loose, bouncy and elastic (not rigid or stiff) and you will usually notice their tails wagging and happy grins on their faces.
If it appears that one dog is dominating the other (ergo one dog is not into the rough play), it’s probably time to separate them. If the energetic dog isn’t yours, politely ask the dog’s owner to separate them, or call your dog over to you.
If it’s a real fight…
Breaking up a dogfight can be extremely dangerous. In most cases, a fight lasts just seconds and can be broken up by simply shouting at the dogs. If that doesn’t work map out a plan that will work best for the situation you (and the dogs) are in.
DON’T PANIC.
The most important thing to remember is don’t panic. By panicking you increase the risk of personal injury and prolonging the fight. Dogs sense fear and panic and it could make the whole situation worse than it is.
There is a difference between a dog fight and a dog attack. If one dog is clearly the aggressor and attacking a submissive dog, then place your focus on removing the aggressive dog from the other dog.
Many people go with their first instinct and grab for their dog’s collar. WRONG! This increases the odds of being bitten dramatically. Dogs in the middle of a fight are in adrenaline mode and will not recognize their owners. They will lash out at anyone and anything.
STARTLE THE DOGS OR USE A BARRIER.
Interrupt a fight through startling techniques or a barrier is often effective enough to break up a fight. It also is effective in keeping you out of reach of the dog’s teeth.
Startling techniques may include:
- A sudden, loud shout, whistle or clap. Do not scream, this will be interpreted as panic and fear and won’t be effective. Make sure the noise is loud enough to surprise them. A few very loud claps along with a firm and confident BACK OFF.
- Bang on a pan or garbage can lid or something that makes a loud, distinctive noise. If you have a small air horn this is very effective.
- Splash or spray them with water, using a water bucket or hose (if handy).
- Put an object between the fighting dogs (such as a folded lawn chair, piece of plywood). Don’t throw the objects at the dogs but insert them between them.
- Throw a blanket over the dogs
- Use a citronella spray (e.g. Sprayshield) on the dogs’ noses.
If this doesn’t work you may attempt to physically separate the dogs. Physically intervening is always much more dangerous and increases your risk of being bitten.
USE THE WHEELBARROW METHOD TO PHYSICALLY SEPARATE THEM.
As mentioned, do not go for the collar area or approach the dogs from the front. You want to stay away from their heads (and mouths) as much as you can.
Instead, approach the dogs from the rear and use the wheelbarrow method. It is important that both pet parents do this together at the same time so that the two dogs are separated at the same time.
Grab your dog by his hind legs at the very top, near the thighs (just under the hips), and lift his legs into the air like he’s a wheelbarrow. By holding a dog this way you are in complete control of your dog, while staying far away from their teeth.
Photo source: YouTube
Hold on to his hind legs and start quickly back up in a zig zag motion. (this will force the dogs to let go of each other).
Once both dogs are a few feet away from each other, spin your dog around so he no longer can see the other dog.
IF YOU ARE ALONE…
Breaking up a dog fight by yourself is far more challenging and dangerous. If you are in doubt of your safety in any way you should stand back as the risks of getting hurt are much higher if you are alone.
If you choose to approach the two dogs, here are some guidelines:
- Call for help.
- Get a leash (two is better) if you don’t have one with you.
- Approach one of the dogs (if you can determine the aggressor, go for this dog first). Again, approach the dog from the rear. Loop the leash around the dog’s hind quarters (just in front of his back legs). Immediately back away while pulling the dog by the leash.
- Fasten and secure this dog to a pole, fence post or tree.
- Then move to the second dog and grab him using the wheelbarrow method (above). Drag the dog further away than you would if you had someone else to help. Find a way to secure the dog (perhaps using a second leash), and out of sight of the other dog, if possible.
Remember, it’s always better to monitor your dog while he/she plays so that you can prevent a dog fight from happening in the first place. Teaching your dog the recall command and back off command will help de-escalate a situation and keep your dog safe.
Share these tips with your friends and fellow dog owners.
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