How to Safely Break Up a Fight Between Two Dogs
February 1, 2011 ·
advocateforsavingdogs
How to safely break up a fight between two dogs
Posted By:
ADVOCATE FOR SAVING DOGS™
How to Break up a Fight Between Two Dogs
Dog fights can be intense and frightening, especially for loving owners.
Learn how to break up a dog fight safely, yet effectively.
Dogs fight; its their nature. And not just aggressive breeds,
almost any type of dog can get into a fight. What triggers a dog fight?
A fight can start when two canines are trying to establish dominance,
because of aggression from another dog, or simply if the animal feels
threatened.
When does a fight stop? Unfortunately, dogs can
really hurt one another during a brawl. You may yell, scream, even cry
at your pet, but they are not in the state of mind to follow their
owner’s commands. They are not interested in stopping, in listening, or
worrying about anything beyond the battle. If you have a canine, or take
care of these animals, it is important to know how to break up a dog
fight without getting hurt, just in case you find yourself in this
troubling position.
The First Line of Defense
If
a fight occurs, do not jump in to try to break it up. Do not try to pry
yourself between the animals; do not reach your arm in to grab your
dog. If you do, it is possible that you will be bit. This isn’t really
an act of aggression towards a human, but merely a byproduct of the
fighting state.
Your first line of defense to stop a fight
should be tricks to bring the dogs out of their fighting mode, without
actually going near the animals. Use the resources that are present and
give these ideas a try before taking more serious measures.
The
easiest and safest solution is water. Pour water over both animals. If
there is a hose nearby, use it. If you are in a neighborhood, see if
someone in their home can give you some water. The only problem with
this solution is that you may need a lot of water. A water bottle might
be enough to break the animals from their spell for long enough, but it
probably won’t be. Use what water you have available to stop the fight
and to keep the dogs apart afterwards.
Another trick to break
up a fight is a very loud noise. This is not as effective as water, but
it is a method that doesn’t involve going near the fighting animals.
Again, the problem with this solution is resources. What can you use to
make a loud noise? Bang pans together. A car horn. Blast your stereo.
The sudden noise may startle them.
Putting something over the
dogs can break up a fight as it will scare the dogs enough to knock them
out of their aggression. The important thing with this technique is
doing it to both dogs at the same time — you don’t want to give one dog
an advantage over the other. Throw a blanket over each if in the home.
If outdoors, use two large coats if they are available, being careful to
keep your distance.
Your Second Line of Defense
If
none of these options work or no resources are available, you will have
to try something else. Dr. Deborah Schildkraut, an animal behaviorist,
suggests using any large object available to cover the animals. Think
garbage cans, laundry baskets, cardboard boxes — turn them upside down
to trap the dogs inside. This can be dangerous for the dog depending on
what you use, so be careful.
Pulling the Dogs Apart
If
two people are available, it is possible to pull fighting dogs apart by
the legs. This technique is not easy and it does carry some risk, but
it can work. Both people need to grab the hind legs of the animals and
pull them away from each other. Dog trainer Ed Frawley recommends
pulling the animals back while at the same time moving in a circle. This
motion will prevent the dog from being able to turn back around and
snap at you.
Prevention
The
best solution for dog fights is prevention. Understand that your
friendly golden lab can get into a fight, as loving as he or she may be.
Have a relationship with your pet in which you are in control. When
walking your dog on a leash, be aware of your pet and the other dog and
owner walking towards you. Keep a good distance between the animals, and
tap your dog on the cheek with the leash to distract him from a tension
build-up with the other animal. If going to a dog park, be aware of how
your dog interacts with the other dogs who frequent the park. If you
want, bring a gallon of water with you.
Knowing how to break
up a dog fight could save your pet or someone else’s beloved canine from
a serious, or even fatal injury. Even the most aggressive breeds may go
through their entire lives without ever fighting. However, being aware
of the potential that is always there and knowing how to react is a
great way to either prevent or stop a fight.
References
Frawley, Ed. (Leerburg Kennel)
Schildkraut, Deborah, Ph.D. “Breaking it up is hard to do: Ways to Break up a family Dogfight.”
Posted By:
ADVOCATE FOR SAVING DOGS™
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Other
VeRy helpful suggestions here my friend…
thanks….
😉
D.
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