How To Break Up A Dog Fight

by **Steve** Mon Jun 25 2012, 12:11

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Break

Up A Dog Fight

How To Break Up A Dog Fight

Breaking up a dog fight is a dangerous and risky affair. Sometimes, however, you may feel it is warranted. Here are some suggestions for doing this - carefully and with prudence.

Make sure you're safe, because as precious as your dog may be, your life is also worth something.
One of the simplest ways to break up the fight is to throw a bucket of water or hose down the dogs. It will break their attack instinct immediately, and each will forget about their aggression toward the other dog.
Look for something that could be used to separate the dogs, a piece of cardboard, net, jumper, stick etc and be prepared to use it to separate them from each other or you.
Try and use what you've found to split the dogs. If you are in a room, try and run the other dog into the next room, so as to shut the door on it.
If you are not in a building, once you've separated the dogs you can try to put one (yours particularly) into a car.
Carry pepper spray and do not be afraid to use it, but see 'warnings' below.
Think about carrying an air horn in situations where a fight can break out. The air horn can also break up a fight. Give short blasts instead of one long one.
Do not be tempted to try and pull fighting dogs off each other as this will cause more damage to them. Puncture wounds are less severe than slashing wounds.

Tips

Always leash your dog when you're outside to be safe. Even trained dogs sometimes can't resist temptation.
If your dog has a tendency to be aggressive, you always try and have him or her restrained.
If you want a new dog but already have one, let them meet separately. This will prevent them from injuring each other.
The best way to stop a dog fight is to not let it happen. Watch your dog closely, and if you even think s/he (or the other dog) might get aggressive, simply get out of that situation before anything happens.

Warning

If you are bitten, go the hospital. Be safe rather than sorry.
Never put your body in-between the dogs. Fluffy will not recognize you in the heightened state of excitement and is just as likely to bite you as the other dog. Human fatalities have occurred from doing this.
Carrying pepper spray is illegal in the UK and some other countries. Know your local laws applicable to you before carrying any kind of defense weapon such as this.
Don't grab their collars. It puts you too close to the dangerous mouth area, and the vast majority of dog bites to humans occur when a collar is grabbed. The dog can spin quickly and nail you before you can react. It's also a good way to get a finger or wrist broken if the dog twists your arm.

Click on the link below to contact us.

Contact Us

Thank you.
Forum Administrator
Steve

A Staffy-bull-terrier Frequently Asked Questions