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How to break up a dog fight
Let me start by saying the number one rule is NEVER try to separate the dogs by putting your hands in the middle of the fight. One too many people, even the dog’s owners, have attempted to break up a fight this way only to end up in the ER with serious injuries. If two dogs are fighting, even if they are your own pets, they are in a zone packed full of adrenaline and will bite anything in their way, including your hands, legs, arms, face, etc. They don’t realize they are biting you; they are simply reacting and biting anything they encounter. Please, please don’t try to break up a fight using physical force. The dogs will win every time. The only safe way I know to break up a dog fight involves two capable adults, especially if the dogs are big. I have heard theories on spraying them with hoses, hitting them with sticks and/or yelling to stop the fighting. If the dogs are intent on killing one another, these techniques will not work and yelling, especially, will often times escalate the fight. Remaining calm and keeping your wits about you is golden rule number one! So, if you find yourself in a situation where you must break up a dog fight, make sure you have another person with you. What you must do is each person get behind a dog. With one person behind each dog, simultaneously grab the dog by the hind legs and raise his hind legs up in the air (in a wheelbarrow position as if you were running a wheelbarrow race with your dog). Keeping a firm grasp on the dog’s legs, begin backing up. Instead of backing up in a straight line, however, back up in a large circle. What this will do is prevent the dog from turning around and biting you because they will be too busy trying to stay on their feet. If you just grab the hind legs and don’t move or back up in a straight line, you may find yourself the new target of the dog’s aggression as he whips around to bite you instead. Remember that when a dog is in the zone of attack, he does not register that you are his owner or that he shouldn’t bite you. His inhibitions are gone and he may assume you are another dog getting in on the fight. So, back up slowly and in a wide circle to keep the dog’s feet moving under him and slightly sideways so that he begins to focus on keeping his footing. After the two dogs have been separated, immediately put one or both dogs into separate areas, ideally separate crates, so that you can assess the damage. Remember, too, that if a dog is injured, he may not be the sweet, submissive pet you’ve always known. Often times, a dog will be stressed from the fight and from any injuries they may have sustained and it is wise to use caution when examining them in order to prevent any bites out of fear or pain from the dog. Dog fights can be very unnerving and, if you’re caught off guard, can lead to more serious problems. Keep as calm as possible and follow the wheelbarrow technique and get the dogs separated as quickly as possible. Hopefully, injuries will be minor on everyone’s account, especially yours!
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No one ever wants to be in a situation where separating two fighting dogs is necessary but, occasionally a dog fight breaks out and it is crucial that you know the best way to respond. Now, I have said numerous times that I am not an aggression expert or specialist of any kind.
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