If you have ever witnessed dogs fighting you will understand how frightening it can be. Dogs can get seriously injured or killed during a fight or attack. When it is your dog involved it can be hard to resist the urge to jump in and stop the fight, however this could result in a trip to the hospital for yourself.
Fortunately, there are safe alternatives to pulling the dogs apart that are worth knowing in case you are ever in this unfortunate situation. It is also important to understand why dogs fight and how to prevent them in the first place.
Why do dogs fight?
There are a variety of reasons dogs get into fights, many of which relate to their natural canine instincts. Here are some common situations that can cause dogs to fight:
Hierarchy – multiple dogs of the same sex that live in the same home may be at higher risk of fighting due to the constant desire to maintain hierarchy or “top dog” status. The risk of fighting increases for dogs that are not spayed or neutered.
Possessions – some dogs can be possessive and aggressive over their prized possessions such as bones, toys and their food. It is much safer to feed multiple dogs on other sides of the room or in separate rooms if they are possessive. You can also wash and place their food bowls out of reach once they finish their meal.
Environment – some environments are more likely to trigger fights such as dog parks, beaches or family vacations. At a dog park, there are many dogs that are strangers to each other and there is no hierarchy established. If multiple dogs are running for the same frisbee or ball, their excitement can easily get out of hand.
Protection – some dogs are protective of their owners and when other dogs are present such as a crowded dog park, a dog may feel they need to keep everyone away from their owner. If this is the case, consider going to your local dog park out of peak times.
Overstimulation – dogs may start off playing friendly but over time they may need a break. Watch for signs such as non-reciprocal play, growling, rigid posture, stiffening of hair down the spine and staring. If you notice any of these signs from any dogs remove your dog away so they can have a break.
Safety tips for owners during a dog fight
A dog fight can be quite scary, dangerous and difficult for both the owners and animals involved. Here are some important safety tips to remember.
Stay calm – it can be hard in the heat of the moment, but the most important thing you can do is to stay calm to avoid any actions that could lead to serious injury.
Safety first – dog fights can be dangerous to both animals and their owners. Know your limits. Never get between fighting dogs. Never put your face close to a dog fight. Never grab your dog by the tail in attempt to pull them away from a fight.
Avoid further injury – it may be difficult to see your dog involved in a fight, especially if they are on the receiving end. However, the goal is to separate, not kick or hurt any of the dogs involved.
How to break up a dog fight
Never use your body to stop a fight! The best way to break up a dog fight is from a distance. Here are some quick ideas using common objects or sounds to distract, intervene or separate the dogs.
Make a loud noise – clap your hands, slam the door, stomp your feet or sound your car horn to try and divert their attention. Yelling and screaming rarely works, rather your excitement can feed your dog’s excitement and intensify the fight.
Spray water at them – try spraying the dogs with a hose or pouring water over them. The water may distract them enough to stop the fighting.
Blocked vision – try throwing a towel, blanket or jacket over both dogs. They may stop fighting if they cannot see each other anymore.
Create a barrier – you can try putting something between the dogs such as a chair, garbage bin or large piece of wood. You could also try throwing a laundry basket over one of the dogs to try and separate them. Just make sure you keep your hands and legs out of harm’s way at all times.
What to do when you can’t break up a fight
There will be times when the dogs are too aggressive and breaking up the fight will put you at risk of serious injury. Know your limitations and stay out if this is the case. Animals and people can be seriously injured in severe altercations, but more often a dog fight is over after a few intense seconds. The important thing is to do what is safest for you and the dogs involved.
How to prevent a dog fight
One of the best ways to stop dogs from fighting is to work on ways to prevent it from happening in the first place.
Spay and neuter your dogs – this will reduce the desire to compete for male or female attention by fighting. It will also eliminate the desire for female dogs to roam while on heat.
Keep dogs on a lead – when taking them for walks, especially when around unfamiliar dogs
Avoid dog parks - if your dog has a possessive nature. Remember, not all owners at dog parks have the same consideration and even a quiet dog can get become involved in a fight.
Understand body language – there are some common signs to look out for that a dog feels threatened and is ready to snap. These include non-reciprocal play, growling, rigid posture, stiffening of hair down the spine and staring. If you notice any of these signs from yours or another dog, remove your dog as quickly as possible to avoid a fight.
Feed multiple dogs separately – it is much safer to feed multiple dogs on other sides of the room or in separate rooms if they are possessive. You can also wash and place their food bowls out of reach once they finish their meal.
Be mindful of visiting dogs – keep prized possessions out of reach and allow some individual alone time.
What to do after a dog fight
If your dog or another dog gets into a fight it is important to know how to look after them once the fight is over.
Remove your dog from the situation - the first thing you should do is take your dog away from the other dog involved. If they are not seriously injured, put their lead on and slowly walk them away. Take them to a comfortable place that you can offer calm and check them over for any injuries.
Calm them down - this can be quite a traumatic event for everyone involved so offer your dog some comforting, soothing words and gentle pats to help them and you recover.
Check for injuries - fighting can be quite dangerous so you will need to check over your dog for any bite wounds, cuts, scrapes or tender areas. Look over your dog’s entire body visually, then if they will let you gently check them over with your hands. It is always a good idea to have your dog looked over by your vet to make sure they are ok and that there are no internal issues that you may not be aware of.
Take them home - if your dog is in a good state, take them home to recover in their familiar safe territory. Make sure they have a comfortable bed or place to unwind. Offer them plenty of rest, praise, pats and treats to help them recuperate. If your dog is still nervous, try introducing them to smaller friendly dogs or go to dog parks at quieter times until they are feeling themselves again.
If your dog is severely injured
Fighting can be brutal so there is always a risk that you dog could be severely injured. In such cases you will need to take your dog to the nearest emergency vet. It is always a good idea to research your closest emergency vet ahead of time and save their details in your phone.
To prevent further damage, transport them to the vet with as little movement possible and check with your vet for any other advice on caring for specific wounds during transport.
We hope that your dog never gets involved in a fight. Watch your pets body language when around other dogs and offer a break when needed. Also, try to minimise or avoid situations that can encourage aggression. If you require behavioural advice, veterinary care or emergency support, call us on 03 8784 4444.