Emergency Intervention: How to Safely Break Up a Dog Fight

Nobody wants to see their beloved dog in a tussle, but, unfortunately, incidents happen. In that case, it’s useful to know how to break up a dog fight in a way that’s safe for both you and the dogs involved.

We’ll give you three methods you can use below, as well as tips on what to do after dog fights and how to prevent them in the future.

*For the purposes of this article, we’ll assume that your pup got into a fight with an unfamiliar dog. However, you can use the same methods and tips even if the dogs already know each other.

How To Break up a Dog Fight

Below, you’ll see the three safest methods of breaking up a dog fight. Regardless of which one you choose, try to stay assertive and calm because your attitude can either help diffuse or escalate the situation.

Ivana Kasalo, the owner of a brand specializing in dog behavior, Pas po mjeri (Your Perfect Dog), told A-Z Animals that “whichever method you choose, [you should] bear in mind that it will work best if you approach it with a cool head.” Her advice is to “try to rationally plan every step you’ll take in order to separate the dogs, and don’t focus on the potential consequences or injuries because they’ll make you more insecure and hesitant.”

So, try not to show any fear or nervousness and exhibit control and confidence instead. We know this is often easier said than done, but you can try focusing on your breathing to override your own adrenaline.

Method #1: Physically Remove the Dogs

The first method involves physically removing the dogs involved in a fight. It’s the most effective, but also the most risky method out of the three.

We’ll show you the two safest ways in which to do this, depending on whether you’re alone or accompanied by someone. 

The Wheelbarrow Method

The wheelbarrow method is a method of physically removing the dogs by pulling on their back legs. It requires you to be accompanied by another person — preferably, the other dog’s owner. 

With this method, each owner grabs their respective dog by their back feet, lifts them, and starts pulling in opposite directions. In other words, you want to walk backward once you get a strong hold on your dog’s back feet. 

The advantage of this method is that it helps you stay away from the dogs’ mouths and lines of sight as much as possible. This catches them by surprise and helps prevent potential bitings.

Pulling on the Collar

The wheelbarrow method only works if there’s someone else pulling the other dog away. Otherwise, it could actually increase the chances of your dog getting hurt since you’re leaving them exposed to the other dog’s attack.

So, if you find yourself alone during a dog fight, try to remove the dogs by pulling on their collars. Follow these tips to avoid getting hurt in the process:

• First, make sure to break any strong jaw grip to prevent hurting either dog. Avoid using your hands to do this, as this can result in serious injuries. If you can, rather use objects such as sticks to safely intervene. 
• Next, pull the dogs apart by grabbing one of them or, if possible, both dogs by the collar. Start pulling backward.
• Use strong, assertive commands as you do this to establish authority. Getting the dogs to listen to you can make your job easier.

Method #2: Distract the Dogs

This method is safer for both you and the dogs, as it involves distracting them from their fight rather than getting physically involved. However, it often doesn’t work with highly agitated dogs.

With that in mind, you can try distracting the dogs using some of the following tactics:

• Give loud, assertive commands
• Spray the dogs with water or whatever (safe) liquid you have on hand
• Throw something on or in between the dogs, such as your jacket or a stick 
• Make loud sounds using special aids or whatever objects you can find (e.g., pots and pans)

Owners who have already witnessed dog fights often take special equipment, such as air horns, with them before taking their dogs outside. Such specialized tools and sudden, loud noises can capture dogs’ attention more effectively than shouting, for example. 

Method #3: Block Contact

Lastly, you can try separating the dogs by inserting a barrier between them. Dog gates, chairs, trash cans, plywood, or block boards can all be useful aids in this situation.

Whatever you use, your goal should be to block contact between the dogs. Once you do this, quickly remove your dog from the situation.

What Not to Do When Breaking up a Dog Fight

There are also a few things you shouldn’t do during a dog fight to keep yourself and the dogs safe. 

For one, avoid using physical force against the animals, as this will likely only escalate the situation and increase the risks of injury. Striking, kicking, or spraying liquids directly in their faces could induce further defensive or offensive responses.

Secondly, don’t get too close to the dogs. Always try to break up dog fights from a safe distance, even when using loud noises to distract them. Getting involved in any way can inadvertently cause the dogs to redirect their aggression toward you, so you want to stay out of reach if that happens. 

(With that in mind, you should definitely avoid reaching your hands toward their jaws.)

Lastly, avoid any erratic behavior, such as extreme, flailing gestures, as these can further provoke the dogs and escalate the situation.

What to Do After a Dog Fight

So, you’ve managed to stay cool under pressure and get the dogs to quit their scrap. Now’s the time to ensure that things don’t kick off again. 

• Keep the dogs separated until the dust really, truly settles. This may take some time, especially if the dogs are highly agitated. 
• Calm down your pup. Give them some comforting words and spend some time cuddling to help them recover and regain their sense of safety.
• Check for injuries. Even minor punctures can get infected, so clean any cuts with an antiseptic solution. Make sure to also check for tender areas to ensure your dog isn’t suffering from an internal issue. Of course, it’s always best to take your dog for a vet check-up if possible.
• Take the dog to a safe, familiar place. If the fight took place outside, try to get back to your home as soon as possible. 

Some dogs will have more trouble recovering after fights than others. They may be nervous to go out again or to visit the same place where the fight happened. If this is the case with your pup, be patient and try to slowly reintroduce them to the outside world.

How to Tell a Dog Fight From Rough Play

It can sometimes be difficult to tell a dog fight from rough play. However, there are a few common signs that will help you differentiate between the two.

The intensity and body language may be the easiest indicators to spot, especially if you know your pup’s usual behavior well. 

• Dog fights are often intense and aggressive, with both dogs displaying hostile body language. This can include snarling, growling, snapping, locked jaws, a rigid stance, and raised hackles. 
• Rough play, on the other hand, typically involves more relaxed and playful body language, like bouncing and wagging tails.

Dog fights are also often accompanied by loud, aggressive barking. During rough play, puppers may bark playfully, but in a less intense tone.

Finally, pay attention to the intensity of biting. While biting is common in rough play, it’s much softer than in real fights.

How to Prevent Future Dog Fights

Hopefully, both you and your pup will manage to escape any future dog fights without harm. However, the experience is certainly never pleasant. Prevent it from happening again by taking appropriate measures.

According to Ivana, simply knowing your dog can go a long way. “Knowing your dog is your biggest asset,” says Ivana. “A good relationship between owners and their dogs helps break up fights faster since the dogs will pay more attention and better understand their owner’s commands.” 

She also emphasizes the importance of socializing. “Socializing your dog in the right way and exposing them to different environments teaches them which situations to avoid,” says Ivana. It also “helps us recognize when they’re feeling insecure around unfamiliar dogs.”

With that in mind, here are some other tips that may be helpful:

• Spaying or neutering your dog can help reduce aggressive behavior, especially in male dogs. So, consider having this procedure done as early in your pup’s life as possible. That way, you’ll get the best results and minimize the trauma for your pal.
• Train your dog. It’s never too late to start, but the sooner you do, the better. You can also consider consulting a professional dog trainer if your pup has a history of aggressive behavior or doesn’t respond to your training attempts.
• Stay alert when taking your dog out and pay special attention to their and other dogs’ body language.
• Finally, if you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior, consider avoiding triggering situations and using a leash and a muzzle when around other dogs.

We hope these tips will help you avoid future, fur-raising dog beefs. If all else fails, or if your dog has had previous bad experiences with unfamiliar dogs, Ivana suggests you turn to an expert. “An expert can help both you and your dog overcome the trauma more quickly,” she concludes.

FAQ

Do dogs forgive after a fight?

Yes, dogs often forgive after a fight. However, they may need to go through a reconciliation process with the other dog before things go back to normal. According to one study, reconciliation can be initiated by both the aggressor and the victim. However, environment, social group stability, and familiarity seem to strongly affect whether or not reconciliation actually happens.

Do dogs remember dog fights?

Many dog trainers and behaviorists claim that dogs do remember dog fights and the dogs that attacked them, which can affect their emotional well-being and the chances of reconciliation. Make sure to provide the necessary post-fight care and affection to minimize the trauma for your pup.