Dogs often fight for fun by exchanging some hint of a bite, but sometimes the situation degenerates and you find yourself in the middle of a real fight! If the fight does not seem to end, it becomes necessary to stand between the two contenders before one of the two is injured.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Ending a Long Distance Fight
Step 1. Stay calm
Most dog fights last a few seconds. In these situations it is very important to remain lucid. The best thing to do is to scare the dogs in order to distract them.
Don't grab your dog by the collar. It may be your first impulse, but when dogs are seriously fighting, they may turn around and bite instinctively, even if they haven't been attacked. When the dog's body is in tension and it is clear that they are struggling, do not bring your hands together
Step 2. Make as much noise as possible
Dog fights don't last long, so use whatever you have on hand.
- Scream, stamp your feet and hands, try in every way to attract the attention of the dogs.
- If you have two metal objects on hand, like a couple of bowls or trash cans, slam them together.
Step 3. Wet them with the water hose
Water, in large quantities, can easily attract a dog's attention. Water the two dogs with a hose, bucket, or soda glass if needed. This way, no one will get hurt and the dogs will probably drift away from each other, a little wet, but nothing more.
If you go to a place frequented by unknown dogs, bring a spray bottle with you in case of an emergency
Step 4. Use a barrier to separate them
Look for something to divide the two contenders. A large piece of cardboard or plywood, a litter bin lid, or a stick are all useful items for separating dogs without endangering your hands.
Step 5. Throw a blanket over the dogs
Some dogs stop fighting when they no longer see their opponent. If you have a blanket, tarp, jacket, or any cloth of opaque material available, throw it on the two contenders to try to calm them down.
Part 2 of 3: Acting Physically
Step 1. Pull the dog by the tail
By being pulled by the tail, dogs can become frightened and loosen their bite. If you want to get your dog out of a fight, try pulling his tail back and up (the odds depend on the size of the animal). Keep pulling backwards to prevent your dog from turning around and trying to bite you.
- Be careful if you decide to grab the dog by the tail, you could hurt him. Pulling too hard may not only cause him pain, but may even sprain his tail bones or strain the nerves at the base of his spine. this could cause him to lose control of bowel and bladder functions, making him incontinent.
- Using these techniques is easier if they are practiced with your dog, but you may have to interact with a dog that is not yours (if you are alone or if the latter is the aggressor); it is for this reason that interventions that do not involve physical contact are always the best solution.
Step 2. Use your hands as a last resort
Approach the dog from behind and grab it by the top of its hind legs, then lift it off the ground as if it were a wheelbarrow; take him away as fast as possible and keep moving until he is safe and has calmed down.
- This method works best if there is someone else with you who can grab the other dog's hind legs to separate them.
- Never get your hands in the middle of the fight or you will get bitten.
- You may also be able to wrap a leash between their hind legs and drag them out of the fray.
- After separating them, make sure that the dogs do not look at each other, otherwise they may start fighting again. Get your dog into the car or take him behind a door as soon as possible; use a belt or tie as a leash if you don't have one handy; tie one of the dogs to a fixed object and take the other away.
Step 3. Use your legs
If you can't resolve the situation in any way, you will be forced to use force to prevent the animals from getting seriously injured. If you wear thick pants and sturdy shoes, you can try to split the dogs with legs and feet.
- This technique is particularly effective if you have more than one.
- There is no need to hurt dogs or kick them, the goal is to separate them.
- After dividing them, protect yourself. If one or both dogs are aggressive towards you, don't turn around to run away; keep facing them, stay still and avoid looking them in the eye.
- Be aware of the risk of getting hurt. It is not recommended to use this technique with large dogs, such as the German Shepherd, because you risk being bitten in the groin.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing a Scuffle
Step 1. Pay attention to how your dog interacts with other animals
Does he bark, leap at his fellows or try to bite them? How rude is he while playing? If you know exactly how he behaves around other dogs, you will be able to predict any fights.
Step 2. Look at the bodies of the two dogs
When two dogs play, it can appear that they are really fighting - they growl, snap their jaws, and try to bite each other. Instead of simply relying on hearing, observe the bodies of the two animals: if the dogs seem relaxed and wagging their tails, they are probably just playing; on the other hand, if their bodies are in tension and their tails are lowered, they could prepare for a fight.
Step 3. Take action if the game gets tough
In some cases, one dog may want to play and the other may not; in these situations, it is best to separate the two animals.
Sometimes, the game can get too hard, even though both animals seem to be enjoying themselves; consider that a large dog can easily injure a small one
Step 4. Don't encourage competitive attitudes
When it comes to food and play, dogs can be territorial. Some races are more inclined to defend their things, while others are more willing to share; Knowing your dog's personality can help you prevent any fights when a dog approaches him.
- When your dog socializes with his fellow dog, keep his food and toys away.
- If your dogs are particularly territorial, feed them in separate rooms.
Step 5. Teach your dog to play kindly
When you bring a puppy home, you take it upon yourself to educate him not to attack others. Use the positive reinforcement approach and reward him when he behaves properly; when he bites, growls, or shows other signs of aggression, separate him from the dog he is playing with and keep him away until he calms down.
Step 6. Teach your dog to respond to your call
If he is trained to return to you promptly when you call him, you will be able to get him away from his fellow man before the situation escalates. Teach him from a puppy to come to you and sit down; train him consistently and in the company of other dogs.
Warnings
- To avoid trouble, always keep your dog on a leash when you are out and about; even a well-trained dog can sometimes fall into temptation.
- When you introduce two dogs, give them time to get used to each other; this way, they will have the ability to manage the match and will be less likely to fight.
- If you get bitten, see a doctor; caution is never too much!
