How to Break Up a Dog Fight Correctly and Prevent Them from Happening

A dog fight is a terrifying experience for everyone who has ever seen one. During a battle or assault, dogs may cause serious injury or death to one another. The damage may potentially be fatal in rare circumstances.

There is a natural impulse to intervene when your dog is engaged in a fight. However, if you attempt to break up a fight in an inappropriate way, you might end up in the hospital.

Aside from breaking them apart, there are other solutions you can do. It’s important for dog owners to know how to break up dog fights safely in case they ever find themselves in this circumstance.

Different Types of Dog Fights

Dog fights aren’t all the same. In order to break up a dog fight more successfully, you need to know first what kind of dog fight you’re dealing with. In the perspective of most dog specialists, there are two primary types of dog fights:

• Snappy Dog Fights

This is the case for the majority of dog fights. It is seeing dogs growling, snapping, and lunging at one another. It’s a little disturbing to see the dogs running about and barking so loudly. These fights usually end quickly, although this is not always the case.

As long as the dogs aren’t biting each other apart with their teeth, the conflicts are easier to break up.

• Grab and Hold Dog Fights

An uncommon, but much more hazardous, kind of dogfighting occurs when two dogs fight head-on. In this situation, one or both dogs grip and hold on to the other dog.

With the dogs fixed on one other, these conflicts tend to be silent and tense.

There are a lot of dog fights when dogs refuse to release go when tased, beaten, or physically pushed apart since these fights may be considerably more difficult to break up. Using any of these tactics to break up a dog fight is not encouraged.

Anecdotally, it seems that dogs who have been raised or trained for combat are more likely to participate in a grab-and-hold fight. The idea that pit bulls have lockjaw is probably based on this.

Watch the video below to find out more about how to break up a dog fight.

Things to Remember When Breaking Up a Dog Fight

Dogs are great pets, but they are also animals. This is why sometimes they fall back to their instincts. Depending on how aggressive your pet is, breaking up a dog fight may become a frequent occurrence.

Dog fights can be a big danger to you and your pet. They can quickly become injured or worse. Additionally, you will also be at risk.

This is why breaking up a dog fight quickly and safely is an important skill for a dog owner to have. You never know when you might need it.

The first thing you have to remember is that getting into the middle of a dog fight is a very risky act.

You should only try to interfere if you have a lot of experience with one of the dogs in question and are familiar with their aggressive nature. Breaking up a dog fight will require you to try and deescalate the situation.

The first response most dog owners make is usually the wrong one. Here are some of the best ways to break up a dog fight so that you and your dog don’t end up injured.

• Do Not Go For the Collar

First, when breaking up a dog fight, don’t go for the collar. A lot of people react by grabbing their dog’s collar. That only places your hand in reach of the dogs in the fight.

When dogs are fighting, they don’t care about a lot of things. Putting your hand into the mix is a big problem. You can be potentially bitten by one or both of the dogs.

The worst that can happen is that you get bit. Keep any extremity away from the mouths of the dogs since this is their main weapon in a fight.

• Do Not Kick The Other Dog

When you’re breaking up a dog fight, the idea is not to get in the middle of it. This is exactly what happens when you try to kick the other dog.

This is a double mistake. This is because it places your leg within easy reach of the dogs’ mouths. You may think your kicking leg is too fast to be bit, but dogs have impressive reflexes.

Additionally, joining the conflict is like adding gasoline to the fire. Kicking the other dog is an aggressive act and the dogs will react to more aggression with even more aggression. If the other dog gets kicked, it won’t stop the attack but just intensify it.

• Do Not Use Mace or Pepper Spray

Using pepper spray or mace for dogs may seem like a good idea when breaking up a dog fight. However, these should never be used.

Both of these work by inflaming the mucous membrane. The result is itching, burning, and swelling in the eyes, ears, and throat. They are designed to put down grown men.

However, dogs are not grown men and the dosage can be fatal. You’re here to stop the fight and to ensure that there are no further injuries.

Your dog can be seriously injured if you throw in a pepper spray into the mix. Remember that it is also a spray – this means that you don’t control which of the dogs will get hit.

The result is that your dog is equally at risk from you. Just don’t even attempt to use these to stop a dog fight.

• Do Not Pull On The Leash

With all of the warnings about breaking up a dog fight safely, you would think the leash would be a safe bet. It keeps you at a distance and serves to restrain a dog.

However, the problem is that it only holds back one of the participants. The other dog in the fight is still active and he is still dangerous.

Pulling on the leash restricts your dog’s movements, stopping them from attacking – but also from dodging.

A mistimed pull can distract your dog and allow its attacker to get a bad bite in. The goal when breaking up a dog fight is to see both participants safe and sound and leash pulling won’t be able to help with that.

• Use The Wheelbarrow Method

If done wrong, this approach of breaking up a dogfight might be the most hazardous.

Keep in mind that getting between two fighting dogs is never a good idea, and never, ever try to grasp the collar or head of a fighting dog, as you might end up being bit even by your own pet!

Experts have found a somewhat safer means of separating warring dogs, and this is known as the wheelbarrow method.

This strategy only works if two people (the dogs’ respective owners, if possible) are present to intercede. You should not break up the fight by yourself alone.

• When approaching a dog from the rear, each person should go slowly and cautiously. Each person should hang on to the rear legs of their dog and walk backwards at the same time.

All dogs need to be given this treatment on a consistent basis. Whenever two dogs are piled on top of each other, the one on top should be yanked back first, followed immediately by the one on the bottom.

• Keep your distance from the other dog and begin circling to one side as rapidly as possible. To keep the dog upright, the circular pattern is followed by the dog’s front paws. After stopping, the dog may be able to turn and bite you, so be careful!

• Still in a circle, take the dog to an enclosure. It prefers a place where it can’t see any other dogs. If there isn’t an enclosure nearby, keep moving until the dog is calm enough to be leashed.

• Using a bite stick like the flat edge of a broom in the jaws of a dog may be recommended in circumstances when one or both dogs refuse to release their jaws. Although these tactics are best left to the specialists since it may not work with untrained people and may even aggravate the problem.

Remember that you should never engage in any kind of physical contact with the dogs. The use of force, such as kicking or punching, will have no effect here.

If you’re walking the dog back alone, you shouldn’t use the physical intervention approach since the other dog will usually chase the dog you’re returning with and even you.

It may be possible to use this procedure to remove the aggressor from a dog that is immobilized if the wounded dog is on top of the aggressor, but it is very dangerous.

• Skill Is Still Required

However, the best advice to take when breaking up a dog fight is to only attempt it if you are skilled. An angry dog is a force of nature, no matter how small. Stepping into a fight between two dogs is not going to go well for amateurs.

If you have no experience in handling aggressive dogs, your best bet is to just watch from the sidelines and not intervene. It sounds heartless, but you can injure more than help if you intervene without any skills at all.

Finally, there are no good and bad sides in a dog fight. Dogs fight because of instinct – they’re just being true to themselves.

This means that you shouldn’t try to injure the other dog. Would you hit a person for breathing? No and that’s the same principle here.

You should do your best though to reduce the chances of a dog fight by being aware of other dogs and your own dog to ensure that they are calm and relaxed.

If they ever get growly or aggressive take this as a warning sign and get out of there. The best way to stop a fight is for it to never happen at all.

• Determine the Aggressor

First, determine whether the dog is the aggressor or is assaulting the other, and then intervene. The dominant dog is almost always the most ferocious dog during the fight.

Remove that dog from the fight with care and some protection for yourself. Usually, this will stop the dogs from fighting.

• Break any Jaw Grip You Can

If a dog has bitten the other dog, you must first loosen the dog’s hold before trying to remove them. Otherwise, you run the danger of severely hurting the other dog.

Insert a break stick, a sturdy flat stick, as near to the back of the neck as possible, and twist it to do this. They’ll have to let go of their hold on you as a result of this.

To be on the safe side, you should only act when the dog’s owner can no longer manage their pet.

• Back Away from the Collar

Reverse your direction of pull as soon as the dog lets go of your hand to remove it from the scenario. It’s important not to pull up while fighting in order to prevent sending the wrong signals.

Remain cool and aggressive while doing so. Make it clear that you’re a human buddy by employing a dominating voice while you tug on the rope.

• Get Rid of Any Dogs That May Be Present

If you want to prevent this situation from recurring, you need to separate the dogs as far as possible. After a conflict, make careful to keep your dog on a leash so that it doesn’t run away from you.

• Keep a Cool Head

Remain as calm as possible, regardless of how you choose to put an end to the fight. Don’t scream at the dogs or other people (unless you’re requesting aid).

Focus on the problem at hand while taking a deep breath. Make sure that everyone also stays calm to avoid escalating the problem.

• Clear the Area

Keep children and large crowds away from the area. Breaking up a fight is best done by two humans (preferably both the dogs’ owners). Other people may just get hurt or can only trigger the fight more if they stay in the area.

• Create a Loud Noise

Using an air horn or the sound of an automobile horn may be enough to break a dog’s concentration and bring them to a stop.

Intense conflicts, on the other hand, are less likely to work from this. It’s a bad idea to yell and shout at the dogs, since this tends to make the situation worse.

Strategic Use of Objects

It’s possible to break up a fight using the things you have on hand.

• It is possible to interrupt a dog’s concentration by covering it with a thick blanket. Additionally, it may allow for a safer separation of the dogs.

• When two dogs are fighting, a long automated umbrella may be used to break up the battle. All you have to do is make sure it’s long enough to keep your hands out of the way of the dogs’ jaws while using it.

• To keep the dogs apart, consider piling chairs or clothes baskets on top of them.

• Hopefully, the distractions will allow the dog’s owners to safely withdraw their pets from the conflict. However, like with many other often recommended strategies, they don’t generally function effectively in severe fighting situations.

After Breaking Up the Fight

In order to keep everyone’s safety in mind, it’s best to separate the dogs as soon as possible once they’ve parted, even if they seem calm. Each dog should be escorted back to its home or put safely in a vehicle so that they can calm down.

Put your dogs in different rooms or cages if a fight breaks out between them at home.

Check your dog for injuries, even if they seem to be minor, and call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Dog bites may cause harm that isn’t necessarily obvious to the naked eye.

The most essential thing is to start learning about dogfighting as soon as possible. Being aware of your own dog’s signals and keeping an eye out for those of other dogs is the greatest method to prevent fighting.

Avoid placing your dog in settings where he could get into a fight with another dog. Learn how to recognize to avoid dogfights before they start, as well as how to intervene when they do occur.

It’s time to act if you witness two dogs growing unduly enraged or displaying indications of violence or if one dog is overpowering another too much during play.

Take a step back and separate the dogs from each other. Using food and training as a diversion may help to shift the energy.

Allow the dogs to calm down and think about how to keep them from getting into any more trouble with one another in the future.

• Put a Stop to It

As soon as you’ve walked away and are in a position to check them, make sure to console them with words of encouragement and cuddles.

Most dogs recover quickly after small fights, but others may remain frightened for a long period of time.

• Examine them for any signs of injury.

It’s critical to thoroughly inspect each dog for facial injuries, wounds, and bruises during a fight. Using your hands and your eyes, examine each dog’s body to see if there are any areas that require additional investigation.

The best thing you can do for your dog is to get them checked up by a veterinarian. A more severe condition may be readily concealed by their thick coats and excellent pain tolerance.

• Transport them to a secure location

Take your dog home to recuperate in the comfort of familiar surroundings if they seem to be in excellent health. Ensure that they have a peaceful retreat to which they may go when they need to.

Rest, praise, petting, and even some additional goodies can go a long way toward aiding their recovery when it comes to these situations. Re-introduce your dog to public local parks at slow periods or with smaller animals if he or she is still apprehensive.

If your dog is seriously injured, you should seek immediate medical attention.

Fighting can be harsh, and dogs that get hurt are always a concern. The closest emergency veterinary facility is the only option for your dog in the absence of a dog ambulance.

If you often visit a dog park, it’s a good idea to have the address of the nearest hospital. As a precaution, you’ll know where to go if anything happens.

Check to see whether they’re a 24-hour emergency animal hospital. It’s quite unlikely that your veterinarian will be able to respond effectively in an emergency.

The greatest thing you can do for an injured dog is to carry them as far as you can to your vehicle and then drive them there.

Carrying them, on the other hand, may inflict pain and suffering on them, resulting in their biting. Make them feel safe and less inclined to bite by draping a towel or other material over their heads.

If they are bleeding profusely, apply hard pressure to the area with a cloth or shirt to slow the flow of blood. In order to keep your dog quiet, have someone else transport you to the hospital in their vehicle if that becomes necessary.

Your dog’s best option is to remain calm and avoid additional harm.

The life of your dog might be in danger if you wait too long to have it cleaned.

What to Do If You Are Unable to Break Up a Fight.

Some dog fights are impossible to break up, no matter how hard you try. A fight between two hostile dogs should not be broken up by anybody who is not willing to put their own life at danger in order to do so.

Accidental dog attacks can result in serious injuries, including broken bones and shattered limbs. What is safest for both the dog and the owner should be taken into consideration.

People have lost pets in violent fights, but most fights end quickly after a few stressful seconds.

Be Aware of Your Limitations

In the end, it’s all about what’s best for you and the pets involved in the situation. Make sure you’re aware of your physical limits and don’t do anything that might endanger your health.

How to Prevent a Dog Fight

It’s also important to think about ways to prevent dog fights. How to avoid a dog fight is to prevent it from starting in the first place.

• Pay attention to the Body Language of your Dog

The body language of a dog is more difficult to interpret than most people imagine. While a dog may seem to be happy, it may be on edge and ready to attack if it senses danger.

You should keep an eye out for:

• When your dog is cowering.
• Your dog is licking his lips.
• Extreme yawning.
• Turning his back away.
• Flattening the ears.
• Flickering, tucking the tail, and standing tall.
• Whale eye: a cocked head with one eye fixed on the potential danger.
• Pilo Erection: your dog is stiffening his fur down the spine.

If you see any of these indicators, you should remove the dog from the situation as soon as possible to prevent a conflict.

• Stay Away from Public Places if Your Dog is Aggressive.

As a starting point, we’ll begin with the most obvious statement: Keep your dog at home if they’re hostile. To keep them safe, place them in an area where they won’t be able to get into a conflict with other dogs.

Why Do Dog Fights Occur

Dog fights may be triggered by a wide range of factors, and identifying the kinds and warning signals is critical to effectively break up their fight.

In order to avoid a dog fight in the first place, let us know why they happen first.

• Predatory Drift

Predatory aggressiveness is the driving force behind a battle, one dog bites the other as if the other dog were prey.

Dogs who are either bred to kill things (like terriers) or are larger in size are more likely to be prone to doing these things.

A dog that follows other dogs is a strong indicator of predatory aggressiveness. As a “prey item” approaches, a stalking dog will drop its head and crouch.

If your dog is small, he is more likely to be the victim of predatory aggression. It’s all too simple for another dog to slide into predatory drift while having fun and catching up its prey.

• Lack of Social Skills

It’s easy for socially uncomfortable dogs to cause difficulties for both themselves and others. They may get too thrilled at the sight of another dog, or they may completely overlook the social signs from their companion.

Poor social skills may have serious effects on your dog’s life.

• Resource Guarding

Dogs do not want to share their treats and toys to other dogs especially when they are new dogs they meet.

Fights for resources are a regular problem. It’s possible to avoid many of these issues. When meeting new dogs, avoid bringing your dog’s favorite toys, snacks, or resting spots with you.

Extra caution should be used if your dog becomes aggressive when other dogs want to share his toys.

Another dog with poor social skills might easily make a bad situation much worse. It’s preferable for dogs to avoid social gatherings when valuable items are present. That’s why bringing dog treats and toys to the dog park isn’t a good idea.

Dogfights may occur for a variety of causes. There are occasions when you may never know what sparked a dispute.

The easiest approach to prevent dog fights is to keep a watch on your dog and the people around him. Another fantastic technique to avoid dog fights is to introduce dogs correctly.

Pepper and Dog Spray to Break Up a Dog Fight FAQs

• Does pepper spray work on dogs?

Pepper spray can stop dogs from fighting, but it may also cause eye and skin irritation. In spite of the fact that the spray is painful and incapacitates a dog for many hours, in the long term, the spray will not harm the dog’s health.

From a large distance, certain products may also have a repelling effect. Dogs that are vicious or rabid will be deterred by the liquid. The pepper content of the spray is really low.

The dog will settle down and be unable to attack the other dog once you apply the spray but do not use it as much as possible as it will hurt the dog’s eyes a lot.

• Does mace work on dogs?

If your dog is sprayed with mace spray, they are likely to be experiencing a significant amount of discomfort. Mace spray causes significant burning sensations in the eyes, nose and mucous membranes.

Your dog will be having symptoms for about 45 minutes. If you try to stop dogs from fighting through this, you may also suffer from pain as it also works on humans.

• How to treat dogs sprayed with pepper or mace spray?

The portion of the body that has been harmed by pepper or mace spray impacts the treatment. Usually, dogs are sprayed on their face. The only way to get rid of the spray is to use a lot of water to rinse it out of your dog’s eyes and mouth.

Whether the eye’s surface has been chemically burned, fluorescein is often used to dye the eyes and detect if any damage has occurred.

It is recommended that animals may need to be treated with an eye ointment immediately. Mace or pepper spray only has a momentary impact, thus further treatment is not required.

Avoid Doing This When Breaking Up a Dog Fight

Here are a few things you should avoid doing while trying to break up a dog fight.

• Never get in the way of a dog’s battle.
• When trying to separate two fighting dogs, never put your hands on the collar.
• Avoid getting too near to a dogfight especially when you do not have a protective suit.
• Never try to get a dog away from a fight by yanking on his tail.
• Stay cool and avoid any acts that might result in significant harm during a dog fight.

Final Thoughts

In most cases, individuals don’t know how to end a dogfight. Help others if you see them mishandling dog fights, now that you’ve learned.

Both the dog and anybody else who gets in the way are at great danger of damage, but by following the advice in this article, you may help avoid both of these tragedies.

Let us know in the comments below if you know of any effective ways on how to break up a dog fight. We would love to hear from you!

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How To Break Up A Dog Fight