How To Safely Break Up A Dog Fight. by Don Murray
SEEING DOGS IN A FIGHT can be an absolutely terrifying experience, especially if the fight involves a beloved pet. Most dog owners have preconceived notions about methods to break up a fight should they need to, which range from spraying dogs with water to using a spoon or metal object to wedge into a dog’s mouth. Unfortunately, the reality of dog fights is that most of the time they are sudden and unex- pected. Rarely are we mentally prepared nor do we have a hose or a spoon nearby. Many humans unknow-
ingly make a dogfight worse. I’ve seen altercations where people are standing behind their dog pulling back and up on the collar. This actually places the dog in a charge position, escalating the fight drive and increasing the likelihood of the dog redirecting on the human. On other occasions, I’ve seen people hit or kick dogs in the head, which also can have very little effect on stopping a fight and usually only increases the dog’s agitation. So what should a human do when
faced with a dog fight? First, determine the level of conflict. If the interaction is just vocal or if the dogs are posturing, you should calmly attempt to call them away or, if on leash, gently pull them back. If however, the dogs are already to the point of biting, locking on, yelping or growling, you need to decide if you want to take action and potentially put yourself in harm’s way to stop it. At that point, quickly assess your sur-
roundings. If there are other dogs nearby they may react to the sound of a dog fight and charge in to “help.” This can make the altercation far more difficult to control.
Do not be afraid to instruct people to grab a dog and keep them back. Be very firm and clear in your verbal commands to any human helpers nearby.
order to prevent re-engagement. If a dog has a full lock on another
dog, sometimes the only option is a choke out. The biting dog needs to be placed in a sleeper hold until it loses conscious- ness and bite pressure can be released. This method is a last resort, and it should only be utilized to save another dog, as the instinct for the bite can be very powerful. Prevention is always your goal.
Understanding the warning signs that preface dog fights can keep you from ever finding yourself in these scary and often dangerous situa- tions. Watch your dog’s body language and signs of fear or dis- comfort including licking lips,
If you are in a situation where a hose
is present and you can get to it quickly, spray water directly into the face or mouth of both dogs. This can be effective. However, I have personally seen a fight where it did nothing. In the end, both dogs were seriously injured and soaking wet. Most of the time, your best option is
the wheelbarrow technique. Grab a dog by the back legs and lift the rear half of the dog into the air. Pull the dog away and into a separate and secure enclosure. If possible, use a leash and wrap it around the lower abdomen of a dog, looping it through the end. This provides you with a handle to perform the wheelbarrow, and more opportunity to secure the dog to a nearby fence or other object if no secure area is available. Ideally, there would be a person available to do this for each dog involved. If you are alone, use the wheelbarrow on the more aggressive or dominant dog. Remember that while in fight mode, dogs will desperately try to get back into a fight, so you must find a way to secure them in
heavy panting, posturing or cowering, or intensely locking eyes with another dog. Always err on the side of caution and remove your dog from a situation if you are concerned about it escalating. Your job is always to advocate for your dog.
U
Don Murray, shown here with Hendrix, is the owner of Sarasota Dog Wizard. His team has been serving dog owners in Sarasota and Manatee counties since
2014.Many of the programs at Sarasota Dog Wizard include follow-up lessons and free weekly group classes for the rest of your dog’s life. Call or email 941.866.0234
info@SarasotaDogWizard.com
SarasotaDogWizard.com
64 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
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