How to safely resolve a fight between two dogs

Dogs may fight for a variety of reasons: territoriality, protection of resources such as food or toys, fear, frustration or overexcitement. Even dogs that normally live together peacefully can react aggressively if they feel threatened or their tolerance threshold is exceeded .

Dog fights are intense and dangerous situations that can put both the animals and the people trying to intervene at risk. It's natural to want to protect your dog, but acting without caution can result in serious injuries , so knowing the signs before a fight, the proper techniques to intervene, and preventative measures can make all the difference.

Rough play or fight? Learning to tell the difference

Dog play can appear violent at times, with growling, biting and frantic running. However, there are clear signs that help differentiate rough play from a real fight.

How to safely break up a dog fight?

In the event of a real fight, safety must be the priority as intervening without thinking can be dangerous. Here we show techniques to separate the dogs without putting ourselves at risk.

1. Avoid using your hands directly . Never try to grab the collar or get between the dogs, as in the heat of the conflict they will not distinguish between friend or foe and could accidentally bite.

2. Create a distraction . A loud sound like a whistle or horn can momentarily get their attention. If you have a pressure washer available, spraying the dogs directly on the head can disorient them enough to separate them. It's also a good idea to throw a jacket or thick blanket over each dog's head to cover their field of vision and interrupt the confrontation.

3. Use objects to separate . Place a rigid barrier between the dogs, such as a wooden board or even a chair. In enclosed spaces, use a long stick or broom to try to gently push the dogs away without getting too close.

4. Wheelbarrow technique (with assistance only): If two people are available, each should grab a dog's hind legs and lift them up like the handles of a wheelbarrow and back away from the dogs in opposite directions. This method reduces the chance that the dogs can turn and bite.

Common mistakes to avoid

You should not shout or hit the animals , as this will only increase the tension and may escalate the aggression. It is also essential to insist that you should avoid the direct use of your hands , as even your own dog could bite you in the midst of the frenzy. On the other hand, and no less important, sometimes it is simply not possible to stop the fight that has started without putting yourself at risk.

In all cases, even though it may be difficult, staying calm is key to assessing the situation clearly and applying the most appropriate technique to safely break up the fight.

What to do after the fight?

Once the dogs are separated, it is essential to remove them completely to prevent the conflict from being reactivated. After the incident, it is advisable to check the dogs for injuries, even if they appear unharmed at first glance, and to go to the vet in case of injuries. Sometimes, it may also be necessary and even advisable to call the Police and Security Forces.

Once the animal is safe, it is advisable to contact a canine behavior professional to assess possible psychological consequences and work on preventing future conflicts.

Ultimately, the key to avoiding fights is prevention : recognizing signs of discomfort, properly socializing dogs from puppyhood, respecting rules of coexistence and keeping dogs on leashes in public spaces, and ensuring safe environments during their interactions. As owners, it is important to understand that not all dogs enjoy contact with other dogs and that respecting their boundaries is essential to fostering healthy relationships and avoiding dangerous situations.