Dog Park Drama: What's the Safest Way to Break Up a Dog Fight
10/10/2011
Dealing With Dog Park Drama
[Check out Animal Planet's all new webseries "Dog Park" premiering October 12 on Animal Planet.com>]
In an ideal world, the dog park is a place of joy and relaxation where people and pups come together for some healthy running and romping in the great outdoors. However, all is not always wine and roses at the dog park as not all dogs like eachother and get along. If you have ever witnessed a dog fight at the dog park, you understand how scary and dangerous they can be.
Breaking up a dog fight is serious business and it can go bad in a heart beat. It is important to know your limitations and don't get into the middle of something you can't physically deal with.
How To Safely Break Up a Dog Fight
According to expert dog trainers,it is important never step in the middle of two loving pets and try and grab them by the collar to stop a dog fight. If you try this, the chances of you being badly bitten are extremely high. Two animals in the middle of a fight are in survival mode and if they see you at all, they don't see you as their familiar loving owner. When you charge in and grab them they either react out of a fight reflex and bite, or they see you as another aggressor. When they are in fight or flight mode they will bite you.
WATCH VIDEO: Think You Might Have a "Bad Dog?" Check Out These Stories to Compare.
Breaking Up a Fight With Two People:
Each person grabs the back feet of one of the dogs. The dog back feet are then picked up like a wheelbarrow. With the legs up, both dogs are then pulled apart. Here is the step by step process:
1) Circle behind one dog and grab his back feet or legs, and raise them into the air. Without the use of his legs, he won’t be able to continue fighting.
2) Pull the dogs apart and back slowly away, continuing to hold their legs. Move in a backward arc so that the dog can’t reach around to bite you. He’ll be walking on his front legs only, so he won’t be able to maneuver with much agility.
3) When you’ve reached a safe distance, perhaps 20 feet, hold the dog safely until he calms down, which is easiest if you turn him so he can no longer see his opponent.
Breaking Up a DOG Fight with One Person
It’s incredibly dangerous to try to pull two fighting dogs apart when you’re alone, but if the situation demands it, proceed carefully with the following plan.
1) If you don’t have a leash with you, go get one. The animals will continue to fight as you do this, but you need to take steps to ensure your personal safety.
2) Approach one of the dogs quietly. When you’re close enough, quickly loop the leash around the back end of the dog, slip the free end through the leash’s looped handle, and pull the leash taut. Back away, pulling the dog, until you reach something you can tie the dog to, such as a telephone pole or a fence post.
3) Approach the second dog from behind, grabbing him by the hind legs and pulling him away, using the same techniques you’d use if there were two people breaking up the fight. Drag the dog at least 20 feet away from the other one, and then tether or crate him.
Do you have other suggestions or tips on how to safely break up a dog fight? Share them in the comments below!
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Comments
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Ive heard to use a hose to break up two fighting dogs, the water distracts them long enough to go in safely and break the dogs apart.
Posted by: Amy | 10/10/2011 at 09:13 AM
I have two dogs. One, twice now has slipped his head out of his collar (in a six year time frame) and gone after another dog. It is the scariest thing I have ever experienced. This is helpful to know but I'd like to add to all owners, keep your dog on a leash and perhaps instead of a collar, use a harness when out with your dog.
Posted by: brendabfromfl | 10/10/2011 at 09:14 AM
I have two dogs. One, twice now has slipped his head out of his collar (in a six year time frame) and gone after another dog. It is the scariest thing I have ever experienced. This is helpful to know but I'd like to add to all owners, keep your dog on a leash and perhaps instead of a collar, use a harness when out with your dog.
Posted by: brendabfromfl | 10/10/2011 at 09:14 AM
Pour water on them. A lot! Even at dog parks there are usually faucets or drinking fountains and water bowls. Fill as many as you can and throw the water in their faces. It will often snap them out of dog fight mode. I've done this numerous times.
Also, use a wiffle ball bat or tennis racket and wave it between their mouths. Again it will often snap them out of fight mode and separate them. Just be sure to stand so that your body is not touching them so you do not get bitten.
Last, if a dog you know and love that bites you and the bite is not serious and you don't want the bite reported, Take Care Clinic at Walgreens does not report Dog Bites. They will clean the wound and give you a script for antibiotics.
Posted by: Chris Rufkahr | 10/10/2011 at 09:23 AM
My sister-in-law has 5 dogs (her own & fosters) and when more than 2 get into it on occasion they can't always break it up so she keeps air horns (those obnoxious cans of air people take to sporting events) on hand and the sound makes them scatter.
Posted by: Robin | 10/10/2011 at 09:33 AM
My sister-in-law has 5 dogs (her own & fosters) and when more than 2 get into it on occasion they can't always break it up so she keeps air horns (those obnoxious cans of air people take to sporting events) on hand and the sound makes them scatter.
Posted by: Robin | 10/10/2011 at 09:33 AM
My sister-in-law has 5 dogs (her own & fosters) and when more than 2 get into it on occasion they can't always break it up so she keeps air horns (those obnoxious cans of air people take to sporting events) on hand and the sound makes them scatter.
Posted by: Robin | 10/10/2011 at 09:33 AM
Sorry about the multiple posts. I clicked post and nothing happened on my end.
Posted by: Robin | 10/10/2011 at 09:38 AM
I would be very careful when going after their back legs as you suggest because for most people they have to bend down to grab their legs, and that dog could whirl around in a heartbeat and bite your face...I think I would try an element of surprise to defuse the fight...a loud shout...exaggerated movement...douse them with cold water, something a long those lines. Grabbing their hind legs sounds good in theory...but I'd be very cautious.
Posted by: Kim | 10/10/2011 at 09:39 AM
I have tried water to no avail..I have tried many things but I think I might get an air horn..that sounds like it would work. I do animal rescue and don't often have fights but they can be horrific when they do happen.
Posted by: Susan | 10/10/2011 at 09:42 AM
My problem is that the fighting occurs between a taller dog, a Boxer, and a short one, a Bulldog. The Boxer pins the Bullie by standing over her and taking a hold of her neck in a "death grip". She won't let go of the Bullie! How can I break up that kind of fight?? :(
Posted by: Lisa | 10/10/2011 at 09:42 AM
This is for that water comment... I am employed as a dog trainer & have been working with dogs for years. It is my person experience that using water in most cases only makes for more agony. You now have wet dogs to try to handle & slippery floors/grass. Also for the most part it does nothing to disrupt the fight. [Note, this is NOT my Proffesional recomendation] but LOUD & DISRUPTIVE sounds have been my friend. AirTube/cannon, paper/plastic bags, large pot/pans. You get the idea...
Posted by: Joshua Mallie | 10/10/2011 at 09:43 AM
This is for that water comment... I am employed as a dog trainer & have been working with dogs for years. It is my person experience that using water in most cases only makes for more agony. You now have wet dogs to try to handle & slippery floors/grass. Also for the most part it does nothing to disrupt the fight. [Note, this is NOT my Proffesional recomendation] but LOUD & DISRUPTIVE sounds have been my friend. AirTube/cannon, paper/plastic bags, large pot/pans. You get the idea...
Posted by: Joshua Mallie | 10/10/2011 at 09:43 AM
This is for that water comment... I am employed as a dog trainer & have been working with dogs for years. It is my person experience that using water in most cases only makes for more agony. You now have wet dogs to try to handle & slippery floors/grass. Also for the most part it does nothing to disrupt the fight. [Note, this is NOT my Proffesional recomendation] but LOUD & DISRUPTIVE sounds have been my friend. AirTube/cannon, paper/plastic bags, large pot/pans. You get the idea...
Posted by: Joshua Mallie | 10/10/2011 at 09:43 AM
This is for that water comment... I am employed as a dog trainer & have been working with dogs for years. It is my person experience that using water in most cases only makes for more agony. You now have wet dogs to try to handle & slippery floors/grass. Also for the most part it does nothing to disrupt the fight. [Note, this is NOT my Proffesional recomendation] but LOUD & DISRUPTIVE sounds have been my friend. AirTube/cannon, paper/plastic bags, large pot/pans. You get the idea...
Posted by: Joshua Mallie | 10/10/2011 at 09:43 AM
This is for that water comment... I am employed as a dog trainer & have been working with dogs for years. It is my person experience that using water in most cases only makes for more agony. You now have wet dogs to try to handle & slippery floors/grass. Also for the most part it does nothing to disrupt the fight. [Note, this is NOT my Proffesional recomendation] but LOUD & DISRUPTIVE sounds have been my friend. AirTube/cannon, paper/plastic bags, large pot/pans. You get the idea...
Posted by: Joshua Mallie | 10/10/2011 at 09:43 AM
This is for that water comment... I am employed as a dog trainer & have been working with dogs for years. It is my person experience that using water in most cases only makes for more agony. You now have wet dogs to try to handle & slippery floors/grass. Also for the most part it does nothing to disrupt the fight. [Note, this is NOT my Proffesional recomendation] but LOUD & DISRUPTIVE sounds have been my friend. AirTube/cannon, paper/plastic bags, large pot/pans. You get the idea...
Posted by: Joshua Mallie | 10/10/2011 at 09:43 AM
i am 44 years old and nearly 15 lived with me and passed away. now i have one in my house and taking care of 3 street dogs. many time this kind of fights i handled. just i use ti pore chill water..........
Posted by: kalaichelvan | 10/10/2011 at 09:59 AM
i am 44 years old and nearly 15 lived with me and passed away. now i have one in my house and taking care of 3 street dogs. many time this kind of fights i handled. just i use ti pore chill water..........
Posted by: kalaichelvan | 10/10/2011 at 09:59 AM
Different breeds react differently. I have used water, to no avail. In fact, it made it more dangerous for me. Vinegar works for some dogs but for some genetically "stoic" dogs, not at all. Loud shouts can actually make it worse. The airhorn might work, or pepper spray. Me, I avoid public dog parks.
Posted by: Mike | 10/10/2011 at 10:01 AM
I haven't tried the hind legs trick, but the air horn has worked for me in the past, but then you may still have the problem of grabbing the dogs before they engage in another round! I have not tried the hind legs trick. I have sometimes pulled a tail, but it didn't feel really safe! A jacket thrown over the head confuses them well and long enough and if it's oversized enough you may even be able to use it as a muzzle lead to pull the dog away!
Posted by: Anastasia | 10/10/2011 at 10:10 AM
Great advice, thanks I'll remember that if every the time shall come! They should install an emergency pressure hose at dog parks! That's what they have to use at zoos if fights break out between tigers etc. I guess they would be worried about the miss-use of the hoses though.
Posted by: Jessica | 10/10/2011 at 10:15 AM
Great advice, thanks I'll remember that if every the time shall come! They should install an emergency pressure hose at dog parks! That's what they have to use at zoos if fights break out between tigers etc. I guess they would be worried about the miss-use of the hoses though.
Posted by: Jessica | 10/10/2011 at 10:15 AM
I have several male dogs, but only two have not been castrated, they often get in fight with my neighbours dog, in my experience, loud sounds dont usually work.. you can yell at them as much as you can, throw things that make loud noises .. and they just dont care..the thing that has helped is one taser we got.. they are really scared of it, and simply the noise breaks them appart. Water with a hose also helps.. they hate it.. and algo the grabbing of the legs.. although that is very dangerous..
and of course, never grab their collars or get too close
Posted by: Firolijapa | 10/10/2011 at 10:20 AM
When my two have gotten into it on occasion loud noise works, but the crazy one that never fails is turning onb the vacuum cleaner, as they both instantly stop
Posted by: Cathy | 10/10/2011 at 10:25 AM