What you need to know and do to avoid harming yourself or the animals
We rarely think about how to properly separate dogs when a fight breaks out between them. But when it happens – not for life, but for death, among your favorites or on the street with someone else’s dog – there is no time to think about it. In such moments, every second decides the fate of animals and even your safety. That’s why it pays to know in advance how to act in such situations, so you can be ready and confident when you really need it. After all, a prepared owner is a chance to save lives and keep your peace of mind.
Signs that alert you to a possible fight
A fight between dogs never comes out of nowhere. Before it happens, animals give a number of signals: a tense posture, a direct, piercing stare, a threat with bared fangs, clamped ears or, conversely, standing “like arrows”, raised hair on the withers, and a muffled growling sound. When you notice these symptoms, you should immediately intervene: take the dogs in different directions, give a command, use a treat to distract them or simply increase the distance. Often this is enough to prevent the conflict from starting.
Prevention is the best defense
Preventing a fight is much easier than stopping it. Always walk your dog on a secure leash, with a short leash in public places. Socialization and regular training of basic commands (“come to me”, “sit”, “stop”) significantly reduce the risk. If the animal is prone to aggression, use a muzzle, but pre-train it so that it does not become an additional stress. Avoid places where there are large concentrations of dogs, especially if you know that your pet is jealously protecting the territory or the owner.
How to safely separate dogs
If a fight has already started, the main rule is not to endanger yourself. You can’t throw your hands between dogs or grab them by the muzzle. There are methods to help break contact quickly and minimize harm.
Loud sound and water. A sudden shout, whistle, blow of metal objects, or a stream of cold water can dislodge aggression.
Barrier. A board, blanket, cardboard or other large object can be inserted between the dogs to separate their bodies.
Wheelbarrow method. If there are other people around, each person takes the dog’s hind legs, lifts them up and pulls them back. This changes the balance of the body and often forces the opponent to let go.
Blanket or cloth. Covering dogs with a thick cloth reduces their visibility and allows them to spread apart.
Leashes. If the dogs are on leashes, act in synchronization: pull them sharply but firmly in different directions to avoid contact again.
What to do after a showdown
When the dogs are separated, you need to immediately secure them at a distance and do not allow them to get back together. Next – check the condition: there is no bleeding, lacerations, bites. If there are – apply a clean bandage and contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. Even if there are no visible injuries, it is worth showing the animal to a doctor, because internal injuries or infections can make themselves known later. It is also important to reassure the dog – give it a quiet place, water and time to recover.
What you should never do
Do not put your hands between his jaws or grab his face. Do not use violent methods such as hitting, choking or using sharp objects. This only increases aggression and makes the situation even more dangerous. Even minor wounds should not be ignored: they quickly become infected.
Conclusion
A dog fight is always stressful and dangerous, but by knowing the right actions, you can avoid tragedy. Your job is to keep calm, quickly separate the animals and administer first aid. Remember: a prepared master is a master who saves a life.
