Most dog fights or scuffles result in no injury at all. They can look and sound ferocious but they are normal and are more like an argument.
“Dog fights are preventable,” says Kim Monteith, the BC SPCA’s manager of animal welfare. “Guardians need to be attentive to their dog and other dogs’ behaviour when they are interacting.”
There are some simple “rules” to follow to keep your dog, and those around you, safe from a situation where aggression can escalate and a fight can occur.
Preventing dog fights
Most aggression comes from fear. Dogs use aggression to try to increase the distance between them and a perceived threat.
- Be aware of dog body language. Move your dog away from other dogs who show signs they are not comfortable or may not want to interact with your dog. Signs such as yawning, lip licking and tail lowering, and tense muscles. Fearful dogs may also turn their head to the side and show “whale eye” (the whites of their eyes). As their fear escalates, they may raise their hackles (the hair along their neck and back), lift their lip, growl, and lunge or snap.
- Interrupt play. dogs have different play styles and some can be too rough. Watch your dog and the other dog – don’t be afraid to interrupt play sessions regularly, from as often as every 15 seconds to 2 minutes. This de-escalation technique can help prevent possible confrontations.
- Size matters. Do not let small dogs play with large dogs even if they are friendly. Small dogs can trigger large dogs.
- Be mindful of toys and games. Leave toys at home. Toys can be fun, however, they can also be a resource that your dog or another dog guards which can result in a fight.
- Know your own dog. If they don’t look comfortable or are going up the ladder of aggression, remove them from the situation. You may also need to move your dog along if they look like they are over excited and you’re not able to control them, for example, jumping around, not paying attention to you and pulling in different directions.
- Don’t assume all dogs like to meet other dogs or a dog is “friendly” even if the guardian says they are. When introducing your dog to a new dog, use the 3 second rule – quick hello (3 seconds) and move on.
Breaking up a dog fight
Breaking up a dog fight can be dangerous. If you have followed these guidelines and a dog fight still occurs, it is important to know the actions to take to protect yourself and your dog.
Things to remember
- Stay calm and assess the situation.
- Use barriers. Try to put something between the dogs like a backpack or umbrella. The sudden opening of an umbrella can startle and confuse the dogs and creates a physical and visual block between them.
- Avoid direct contact. Never put your hands near the dogs’ mouths during a fight. Use tools and barriers instead to protect yourself and your dog.
Key emergency actions
In the case of an emergency situation likely to result in harm or injury to a person or animal, you may need to use a quick intervention in order to ensure safety.
- Pick up small dogs: If your dog is small, quickly pick them up and place them in something protective or on a raised surface to keep them out of reach.
- Use water or deterrents: Spray the dogs with water or use a dog-safe deterrent like citronella spray if available. This can help break the dogs’ focus and give you a chance to separate them.
- Make a loud noise: Use a loud noise to distract the dogs. Clap, shout or blow a whistle to startle them and interrupt the fight.
- Use a barrier: Place an object like a backpack, chair or trash can between the dogs. If you have an umbrella, open it quickly to create a visual and physical barrier.
- Throw food treats: If you have treats, throw them towards the aggressive dog to distract them and give you a chance to move away.
- Shorten the leash: Keep your dog on a shorter leash to maintain better control and be ready to move them away quickly if needed. Hold the leash with the hand that is on the same side as your dog.
- Pull the dogs apart from the rear: If safe to do so, grab the attacking dog by the hind legs and lift them like a wheelbarrow, pulling them away from your dog. Only attempt this if you are confident it won’t escalate the situation. BE CAREFUL – a dog may redirect onto you.
- Leash windmill: ONLY USE THIS TECHNIQUE IN EMERGENCIES! If necessary, swing your unclipped leash in a windmill motion to create a barrier between the dogs.