How to Break Up a Dog Fight

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There’s nothing more terrifying as a pet owner than when your pet gets into a fight with another dog. It can happen suddenly and leave you frozen and unsure of how to react. If you ever find yourself witnessing a dog fight and you need to intervene, here are some important safety tips and methods for breaking up the fight.

Why Dogs Fight

Sometimes a dog fight can happen out of seemingly nowhere. Anything from jealousy over a toy to concern over territory can trigger a dog’s aggression.

How to Tell a Fight Might Break Out

Dogs can’t tell us why they’re upset, so it’s important to know your dog’s socialization limits and keep an eye out for their body language when they are around other animals. Raised hackles, wide eyes, lip licking, stiff body and growling are all signs a dog is agitated, fearful or otherwise upset to the point they might lash out physically.

They Might Just Be Playing

Some dogs play pretty rough! Wrestling, mouthing and tackling might just be what they enjoy! That’s totally okay as long as both dogs have a rowdy play style and obey their playmate’s cues to take it easy, such as rolling onto their back and showing their belly. Watch your pup closely if they like to play rough to make sure they are still using their doggie manners, despite appearing to be auditioning for the WWE. If one dog is significantly larger than the other, it’s best to separate them so no one gets hurt by accident.

DON’T

• Grab the dogs by their collars – the dogs will likely redirect their aggression on you. They might not even mean to bite you, it’s just their instinct!

• Step between the dogs. Two angry dogs are going to have a tough time telling the difference between your arm and the other dog’s neck.

DO

Distract them. There are several ways to do this!

• If you have access to a hose, spray the dogs with water. It will startle them and likely cause the fight to stop.
• Make loud noises! Bang metal together, yell, do whatever it takes to be loud enough to grab their attention.
• Toss a blanket or sheet over them. If the dogs can’t see each other, they aren’t likely to continue fighting. 
• If there’s a plywood or cardboard sheet lying around, nudge that between the dogs to create a visual barrier. A stick or garbage can lid might also do the trick.

Check for injuries

Check your dog for injuries and make sure to clean superficial wounds. If any cuts require stitches, take them to your veterinarian as soon as possible. For serious injuries, take them to an emergency animal hospital immediately.

For detailed information on dog-to-dog aggression, recognizing the signs of agitation in canines and how to prevent altercations between dogs, please visit spca.org/pettips.