The last thing you want to do after your cat had a fight is offer them a new trauma by scolding them. Whether it was a dog attack, car accident, or unpleasant grooming session, never punish a dog’s resulting anxiety. What to do during a Dog Fight? A dog can be grabbed by the back legs near the hips and “wheel-barrowed” away from the fight. Never reach for your dog’s collar or head as this is the surest way to get injured during a dog fight. An older dog or an animal not feeling well, may as well choose fight rather than flight due to limited mobility or weakness. You'll also want to be careful about how you reintroduce them. Always spay and neuter your dogs. It is not uncommon for dogs to act out after an attack; soiling indoors, behaving aggressively toward others, and doing things he knows he's not allowed to do. The idea is that the dogs are each so focused on their handlers and the task at hand that they're virtually unaware of one another. Dogs live in the moment and argue and fight like little kids on a playground. It is rare that we see aggressive behavior in boxers, especially since they are such a fun loving, easy-going, clown around breed. Make it clear to your dog that the rules haven't changed, and that you're there to show him affection, but bad behavior will not be tolerated. What this actually does is create a separate territory for each dog, and fighting over territory is the only natural cause of battles between dog … Overly protective behavior may just enhance a dog's sense of fear and anxiety, creating phobias and clingy behaviors that may stay with your dog long-term. Once the dogs are paying attention to their respective handlers and performing their commands, try moving a few feet closer to each other and repeat the exercises. Most dogs want to socialize with members of their own species, otherwise they are living through a form of solitary confinement. So today we are going to talk about the things that you should do when you witness a dog fight at a park. If the dogs politely acknowledge one another without hostility, they should be given praise and treats. There are a few ways you can try to break up a dogfight and keep yourself safe at the same time. After a dog attack that results in a dog bite, getting your dog back to her normal, happy self may take some time. If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs, then you should seek advice from your vet and consider putting a muzzle on them. Their emotions will be unstable at the time so check for signs of excessive fear or anxiety and try to give them more attention than before since that will help them heal. Because of this natural instinct, it's not uncommon for dogs to get into fights with one another, particularly if both are dominant and aggressive animals. Citronella or pepper spray can also be used. Don’t get too close, but try to put a visual barrier like a gate, fence or car in between your dog and the other dog. Here are a few common reasons to get you started: The hound likes to chase the cat, even if it is for play, this makes the feline stressed and provokes her. In this time, you'll need to tend any wounds and provide comfort to each dog. Remember, if your dog is injured, it will need you to take care of it, and you can't do that if you have been injured in breaking up a fight. You’ll have to check pretty thoroughly here, and don’t just rely on your dog telling you that they’re hurt. But it can happen, and when it does- its cause is usually from extraneous stimuli or outside influences other than the breed itself. If the fight was an isolated incident, there's a fairly good probability that the dogs can be taught to live together peacefully, or to play together without incident. Some owners carry canisters with them for occasions just like this, but be aware that they can be quite irritating to innocent bystanders who are. Located in Pittsburgh, Chris Miksen has been writing instructional articles on a wide range of topics for online publications since 2007. Once the fight is over you still need to be very careful around the dogs. Let the dog calm down on its own before you proceed to check if there are any injuries. Ovidiu’s advice on the proper actions to take when breaking up a dog fight: The actions a person should take to safely prevent or separate a dog fight, are described here in an order that is loosely applicable to ascending levels of aggression. Larger dog is female ,spayed, the other is male, neutered. Now is not the time to get so engrossed in your phone, book, or conversation that you don’t notice when tensions are starting to rise. While you can’t control how other owners handle their dogs, you are in charge or your own dog’s training and management. Do: Once they are calm you are going to let them back together. As a last resort, you can try grabbing your dog’s thighs, lifting him into a wheelbarrow position, and pulling him backwards, but this does involve some risk that you might be bitten. Sure, dogs love human companionship, but every now and then they just want to hang out with someone who speaks their own (body) language. The Do’s of Breaking Up a Dog Fight. Obtain the dog license information and any records pertaining to its previous history. Stop the fight physically only as a last resort. This would decrease the chance of infection and a sutured wound doesn't usually scar as much as one left open to heal. Try honking a nearby car horn, blowing an air horn if one is available, banging on metal trash cans, etc. What to Do After a Dog Fight. Copyright 2015, PetHub, Inc. & Tom Arnold. A dog fight at a dog park is something that many (dog owners don’t want to happen because the situation can quickly escalate and sometimes it ends up with an injured dog and its owner. If despite your best efforts at prevention your dog does get into fight, keep in mind that your primary objective is to prevent significant injuries… to the dogs and to the people who are involved. Thoroughly dousing the dogs, preferably in the face, will often get their minds off of fighting. Allowing your dog to constantly be carried around or sleep in your bed will not help him recover from the fight, and is likely to enhance a feeling of fear and powerlessness your dog is suffering. In most instances, fights between your pets don't involve injury despite loud growling, snapping and biting. The strength of a dog’s jaw can cause severe and extensive damage. In some cases, anti-anxiety medication or a mild sedative may help your dog relax following an attack, helping him to recuperate faster. The puppy wants to play fight … However, don’t yell at the dogs; your excitement can add to the dogs’ excitement and escalate the fight. After the Storm: What to Do After a Dog Fight Has Ended. Best practices for breaking up a dog fight. One of the reasons for PetHub's goal to get lost pets home quickly is to avoid injuries by other animals. Know your dog’s weaknesses and triggers. Work on obedience training on a regular basis, and always praise and reward good behavior. (Even the smallest dogs may provoke fights from time to time). You’ll have to check pretty thoroughly here, and don’t just rely on your dog telling you that they’re hurt. How to Prevent a Dog Fight. In order to reintroduce the dogs, you'll need a helper to handle one of them. Choosing to let the dogs work it out can result in one of them being injured or even killed. After a dog attack that results in a dog bite, getting your dog back to her normal, happy self may take some time. This may need to be repeated daily until the dogs show no indication of being bothered by one another. Dog bites can result in the crushing, tearing, puncturing or laceration of tissue. Following a fight with another dog, your dog may be more clingy than usual, and need an extra bit of comfort and attention. After the Fight: Check Your Dog for Injuries, A deeper, more guttural tone to growling or barking, A dog who is trying to get away but is not being allowed to do so. Socialization is key for a well-balanced dog. Virtually any puncture, laceration, or other wound has the possibility of becoming infected, so if you spot any evidence of these problems, be sure to thoroughly clean the area and, in some cases, if the injury is substantial enough, take your dog to your vet. Canine miscommunication, running into the “wrong” dog, and plain old bad luck may all lead to a dog fight. Keep your pet safe with a current identification tag so that if he does get away from you and into a fight with another animal, you can get him home again quickly. Dog Fight Injuries and Wounds to other Dogs. For example, your dog might love to play with her housemate but can get aggressive when she feels her food is in danger of being taken away. When your dog is interacting with or simply in the vicinity of other dogs, pay attention to the group dynamic. Start on opposite sides of the yard from each other, drilling each of the dogs on basic commands. The more often they are being pet the more they will be lead to think that the wrong behaviour acceptable. After the fight is broken up, do not let the dogs reengage. Sometimes, breed can also play a role. Once the dog fight is broken up and the dogs pulled apart it is critical that the people do not release the dogs or the dog fight will begin again. The Do’s of Breaking Up a Dog Fight. Just be sure not to grab lower down on the legs or you can injure the dog. Ideally your dog would be seen by a veterinarian after a fight to cleanse the wound properly, put him on antibiotics and perform surgical debridement and sutures. After a fight has been broken up, it is a good idea to keep the dogs separated for up to 48 hours. If the vet deems the dog unsafe she should euthanize the dog (and be prepared to do so) at the same vet visit, if the dog can be re-homed, she should keep the dog segregated and find an appropriate no-kill shelter and be completely honest about the dog’s history and understand they may not take a dog that has already killed another pet. Has the dog been legally designated "potentially dangerous" or "dangerous" by authorities? Do not allow your dog to roam freely, and keep your dog on a tight leash when you are outdoors, especially if you are in a park. While it may take some time and work on your part, in almost all instances the two dogs can be positively reunited and taught to play together again, safely. Emotional scars are often harder to treat than physical ones, and the best treatment is patience and understanding. There first things to do once two dogs have fought is to separate the canines, calm them both down, and ensure that neither of them has hurt. Dogs that are well-mannered are less likely to fight, so basic obedience training is strongly recommended starting at a young age. If you need to break up a dog fight, try to make as much noise as possible to distract them, like yelling, clapping your hands, or banging loud objects together. It’s important to ensure that neither animal is physically injured as the result of an altercation and that emotional trauma is minimized (both for the dogs and their caretakers ;-) Fights between dogs can cause even more problems when the two animals live in the same home and share the same family. Dog fighting was a favorite form of entertainment with the ancients. Most of the time, it isn’t, but it can be terrifying for both owner and dog. Signs to watch out for that indicate a dog fight could be imminent include: If you start to see signs of stress in your dog or other dogs in the group, call your dog to your side and reward him for coming. The best thing you can do for your dog is to provide as normal of an environment as possible, encouraging him to remain independent and assertive in his everyday life. While it's perfectly fine to offer this kind of reassurance and affection, it's important that you don't coddle your dog. Some injuries may not become apparent for a few days. Dogfighting first occurred in Mexico in 1913, shortly after the invention of the airplane.Until at least 1992, it was a component in every major war, despite beliefs after World War II that increasingly greater speeds and longer-range weapons would make dogfighting obsolete. Lots of treats, rewards and positive reinforcement as with any training is equally critical here. Try making a loud noise such as slamming a door. In this time, you'll need to tend any wounds and provide comfort to each dog. What to Do After a Dog Fight. Dogfights can occur between two dogs or a dog and a cat. Tend wounds - Check both dogs for … It is imperative that you determine how serious the bite on your dog is, and whether it requires an immediate emergency trip to the vet clinic or if it is a nip or surface bite you can treat at home. Prevention is the Best Defense. Some dogs are well behaved under most circumstances but have certain triggers that bring out the worst in them. I was traumatized seeing it happen . Writer Bio. Does my dog need to be seen by the veterinarian after it has been in a fight? Loud noises will also sometimes work. Knowing what to do before, during, and after dog fight is the best way to minimize injuries. 6 - After both dogs are medically cleared, keep them separated for 36 to 48 hours. Of all trauma-related veterinary visits, 10 to 15 percent are related to bite wounds. Next you need to observe your pets and figure out why your dog and cat fight. When the fur and fury has ended, take a deep breath and then: Check For Injuries. You'll also want to be careful about how you reintroduce them. Of course preventing a dog fight is a far better option than dealing with it once it has begun. A board, large branch, cane, umbrella (quickly open it to startle the dogs), piece of plywood, chair, blanket, throw rug, welcome mat, thick winter coat… anything that is on hand and sturdy enough to prevent the dogs from biting one another (or you) could work. Try honking a nearby car horn, blowing an air horn if one is available, banging on metal trash cans, etc. But allowing dogs to get together isn’t without risk. How common are dog fight injuries? If the dogs can’t be distracted, try to find something you can put in between them. Dogs are protective of their territory and especially of their human "pack members," as well as food, toys, and so on. Most bite wounds heal well when they are treated appropriately, but they almost invariably become infected when treatment is delayed. Knowing what to do before, during, and after dog fight is the best way to minimize injuries. Normal, happy dog play often involves a lot of growling and wrestling so it can be difficult to determine when a problem is developing. If the dogs quickly separate on their own, approach your dog quietly and calmly, attach your leash, and leave the area. Do not scream repeatedly unless you are calling for help. Don't let your dog approach as this will make the other dog more nervous and could make the situation worse. Some owners carry canisters with them for occasions just like this, but be aware that they can be quite irritating to innocent bystanders who are downwind. Your goal is to have complete confidence that no matter what is going on around him, your dog will immediately obey your command. Dog fighters will choose the breeds carefully, and often go after banned dog breeds that are now illegal to own in some countries because of their breeding and dog fighting history. By Richard Rowlands This article was first published in the Mar/Apr 2018 issue of Pet Sitter's World.. As a professional pet sitter or dog walker, the possibility of a dog fight breaking out at work is a very real risk. A dog can be grabbed by the back legs near the hips and “wheel-barrowed” away from the fight. He currently owns and operates a vending business. When two dogs are fighting, the results can be brutal, even deadly. Wounds from a dog fight can often damage tissue far deeper than the human eye can see and your dog will likely need antibiotics to prevent infection. Some breeds of dogs were selectively bred for having less or more resilience compared to others and their response to stress may reflect that. The two people need to start turning in a circle, or slowly swinging the dogs in a circle while they back away from the other dog. If you need to visit your vet following the incident, it's a good idea to mention your dog's symptoms. Thoroughly dousing the dogs, preferably in the face, will often get their minds off of fighting. Dr. Laurie Bergman, VMD, a veterinary behaviorist who works at NorthStar VETS, says that the first step is identifying the situation that led to the bite. Injuries from dog-on-dog violence are commonly seen at Vets Now. If the dogs can’t be distracted, try to find something you can put in between them. If two dogs are fighting both dogs should be moved in this manner at the same time. After a Dog Fight: 3 Steps to Helping Your Pup Recover Published on July 27, 2015 July 27, 2015 • 92 Likes • 19 Comments Remember: the worst thing you can do if you have dogs that fight is to ignore the problem by isolating them from each other. During the time of domestication, certain breeds like the Mastiff and Pit-bull were purposely bred to fight. Dr. Laurie Bergman, VMD, a veterinary behaviorist who works at NorthStar VETS, says that the first step is identifying the situation that led to the bite. There are a few ways you can try to break up a dogfight and keep yourself safe at the same time. The important thing is to attempt to separate the two animals without putting yourself or others in harm's way. Canine miscommunication, running into the “wrong” dog, and plain old bad luck may all lead to a dog fight. If two dogs are fighting both … Whether it’s a big dog or little dog, the technique and method is the same. When a dog is attacked by another dog, it can look like a fight to the death. The best thing to do after your dog get into a fight is to actually ignore the dogs. Once any physical wounds have been tended, the best cure is rest, relaxation, and affection. If your dog is attacked by another dog, your dog may have wounds as a result of the fight. Deal with the aftermath of a fight. Loud noises will also sometimes work. You don’t need to break up the fight unless one dog is in real danger or if it is in heat or pregnant. After a fight has been broken up, it is a good idea to keep the dogs separated for up to 48 hours. Of course preventing a dog fight is a far better option than dealing with it once it has begun. After identifying the dog and its owner, find out more about the dog. Once the animals have been separated and placed out of reach of one another, the next item of business is to check both dogs for wounds, blood, or bite marks. The topic of how to break up a dog fight seems to evoke a wade-right-in, rather macho attitude in some people. The safest way to deal with situations like these is to avoid them. All rights reserved. Dogs that have had a pattern of hostility towards one another may not ever reconcile to the other's presence, and if they continue to fight or instigate trouble, it's best to keep the dogs apart. As a last resort, you can try grabbing your dog’s thighs, lifting him into a wheelbarrow position, and pulling him backwards, but this does involve some risk that you might be bitten. If either dog fixates on the other, becomes aggressive or frightened, or becomes too over-stimulated to pay attention to his handler, back up a few feet until you can get the dog's attention again. If your dog gets into a fight with another owner's dog, do not reintroduce them. Remember, if your dog is injured, it will need you to take care of it, and you can't do that if you have been injured in breaking up a fight. Some have recommended that the dogs not be anywhere near one another for at least 48 hours following the fight, even if they live in the same household, while others recommend that getting a positive interaction between the two animals as soon as possible is the best course of action -- at the end of the day, however, you know your dog better than anyone, trust your instincts and don't force anything. Your dog might be so worked up that it’s not safe to do this right away. Is there a bowl or bucket of water or, better yet, a hose nearby? They will be agitated and possibly scared and in pain, all of which increases the risk that they will bite. Has the dog bitten or attacked a person or animal prior to biting you? These can range from small punctures in the skin to deep flesh wounds and in some rare cases can be fatal. All rights reserved.Photo copyrighted by KimballStock.com & Sam Allen. A board, large branch, cane, umbrella (quickly open it to startle the dogs), piece of plywood, chair, blanket, throw rug, welcome mat, thick winter coat… anything that is on hand and sturdy enough to prevent the dogs from biting one another (or you) could work. It was broken up I think the one dog was bit because he was yelping . Watching your dogs go after one another can be frightening, especially if they are injured or it continues for more than a few seconds. Citronella or pepper spray can also be used. Helping a dog rebuild confidence after a traumatic incident is a long and winding road. Dogs are now starting to fight. As with any kind of training, patience, affection and positive reinforcement win the day. Still, dog fights happen, even in normal day-to-day situations where your pet might not be missing and is safely in your care or the care of your pet sitter, trainer, etc. Ovidiu’s advice on the proper actions to take when breaking up a dog fight: The actions a person should take to safely prevent or separate a dog fight, are described here in an order that is loosely applicable to ascending levels of aggression. Understanding why your cat and dog fight. If another dog shows signs of aggression towards your dog, the best thing you can do is walk away calmly but quickly. . After an attack, particularly if your dog was not the instigator and does not naturally have an aggressive personality, it's likely that your pooch will experience symptoms of fear and anxiety. What this actually does is create a separate territory for each dog, and fighting over territory is the only natural cause of battles between dog packs. It's normal to expect both dogs to behave abnormally after a fight; they may be shaky, aggressive, or completely terrified. Early Greeks used a giant of a mutt called the Molossus to attack their enemies in war. If it was a minor skirmish, especially among previously-friendly dogs or even loving housemates, keep them leashed up, and after both are totally calm, carefully let them interact again under close supervision. Just be sure not to grab lower down on the legs or you can injure the dog. If your dog has obvious wounds, take him to the veterinarian immediately. These two dogs should never be in the same area when food or treats are available. Tend wounds - Check both dogs for wounds. It’s ideal to block their vision from seeing each other, too. Many so-called dog fights are really just spats that consist of a lot of noise and posturing but which are over within seconds. Socialization is key for a well-balanced dog. A dogfight, or dog fight, is an aerial battle between fighter aircraft conducted at close range. A dog attack is serious business for both humans and dogs. I left after the first incident aggressive dog turned vicious in a group. You’re just another dog in the fight and before you know it, the dog you’re trying to defend is coming after you. There first things to do once two dogs have fought is to separate the canines, calm them both down, and ensure that neither of them has hurt. Photograph your injuries Bear in mind that most dog fights are brief and seem worse than they really are. Take the dogs out in an open space, preferably not anywhere near where the fight occurred. Petting the dog immediately after a fight does more harm than good. If dogs are separated after a fight and not calmed down first, they get stuck in a fight state of mind towards the other dog and it gets really bad. ... At first I thought it was the mastiff that was causing the 2 to fight but after the last 2 fights I don’t think his is the one to start anything. Today we’ll be talking about what to do in case your dog is on the receiving end of a dog attack. 3. Even if your dog seems to be fine after the fight, keep a close eye on him. After the dogs are separated, keep them separate for several hours in different rooms and always seek veterinary care. Deal with the aftermath of a fight. If a dog has been involved in a fight, it can sometimes be challenging to determine the extent of the injuries, particularly if the wounds are located in heavily furred areas of the body. Tell him to sit and stay until he and the overall situation appear more relaxed. Yes this happened at a dog park and all of the owners just allow it because they believe it's normal do behaviour to let there dog get bullied and attacked . While you may want to be gentler in disciplining your dog, it's important that you don't give him a free pass just because he may have been hurt or injured. Is there a bowl or bucket of water or, better yet, a hose nearby? Remember: the worst thing you can do if you have dogs that fight is to ignore the problem by isolating them from each other. Once the dogs are separated, check them both over for injuries if it is safe to do so. Stop the fight physically only as a last resort. But you don’t need to break up every dog fight, and there isn’t a single safe and perfect method of doing so.This week, how to tell when a fight is serious, and some ways to try to break it up, ideally without getting hurt yourself.