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. After a dog attack that results in a dog bite, getting your dog back to her normal, happy self may take some time. Don't let your dog approach as this will make the other dog more nervous and could make the situation worse. What to Do After a Dog Fight. If the dogs politely acknowledge one another without hostility, they should be given praise and treats. Choosing to let the dogs work it out can result in one of them being injured or even killed. While you can’t control how other owners handle their dogs, you are in charge or your own dog’s training and management. 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. 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. 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. 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. Dogs live in the moment and argue and fight like little kids on a playground. 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. 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. Early Greeks used a giant of a mutt called the Molossus to attack their enemies in war. However, don’t yell at the dogs; your excitement can add to the dogs’ excitement and escalate the fight. 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. During the time of domestication, certain breeds like the Mastiff and Pit-bull were purposely bred to fight. Try honking a nearby car horn, blowing an air horn if one is available, banging on metal trash cans, etc. 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. Dogs that are well-mannered are less likely to fight, so basic obedience training is strongly recommended starting at a young age. 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. If the dogs can’t be distracted, try to find something you can put in between them. Knowing what to do before, during, and after dog fight is the best way to minimize injuries. . In order to reintroduce the dogs, you'll need a helper to handle one of them. 3. Dog fighting was a favorite form of entertainment with the ancients. 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 best thing to do after your dog get into a fight is to actually ignore the dogs. Your dog might be so worked up that it’s not safe to do this right away. Knowing what to do before, during, and after dog fight is the best way to minimize injuries. 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. 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. In this time, you'll need to tend any wounds and provide comfort to each dog. Bear in mind that most dog fights are brief and seem worse than they really are. Once the fight is over you still need to be very careful around the dogs. Work on obedience training on a regular basis, and always praise and reward good behavior. After a fight has been broken up, it is a good idea to keep the dogs separated for up to 48 hours. Normal, happy dog play often involves a lot of growling and wrestling so it can be difficult to determine when a problem is developing. What to Do After a Dog Fight. You’re just another dog in the fight and before you know it, the dog you’re trying to defend is coming after you. 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 last thing you want to do after your cat had a fight is offer them a new trauma by scolding them. This may need to be repeated daily until the dogs show no indication of being bothered by one another. You don’t need to break up the fight unless one dog is in real danger or if it is in heat or pregnant. The Do’s of Breaking Up a Dog Fight. Tend wounds - Check both dogs for wounds. So today we are going to talk about the things that you should do when you witness a dog fight at a park. Deal with the aftermath of a fight. How common are dog fight 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. Understanding why your cat and dog fight. I was traumatized seeing it happen . As with any kind of training, patience, affection and positive reinforcement win the day. After the fight is broken up, do not let the dogs reengage. When the fur and fury has ended, take a deep breath and then: Check For Injuries. After a Dog Fight: 3 Steps to Helping Your Pup Recover Published on July 27, 2015 July 27, 2015 • 92 Likes • 19 Comments Do not scream repeatedly unless you are calling for help. 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. If your dog gets into a fight with another owner's dog, do not reintroduce them. 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. 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. Most bite wounds heal well when they are treated appropriately, but they almost invariably become infected when treatment is delayed. Following a fight with another dog, your dog may be more clingy than usual, and need an extra bit of comfort and attention. 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. Remember: the worst thing you can do if you have dogs that fight is to ignore the problem by isolating them from each other. 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. 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. 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. A dog can be grabbed by the back legs near the hips and “wheel-barrowed” away from the fight. Lots of treats, rewards and positive reinforcement as with any training is equally critical here. 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. Dog bites can result in the crushing, tearing, puncturing or laceration of tissue. When two dogs are fighting, the results can be brutal, even deadly. Emotional scars are often harder to treat than physical ones, and the best treatment is patience and understanding. Try making a loud noise such as slamming a door. When your dog is interacting with or simply in the vicinity of other dogs, pay attention to the group dynamic. 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. Has the dog been legally designated "potentially dangerous" or "dangerous" by authorities? Whether it was a dog attack, car accident, or unpleasant grooming session, never punish a dog’s resulting anxiety. Just be sure not to grab lower down on the legs or you can injure the dog. There are a few ways you can try to break up a dogfight and keep yourself safe at the same time. 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. How to Prevent a Dog Fight. These can range from small punctures in the skin to deep flesh wounds and in some rare cases can be fatal. You’ll have to check pretty thoroughly here, and don’t just rely on your dog telling you that they’re hurt. Many so-called dog fights are really just spats that consist of a lot of noise and posturing but which are over within seconds. Is there a bowl or bucket of water or, better yet, a hose nearby? 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. Thoroughly dousing the dogs, preferably in the face, will often get their minds off of fighting. Socialization is key for a well-balanced dog. It is rare that we see aggressive behavior in boxers, especially since they are such a fun loving, easy-going, clown around breed. 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. Once any physical wounds have been tended, the best cure is rest, relaxation, and affection. In some cases, anti-anxiety medication or a mild sedative may help your dog relax following an attack, helping him to recuperate faster. After the dogs are separated, keep them separate for several hours in different rooms and always seek veterinary care. 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. 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 … Stop the fight physically only as a last resort. All rights reserved.Photo copyrighted by KimballStock.com & Sam Allen. 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. Your goal is to have complete confidence that no matter what is going on around him, your dog will immediately obey your command. Loud noises will also sometimes work. 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. After identifying the dog and its owner, find out more about the dog. They will be agitated and possibly scared and in pain, all of which increases the risk that they will bite. Start on opposite sides of the yard from each other, drilling each of the dogs on basic commands. The puppy wants to play fight … ... 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. Do: Once they are calm you are going to let them back together. I left after the first incident aggressive dog turned vicious in a group. The Do’s of Breaking Up a Dog Fight. 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. Tend wounds - Check both dogs for … Some injuries may not become apparent for a few days. Is there a bowl or bucket of water or, better yet, a hose nearby? Let the dog calm down on its own before you proceed to check if there are any injuries. You’ll have to check pretty thoroughly here, and don’t just rely on your dog telling you that they’re hurt. If your dog is attacked by another dog, your dog may have wounds as a result of the fight. Always spay and neuter your dogs. A dog can be grabbed by the back legs near the hips and “wheel-barrowed” away from the fight. Of course preventing a dog fight is a far better option than dealing with it once it has begun. 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. The topic of how to break up a dog fight seems to evoke a wade-right-in, rather macho attitude in some people. (Even the smallest dogs may provoke fights from time to time). A dog attack is serious business for both humans and dogs. 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. Socialization is key for a well-balanced dog. While it's perfectly fine to offer this kind of reassurance and affection, it's important that you don't coddle your dog. Whether it’s a big dog or little dog, the technique and method is the same. Remember: the worst thing you can do if you have dogs that fight is to ignore the problem by isolating them from each other. If the dogs quickly separate on their own, approach your dog quietly and calmly, attach your leash, and leave the area. Larger dog is female ,spayed, the other is male, neutered. 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. If another dog shows signs of aggression towards your dog, the best thing you can do is walk away calmly but quickly. If you need to visit your vet following the incident, it's a good idea to mention your dog's symptoms. Of course preventing a dog fight is a far better option than dealing with it once it has begun. 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. Helping a dog rebuild confidence after a traumatic incident is a long and winding road. Obtain the dog license information and any records pertaining to its previous history. 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. Citronella or pepper spray can also be used. The important thing is to attempt to separate the two animals without putting yourself or others in harm's way. The safest way to deal with situations like these is to avoid them. In this time, you'll need to tend any wounds and provide comfort to each dog. 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. Citronella or pepper spray can also be used. Some dogs are well behaved under most circumstances but have certain triggers that bring out the worst in them. Does my dog need to be seen by the veterinarian after it has been in a fight? When a dog is attacked by another dog, it can look like a fight to the death. Located in Pittsburgh, Chris Miksen has been writing instructional articles on a wide range of topics for online publications since 2007. Dogs are now starting to fight. Thoroughly dousing the dogs, preferably in the face, will often get their minds off of fighting. Has the dog bitten or attacked a person or animal prior to biting you? 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. Copyright 2015, PetHub, Inc. & Tom Arnold. All rights reserved. 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. Next you need to observe your pets and figure out why your dog and cat fight. 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 . 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. Prevention is the Best Defense. Sometimes, breed can also play a role. 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. If your dog has obvious wounds, take him to the veterinarian immediately. There are a few ways you can try to break up a dogfight and keep yourself safe at the same time. Watching your dogs go after one another can be frightening, especially if they are injured or it continues for more than a few seconds. It's normal to expect both dogs to behave abnormally after a fight; they may be shaky, aggressive, or completely terrified. If two dogs are fighting both … Just be sure not to grab lower down on the legs or you can injure the dog. But it can happen, and when it does- its cause is usually from extraneous stimuli or outside influences other than the breed itself. Today we’ll be talking about what to do in case your dog is on the receiving end of a dog attack. Most of the time, it isn’t, but it can be terrifying for both owner and dog. In most instances, fights between your pets don't involve injury despite loud growling, snapping and biting. Even if your dog seems to be fine after the fight, keep a close eye on him. Try honking a nearby car horn, blowing an air horn if one is available, banging on metal trash cans, etc. Most dogs want to socialize with members of their own species, otherwise they are living through a form of solitary confinement. Tell him to sit and stay until he and the overall situation appear more relaxed. Dog Fight Injuries and Wounds to other Dogs. If two dogs are fighting both dogs should be moved in this manner at the same time. Sure, dogs love human companionship, but every now and then they just want to hang out with someone who speaks their own (body) language. Know your dog’s weaknesses and triggers. Once the dogs are separated, check them both over for injuries if it is safe to do so. If your dog is aggressive towards other dogs, then you should seek advice from your vet and consider putting a muzzle on them. Of all trauma-related veterinary visits, 10 to 15 percent are related to bite wounds. 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. If the dogs can’t be distracted, try to find something you can put in between them. 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. 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. Canine miscommunication, running into the “wrong” dog, and plain old bad luck may all lead to a dog fight. These two dogs should never be in the same area when food or treats are available. It was broken up I think the one dog was bit because he was yelping . Canine miscommunication, running into the “wrong” dog, and plain old bad luck may all lead to a dog fight. After a dog attack that results in a dog bite, getting your dog back to her normal, happy self may take some time. The more often they are being pet the more they will be lead to think that the wrong behaviour acceptable. 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. Take the dogs out in an open space, preferably not anywhere near where the fight occurred. You'll also want to be careful about how you reintroduce them. 6 - After both dogs are medically cleared, keep them separated for 36 to 48 hours. Some breeds of dogs were selectively bred for having less or more resilience compared to others and their response to stress may reflect that. 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. 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. After the Storm: What to Do After a Dog Fight Has Ended. Dogfights can occur between two dogs or a dog and a cat. The strength of a dog’s jaw can cause severe and extensive damage. Photograph your injuries 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. It’s ideal to block their vision from seeing each other, too. He currently owns and operates a vending business. Loud noises will also sometimes work. 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. 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. 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. 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.