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How to break up a fight
After we have interrupted the fight, we separate them and ask for a desired behavior so that we can reward and praise. Any suggestions on how better to handle this?
| 1. |
DO NOT yell and holler to brake up a fight. Fight the impulse and break it up in silence. The loundess is more likely to make the fight worse than to stop it. A dog in fight mode will not pay attention to you, no matter how you speak. That part of its brain is shut off! |
| 2. |
Do not punish dogs for fighting other than separating them, and giving them a time-out which involves your ignoring them for a few minutes. |
| 3. |
Safest way I know to break up a fight is to grab the most aggressive dog by the hind legs and pick its rear up like you are holding a wheel barrow. Then you back up pulling the dog with you. Since the dog is now supporting itself on two feet only, it is not likely to want to continue fighting, and it is very difficult for it to turn on you.
Then get it out of the room, behind a door, or where ever handy as fast as you can so it is separated from the other dog. If two people are present, each can grab a different dog and wheel him backwards. (Disclaimer: There is NO safe way to break up a dog fight. If you do not feel confident and are not willing to risk a bite, let them fight!) |
| 4. |
Keep the dogs separate for a number of minutes that corresponds to the severity of the attack. 5 minutes is fine for a slight squabble. Up to 1/22 may be needed for a fight to the death. |
| 5. |
Reintroduce the dogs together immediately after the time out. You have to know your dogs. I would do this off leash with my own dogs because I know what to expect and can read the signs of an impending rematch. For the casual owner, it is better to leash the dogs, although there is actually a better chance of them making up if they are off leash. |
| 6. |
When you reintroduce them, feed, feed, feed. Continuously feed treats to both simultaneously, one every few seconds. Do not incourage them to get too close, but allow them to if they want to on their own. Then separate them for a while after just a minute. repeat this a number of times during the day, each time keeping them together a little longer. End on a happy note, letthe dogs think you are not at all worrried, but secretly keep an eye on them every minute for the next 24 hours at least! |
| 7. |
If you are having many fights within a short period of time, or if injuries are more than a single small puncture annd scratches, seek professional help! Such a dog is too dangerous for you to work with, and may require medication. |
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