Dog Fights

Dogs can fight over anything. Triggers are going to be different for every dog.

Some examples of reasons a dog fight might break out or a dog might bite include but are not limited to:

-Guarding food/ meals, Guarding bones or other high value treats, Guarding toys, Interdog play that gets too intense, A dog that doesn't want to play/socialize in the same environment as a dog that does, Not understanding the other dogs body language, Guarding special spaces such as their home, a bed or couch, Guarding a human, History of dog fights/altercations/attack, History of poor interaction with dogs, where their body language was not respected, History of poor/ no socialization, Humans forcing dogs to play or be around other dogs when they don't want to, Overwhelm associated with dog parks or doggy day care, Nervousness/fear/lack of confidence, Approached by an off leash dog, Male vs male / female vs female / can also be mixed sex fights or unfixed dogs, Underlying medical condition /neurological condition, YOUR DOG MAY BE IN PAIN OR FEEL SICK.

How can I help prevent a dog fight?

Dog fight prevention and early intervention is absolutely key. Take the time to learn your dog's cues, body language and thresholds

Ensure that your dog sees their vet regularly to monitor for any underlying health conditions/pain/etc

NEVER leave your dog alone and unattended with another dog, cats or kids; EVER. This is a safety rule. Even after your dog is fully integrated into your household. Accidents happen quickly and the consequences can be dire.

Learning dog body language is important. If you know what to look for and can intervene before they hit the red line of no return, you

Hopefully for the time being have prevented a fight from breaking out
Will be able to separate your dog, absent of conflict to a safe space for them to decompress
Will have shown your dog that you have control of the situation, they learn to trust you to deal with escalating situations so they don't have to.

Handling a Dog Fight

Trying to break up a dog fight is risky and dangerous. You need to keep calm and think through your plan of action before reacting.

Often times owners will jump into a dog fight without putting much thought into their actions and reactions. This puts you at risk to get injured. If you're injured, you're going to be no help to your dogs. It is important to treat every dog fight with the same caution.

First, what DON'T you do…

Do NOT place yourself in the middle.

Do NOT stick your hands, arms, legs, feet or face anywhere near the fight. Dogs will not know who they are biting. Often when owners get bit in a dog fight, their dog doesn't even see them.

Do NOT panic. That's easy to say… but in the heat of the moment, try and stay as calm and collected as you can. If you're panicking, you're not thinking clearly, and you are going to make a mistake, make things worse, or get hurt.

Things to remember

It's always best not to try to break up a dog fight alone.

It’s best and safest to treat all dog fights like they are all life and death.

What if a fight happens... What do I do after a fight?

Once a fight is over and you have the dogs separated, your adrenaline is pumping, you’re shaken and worried about your dog. But your job is not over yet…

Post Fight:

Get to a safe space.
Check the dog(s) for injuries.
- - This includes assessing for any potential injuries or medical conditions that may have been present before the fight that need attention.
Get veterinary help if needed.
Make sure the dogs are separated with 0% chance of being able to re-engage.
Ensure that you check over their entire bodies, inclusive of their eyes, ears, paws and teeth.
Your dog may still be adrenalized, so proceed with caution while handling them afterward.
Create and provide a calm environment, soothing voices, dim light, quiet space.
Check yourself for injuries, and seek medical attention if needed
Your dog may be stiff, sore and shaken up for quite some time after this event, keep that in mind as they recover.
If the fight was between your dogs, or other dogs within your circle, you will need to begin the cycle of decompression, reintegration/introduction all over from step one.
DO NOT punish your dogs after a dog fight.
Give your dog some grace and understand that this event may have lasting traumatic effects.

Assess What Happened:

Dog fights are scary and traumatic events for all involved and those witnessing. It is important however that this event does not get swept under the rug.
Take this event as a learning opportunity to do better next time.
Ask yourself:
- - What was the tigger?
  - What did body language cues could I have missed?
  - What could I have done differently?
  - What did I do well?
  - Should I consult a professional dog trainer?
  - Should I consider muzzle training?
  - What decompression and re-socialization techniques are we going to implement moving forward?
Dogs that have gotten into fights are not ‘bad’ dogs. They may have trauma, they may have been provoked, they may simply be protecting the thing they have deemed is important, they may just be normal dogs.
Just like humans, dogs don’t get along with everyone they meet, and that’s okay.
Do the best you can do, and once you know better, do better.
Educate yourself, learn your dog and be prepared.

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