Dealing with Dog Fights: Quick Tips & Solutions

The Whys and Hows of Canine Brawls: A Glimpse into the Reasons Behind Dog Fights

Understanding the Causes of Dog Fights

When our furry friends engage in a scuffle, it's often due to one of the following reasons:

1. Asserting Dominance: New acquaintances among dogs often size each other up through body language and a sniff of the rear end. If one dog disapproves of another's behavior, it might resort to physical confrontation to establish its superiority, making it clear: "I'm the alpha, and you'll follow my lead."

2. Play Gone Wrong: This is a common trigger. For instance, if one dog plays too roughly and causes pain, it can escalate into a fullblown fight.

3. Intense Possessiveness: Some dogs have a strong sense of ownership, whether it's their belongings or someone else's. They'll fiercely defend their territory and may resort to violence if they feel their possessions are threatened.

4. Heat Season: In the presence of a female in heat, male dogs might engage in aggressive battles in a bid to win her favor.

5. Jealousy and Protective Instincts: Dogs can be incredibly jealous, much like human royalty. When they see their owners playing with another dog, they might become furious and attack. Their protective instincts are also strong, and they may not tolerate strangers getting too close to their owners.

Signs of an Impending Dog Fight

Before a fight breaks out, dogs usually exhibit the following signs:

Chewing lips and growling softly, then suddenly barking or howling.

Raised hackles, a stiff tail, and a tense body.

Charging towards the other dog.

Distinguishing Play from Fight

To determine whether the dogs are just playing or actually fighting, observe their reaction to their surroundings. If they're fixated on each other and ignore everything else, it's likely a fight.

Intervening in a Dog Fight

When dogs start fighting, it's crucial to intervene:

1. Loud Commands: For welltrained dogs, a firm "down" or "sit" command can help calm them down.

2. Turning Away: If a dog is being domineering, shouting or screaming might only embolden it. Simply turning away can sometimes defuse the situation, though you should keep an eye on whether they follow you away from the conflict.

3. Water Spraying: If you have access to water, a gentle spray can interrupt the fight without causing harm.

4. Blinding Them: Covering one or both dogs' eyes can also stop the fight, as they can't see each other.

5. Physical Separation: Use objects like garbage bins or cardboard to physically separate the dogs, ensuring you stay safe.

6. Pulling by the Rear: Grabbing a dog by the rump or back legs and pulling them away is a quick method, but it's very risky and should only be done if you're certain of your safety.

Remember, There's No OneSizeFitsAll Solution

When breaking up a fight, always prioritize your safety. Assess your ability to intervene effectively before acting. If you're not confident, seek help. Moreover, regular training and socialization can teach dogs to play nicely and avoid conflicts altogether.