How to Break Up a Dog Fight

Stay calm. Most dog fights only last a few seconds. Your greatest advantage in this situation is keeping a clear head. The most effective action is to startle the dogs, which will divert their attention.

• Do not immediately grab the dog's collar. It may be your first impulse, but if the dogs are genuinely fighting, even if not aggressively, they might suddenly turn and bite you out of instinct. When the dogs are in full combat mode, it's not the time to play or take risks by touching them.

Create as much noise as possible. Dog fights don't last long, so take advantage of anything you have nearby.

• Scream, shout, stomp your feet, clap your hands — do whatever you can to distract the dogs.
• If there's a metal dog bowl or a tin trash can nearby, you can bang the two metal objects together.

Put out the 'fire' of the fight. Using water — as much as possible — can be very effective in grabbing the dogs' attention. Splash water on the fight using a spray nozzle, bucket, or even the soda cup you're holding. This method won’t cause harm, although it only wets them a little, but dogs dislike being wet, so they will usually walk away.

• If you're going to a dog park or somewhere with unfamiliar dogs, consider bringing a spray bottle for emergencies.

Use a barrier to separate them. Look around for something you can use to separate the dogs. A large cardboard sheet, a wooden board, a trash can lid, or a big stick — anything that can create distance between the dogs without putting your hands at risk.

Throw a blanket over the fight. Some dogs will stop fighting if they can no longer see each other. If you have a large blanket, tarp, jacket, or any opaque fabric, try to drape it over the fight to calm the dogs down.

Recognize when intervention is needed. It's important to remember that most dog fights are brief, lasting only a few seconds, but they can quickly escalate. Aggressive dog breeds need to be separated due to their difficulty in reading social cues from other dogs. You should also step in during fights between dogs of vastly different sizes, between two females in heat, or between dogs with a history of physical abuse who don't seem likely to back down.

Don't step between the dogs. In most situations, you should avoid stepping between two dogs that are actively fighting. In a state of confusion, the dogs might mistake you for another target and bite you.

• For smaller dogs, you can step between them to block their view and disperse the situation.

Grab the dog and hold it back. Approach your dog from behind and grab the upper part of its hind legs. Lift its rear legs off the ground as though you're lifting a wheelbarrow. Begin moving backward in a circular motion to prevent the dog from turning and biting you.

• This works best when another person also grabs the hind legs of the other dog and both of you pull them apart.
• Never stick your arm into the middle of the fight, as you could get bitten.
• You can also wrap a leash around the dog's hind legs and pull it out of the fight.
• Once the dogs are separated, make sure they can’t see each other. If they do, the fight could resume. Get your dog into a car or behind a door as soon as possible. If you don't have a leash and you're alone, you can use a belt or tie as a temporary leash. Secure one dog to a fixed object and take the other dog elsewhere.

Use your feet. If no other option is available and you feel you must intervene physically to prevent serious harm to your dog, you can use your feet to push the dogs apart (if you're wearing thick pants and sturdy shoes).

• This method is only recommended for smaller dogs, and should not be used on dogs that are biting aggressively, as they may bite your feet. Be aware that you're putting yourself at risk of injury. It's not recommended for large breeds like German Shepherds, as you could suffer a serious bite in the groin area.
• This technique is most effective when multiple people are involved.
• You don’t need to kick or hurt the dogs; the goal is simply to separate them.
• Once the dogs are separated, make sure to protect yourself. If one or more dogs become aggressive toward you, don't turn and run—stand still, face them, and avoid making eye contact.

Watch how your dog interacts with other dogs. Does it bark, lunge, or bite? What does your dog's rough play look like? By recognizing your dog's typical behavior around other dogs, you can easily tell if a potential altercation is on the horizon.

Observe the dog's body language. When dogs play together, the sounds they make may resemble those made during a fight. They might growl, bite each other's jaws, or nip aggressively. Instead of focusing only on the sounds, watch their body movements. If a dog appears relaxed with a wagging tail and a loose body, it's probably just play. However, if its body is tense, rigid, and its tail is lowered, it might be preparing for a fight.

Step in if there's excessive roughhousing or disruptive play. In some cases, one dog may think it's playing, while the other doesn't. If you notice this, it's best to separate them. Sometimes, playtime can turn rough even if both dogs seem to enjoy it. For instance, a larger dog could accidentally injure a smaller one.

Avoid encouraging dogs to compete for resources. Dogs can fight over food and toys. Some breeds are more territorial and protective of their belongings, while others are more inclined to share. By understanding your dog's personality, you can prevent a fight if another dog is nearby. Keep food, rewards, and toys out of sight when your dog is socializing with other dogs. If you have multiple dogs that tend to compete, feed them in separate rooms.

Teach your dog to play nicely. From the moment your dog joins your family, it's your responsibility to teach it not to harm other animals. Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. If your dog starts to bite, growl, or show aggressive behavior, remove it from the situation and separate it until it calms down.

Train your dog to come when called. If your dog responds well and always comes to you when called, you’ll be able to remove it from most situations before tensions rise. Start training your dog to come and stay when called while it’s still young, and practice frequently, especially if you have multiple dogs.