Similar to any other animal, dogs can fight for a variety of reasons.It can be frightening to see your two dogs fighting.Understanding why dogs fight, what you can do to deescalate the situation, and how to separate fighting dogs is important for any dog owner.
Step 1: Don't scream.
If your dogs get into a fight, your initial reaction may be to yank on their leashes, scream their names, and yell "No!" Unfortunately, they won't listen to that command and will stress you further.Your dogs are vulnerable during a fight and will only hear you yelling.The sound of a loud command, such as "Away!", is unfamiliar to your dogs.It might catch their attention.Dogs may act aggressively out of fear, and yelling or screaming may only intensify their fear.
Step 2: Make a loud noise.
A loud noise can distract the dogs from fighting.It is easy to carry a loud noisemaker when you are with your dogs.If your dogs engage in aggressive posturing with one another, another dog, or begin fighting, use your noise-making device to startle the dogs away from each other.Carry an air horn if your dogs are prone to aggression.
Step 3: The dogs will be sprayed.
Carry a spray bottle with you if you are away from your house.Some people fill the bottle with water, others with a solution of water and a few drops of citronella oil.There are unpleasant smells to a dog.Just as with sound, spraying the dogs should distract them from one another.If you are at home, spray the dogs with a garden hose.
Step 4: Use a leash.
Dogs are hard to separate when they fight.Don't put any part of your body near their mouths, as they will likely not distinguish your hand or leg from the other dog.If you are comfortable, get a leash and form a loop between the hook and handle.Take a loop around the hindquarters of one of the dogs and drag it at least 20 feet away.When the other dog sees its opponent moving away, it should stop fighting.The dog may twist and snarl as you drag it.Keep your body away from the dog.Let them fight.You may not be able to break up a fight between two dogs.As much as you don't want to do so, you may be able to let them fight.The dogs will have to sort it out themselves if the aggression is too high or you are not in a position to help.There are ways to intervene without putting yourself in harm's way.
Step 5: You should watch the eyes.
One of the first signs that one of your dogs is not comfortable is a constant stare at your other dog.They are watching every non-verbal cue the other dog gives.In response, they will either lose interest or become more aggressive.If a dog breaks eye contact, they will submit you or another dog.Don't rely on this advice.If your dog is still paying close attention to the other dog, you should assume that they have lost interest.You should assume that tensions are mounting quickly if the other dog returns a sustained stare.
Step 6: Pay attention to posture.
Dogs do a lot of posturing when they feel threatened or challenged.If you notice either dog standing firmly in place, especially if they pull their neck back, they are posturing and should be separated.Some dogs may bare their teeth.This is a sign that a dog is ready to fight.One dog may mount another.This is a behavior to establish dominance.
Step 7: The body language should be looked at.
The dog is communicating a warning if it becomes stiff or extreme, such as pulling their lips back or holding their head high, or even erratic movements.Remove your dog from the situation.
Step 8: Listen to the growls.
Dogs communicate with one another by growling and barking.If you listen to how your dogs interact with people, other dogs, strangers, and odd noises, you will have a pretty good idea of what they are talking about.This can be used to identify their aggressive growl.Older dogs growl at younger dogs to help them recognize their position in the hierarchy.If you hear your dog growl, pay attention to its other physical signals, which should help you identify if the dog is prepared to fight or is just vocalizing.
Step 9: Don't make assumptions.
Your dogs may be quite relaxed.Do not assume that your dogs are not capable of fighting because of their mild demeanor.There is a chance that your dogs will fight to sort out the problem if they have a bad interaction.
Step 10: Know your dogs stressors.
Dogs fight because they are stressed.The dog is not aggressive, but when stressed it changes its demeanor.My dogs are sensitive to their surroundings and I get stressed over simple things.Being aware of your dog's stressors will help you avoid a fight.A treat or food bit that your dog is interested in is one of the stressors to look out for.
Step 11: Be aware of your dogs.
Triggers are things that make animals uncomfortable and defensive.If you know your dog's triggers, you can avoid them, and also help the dog become desensitized to some unavoidabletriggers.One dog refused to defer to the other.Dogs operate in a social hierarchy at all times.Dogs are great at hiding their pain and may react aggressively when approached by another dog.If your dog thinks you are in danger, it may act aggressively to protect you, fighting dogs that it sees as a threat.
Step 12: Some posturing is normal.
Dogs work out who falls on the social ladder.They might fight to help sort it all out.This isn't encouraged, but it is normal.Posturing is not the same as acting aggressively.Posturing might include bouncing on the front feet a few times, a small growl, or an attempt to herd the other animal to a different location.Posturing does not include bared teeth, snarling, biting, or other aggressive actions.
Step 13: You should train your dogs.
Clear behavior expectations between you and your pets are established by training your dogs.It allows you and your dogs to communicate more effectively.Training your dogs puts you higher on the social hierarchy than them, which means it should defer to you when it is stressed.Your dogs should respond to your commands and stop fighting immediately.The look command can be used as a distraction.If you use this command, the dog will look at you when you say look.
Step 14: Socialize your dogs.
Humans and dogs will not be as prone to fighting if they are well socialized with other dogs.It is important to socialize your dogs as soon as possible after they are vaccine free.Many cities have dog parks where dogs can run and play off leash.Dog owners can bring their dogs with them to the pet store.Take your dogs for walks.
Step 15: Feed them separately.
Food can be a big stressor for dogs.Don't force your two dogs to eat at the same time.Allow your dogs enough space to eat so that they don't feel stressed or threatened.If your dogs fight at meal time, you might consider segregating them with a baby gate or separate rooms.
Step 16: Special treats should not be given out.
It is nice to give treats to your dogs in moderation.If your dogs are prone to fighting, don't give them special treats like pig ears, rawhides, meat chunks, bully sticks, or real animal bones and knuckles.These could be considered too special or prized to lead to fighting.If you want to give your dogs special treats, separate them or give them the treats in their crates.
Step 17: Don't let your dogs walk towards each other.
This can be seen as a threat if one of your dogs walks in a straight line towards the other.Try to walk your dog in an arcs around the other dog.You can either put a leash on him or grab him by the collar.
Step 18: Seek help from a trained animal behaviorist.
Training, guidance, and information about how to help your dogs get along with each other can be provided by a trained animal behaviorist.They can identify any role you might play in the conflict between your two dogs.Ask your doctor for a referral to an animal behaviorist.If you want to have one of your dogs desexed, ask the animal behaviorist.The problem may not be solved if both dogs are desexed.Ask an animal behaviorist which dog they think is the best candidate for desexing if you are considering this option.