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Original poster

What's the best way to react when two dogs get into a fight?

26 replies

YoniMakesTheWorldGoAround · 17/04/2013 19:23

My dog got into a fight with another two today. All three were off lead and the other two bounded over to mine, mine snarled and then it all kicked off.

There was no way of separating them safely, and it was all snarling, barking, showing teeth and leaping about, looked and sounded really nasty but no biting or injuries.

The owner of the other dogs waded in with one of those ball throwers and whacked his dog to get it to move away, after less than a minute all dogs were back under control.

Should I have done something different? My dog doesn't like other dogs, he will tolerate them having a sniff but then he moves away. If they persist he will show teeth and then most back down, or their owners call them away. This incident really shocked me though .

OP posts:
Lilcamper · 17/04/2013 19:56

No dog should have been whacked. If your dog doesn't like others, be aware of what is around you, if other uncontrolled dogs are around, put yours on a lead and quickly walk in the opposite direction.

cathpip · 17/04/2013 20:08

Mine have only had a few run in's with other dogs where it has got to the handbags stage, I tend to wade in (hands out of way and nothing to smack the dogs with) and use my voice, I normally shout in a very dominant way, something along the lines of "pack it in" or "no, leave" and because I have walked into the middle of it my two tend to back off and continue walking with me. Hope this helps.

coffeeinbed · 17/04/2013 20:11

Try and break it up as soon as it starts.
I shout, just as cathpip and my dog usuallylistens and walks away.

coffeeinbed · 17/04/2013 20:13

Having said that, it's only been two or three times.
he's a big bugger and other dogs don't mess with him.

Original poster
YoniMakesTheWorldGoAround · 17/04/2013 20:54

I am hyper-vigilant, and my dog has excellent recall. He also goes out of his way to avoid other dogs and we only have problems if other dogs persist in wanting to play with him. If he's on a lead and we're walking along a pavement he will pull to cross the road if another dog is walking towards him.

"Whacked" was probably too strong a word to use. It turned out that the main aggressor was deaf so there is no other way to get his attention.

I really didn't want to walk in the middle of it, it was too aggressive for that. I should have walked away and my dog would have probably followed me.

OP posts:
digerd · 17/04/2013 21:07

A BIL of mine had his arm broken trying to stop his 2 German Shepherds suddenly going for their little Dachshund. Dogs been together for years.

AdoraBell · 18/04/2013 02:41

I tend to shout, my default is Oi!, which my dogs recognise and they stop. Only had a real problem once as we're not allowed to walk them off lead here, and that was a stray dog that attacked and wouldn't back off. Mostly the neighbour's (off lead) dogs give up once mine back off looking down their snouts at the hooligans

fortyplus · 18/04/2013 02:50

A friend of mine has a lovely miniature Snauzer (sp?). A Staffie was sniffing around him, he growled and the Staffie went for him. Locked on to his head and the owner couldn't get it off. Cool as you like my friend said 'Ive heard that they'll release if you poke a finger up their bottom so I'd like you to do that please' The Staffie owner obliged and sure enough the dog opened its mouth (in surprise, presumably) and released. Grin

Callisto · 18/04/2013 08:17

"No dog should have been whacked."

Erm, if my dogs are being attacked by another dog I'm not going to stand there and ask nicely. My method is to wade in and kick the offender off.

IAmJacksRagingBileDuct · 18/04/2013 08:57

forty Grin that's hilarious!

OP I'm of the shout and keep out camp. I will yell usually something short and sharp "Oi" / "Packitin" / "Get out of it!" and hope that distracts them but I wouldn't wade into the middle of a couple of large dogs if they were seriously fighting because I'm too much of a wimp pretty small so I'd probably just get eaten.

digerd · 18/04/2013 09:40

forty
Your friend was as cool as a cucumber - I would have been screaming - a mini schnauzer is a small dog.
Very useful info about getting a dog to release another. But don't fancy using my finger so always taking a rubber glove with you on a dog walk is a good tip.!

fortyplus · 19/04/2013 22:58

I said if it was me I would've used a stick! Wink Grin

Booboostoo · 20/04/2013 17:48

A sudden noise may startle them out of it, but if they are serious about it it won't work. I would be extremely weary of putting my hands in the middle of it all to pull collars or pull on back ends, it's an easy way to get bitten.

The best thing to do is to find an object to insert between the two dogs which will also bread the eye contact and help. A tray, a stiff piece of cardboard or similar might do. In an emergency a coat thrown over one dog might calm things down enough for the owners to regain control.

Booboostoo · 20/04/2013 17:48

not *bread, brake!

Booboostoo · 20/04/2013 17:49

OK I give up! break even!

Mother2many · 22/04/2013 15:48

Callisto Thu 18-Apr-13 08:17:53
"No dog should have been whacked."

Erm, if my dogs are being attacked by another dog I'm not going to stand there and ask nicely. My method is to wade in and kick the offender off.

I'd freak....

If my little dogs head was being bitten...I can guarantee I wouldn't be waiting for someone to stick a finger in their dogs butt.

During on scene at the dog park, a little dog started nipping at my dog, (norwegian elkhound) and my dog snapped back...which started a fight.. My dogs teeth look scary, but she has never hurt another dog. Someone picked up my dog in their arms...

Okay...guess, little dog won... rolls eyes

I do try to get in the middle if there ever is a fight... Yes, instinct is to grab collar too...

I'm gonna watch this thread to see what I can learn!

Gracie123 · 22/04/2013 16:12

I'm watching this thread too!

Our puppy isn't old enough to walk yet (final vaccinations tomorrow - eek!) but there has been some horrible stuff in the newspapers recently about the police trying to catch a guy who sets his bull terrier on other dogs. He's caused serious damage to three dogs and I think one of the dogs even died Sad

Makes me scared to take my pup to the park!

idirdog · 22/04/2013 16:39

I know this is easier said than done but try really hard to avoid interactions with dogs of unknown history.

I only ever allow greetings from dogs I know or know of. Watch when out walking your dog, how do other dogs react make a mental note if that particular dog is the right one for yours to interact with.

If there is a very bouncy "he only wants to play dog" then turn right away and do let there be any interaction. Also look at the owners reaction to meeting other dogs, are they involved or on their mobile phone taking no notice, if not again avoid or do they have control of their dog.

There are times when you do get caught out, if a dog is approaching your dog looking a bit bolshy, put your hand up and take one step towards it and say "away" in a loud voice, most dogs will stop or turn away. then you leg it! You can also throw down food away from you but towards the approaching dog that usually makes most dogs slow up. (Many people teach the away command so that their own dog goes behind them when they say it, then your dog is protected by your body)

It would be unusual if your take these steps for the dogs to get into a major fight but I would do nearly anything to protect my dog if it had been attacked. (which they haven't)

Socialisation is essential for dogs BUT the correct type of socialisation, anything other can cause major problems that can take ages to sort out. So choose your doggy friends as carefully as you would your DC's.

idirdog · 22/04/2013 16:40

Gracie123 go and look at a few dog interactions at the park before you take your pup. Go at a time you may be walking your dog and check out the clientèle first and work out which dogs are ok for your puppy to mix with

Gracie123 · 22/04/2013 20:13

I actually walk with another friend twice a week and her dog (our kids like to play together and my children loving her dog so much convinced me we were ready to take the step!) and have seen him interacting with a few other dogs. It's always been friendly, but reading those newspaper reports got me nervous!

To be fair, my friend says she got her pup neutered ing because other dogs kept starting on him, and she hasn't had any problems since. I think I might do the same when the time comes.

digerd · 22/04/2013 21:25

I feel really lucky to have dog walks and fields on my doorstep, almost. I have a 5 kilo non-aggressive dog, who was nervous at first meeting strange dogs and people.
All the dogs near here are lovely and all love my little fluffy girl. spoken to many owners and no complaints about dangerous aggressive dogs here, thank goodness.
We met a new male Rhodesian Ridgeback, 7 years old and a sweet gentleman. My little girl fell in love with him, despite him towering above her.
There is a man who has 2 Labs, and the RR loves to play with one of them as the other is afraid of him and lies down and plays dead!
My little dog wasn't a bit afraid of him, but he was very gentle with her.

Turniphead1 · 23/04/2013 17:21

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

zadie78 · 23/04/2013 17:29

I have a bottle of water which I fill up before walking the dog. When our dog got into a fight once, I just squirted him and the other dog and they broke it off immediately.

Mother2many · 23/04/2013 17:48

waterbottle? Good idea!

Magicmayhem · 23/04/2013 17:56

My dog hates to be sniffed for too long but will tolerate it, but if she runs off and a dog continues to follow and pester her she will give a warning grow if they continue to follow she has been known to 'tell them off' by what looks and sounds like a terrible fight... But there is never any bloodshed and its all over in seconds. I thought this was quite normal dog behaviour, and this is how they learn manners. And yes, she has been on the receiving end of this treatment, but only once. I can tell when she's had enough of a dog and ask the owner to call their dog away so it only happens when the dog won't leave her alone... I just shout 'that'll do' and call her to me and she comes.

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