Breaking up a dog fight / attack

I hesitate to post this. Getting involved is risky and not for the faint-hearted. Human safety comes first and if that means the dogs injure themselves or each other, so be it. You also have to be super observant and able to move fast as soon as the release occurs. There is risk the dog will go straight for the target again.

1. Call for help. Two sets of eyes are better than one. Call 000 if humans are injured.

2. Noise diversion. Scream without hysteria (hysteria adds to the commotion), or kick something noisy or chuck something big and unexpected.

3. Physical interruption. A hose or buckets of water may be your best friend. A leash or catchpole may help separate as soon as the break in the bite hold occurs. Picking the dog up by the back legs and holding it vertical may also cause a release.

4. This, for the experienced dog handler. There is still risk the dog will redirect: https://youtu.be/1ebR37K8hDg (note this is a trained dog that would have a release command).

Do NOT stick a finger or pen or anything up the dog’s anus.
Do NOT try to pull the dog off while the bite hold is still in place – this will more likely cause more injury by tearing.
Do NOT try to put your hands in the dog’s mouth.

I cannot stress enough to seek assistance first. If you are concerned about your dog showing aggression prevention is better than cure – seek help from a professional trainer. Call me, I can help.

(pictured dog is actually ‘smiling’, a learned behaviour, but she sure looks scary in this well-timed shot!)