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  • 1.  Best way to stop a dog fight

    Posted 04-18-2025 09:48 AM

    Recently my FB feed has been full of videos of people talking about how to stop a dog fight. Spraying water, pulling a back leg, wheelbarrowing, and cutting off air supply. I'm curious about people's experience and recommendations on this topic. 


    #Behavior,TrainingandEnrichment

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    Stephanie Schmidt
    Grant Specialist
    Angie's Dog House
    AL
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  • 2.  RE: Best way to stop a dog fight

    Posted 04-19-2025 06:11 AM

    I've seen water/hose used successfully but water is not always there.  There is also the "wheel barrow" technique, pulling their back legs to separate them, hopefully two people are there to pull each dog from behind.



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    Paula Marks
    retired
    Humane Society of Lincoln County
    NM
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    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Best way to stop a dog fight

    Posted 04-19-2025 06:59 AM

    We are very interested in learning more about this topic.

    We have a senior dog sanctuary and not all dogs get along. We also find scuffles in foster homes between young dogs when they are new to the pack. We find the best way to stop a dog fight is prevention. Separate dogs with baby gates or crates if there is no human around to watch changes in body language. Do not leave any resource (toys, bones, blankets, etc). Otherwise, if a fight does start, wheelbarrowing,  cutting off air supply, loud noise have worked well for us.



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    M K Bdeir
    Matchmaker
    Fur Ever Yours Dog Rescue
    Tonasket WA
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Best way to stop a dog fight

    Posted 04-19-2025 09:52 AM

    All of our team members carry citronella spray now, which has been safer for the human team than in years prior where the dogs were physically pulled apart.  We know it may not always work, but so far so good.  You spray the citronella in their nostrils (if possible)/at their face.  It is only to be used in actual emergencies.  It gives us enough time to get the dogs apart when they first let go of each other.  We also have airhorns nearby, but those are not as successful and are more helpful to alert others.  We have learned the louder ones are the best, not the small ones you can carry around with you.  They do have expiration dates.

    Amazon.com : PetSafe SprayShield Animal Deterrent Spray (2.4 Oz / 71 ML) Dog Spray Self Defense Compact Design for Portability, Belt Clip for Easy Carry, Releases Surprising Burst, Citronella : PetSafe : Pet Supplies

    We have asked for these to be donated and received enough for everyone on the team to carry spray, poop bags, etc: https://www.amazon.com/PetAmi-Training-Dispenser-Collapsible-Turquoise/dp/B096N593BH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2Z16IGA8JAHNC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.TTVzwbcDuar0nXjWjWQNPMjxlLGwsWWihFUEAtK-uOzHG3Qe3CDmMmaBYviz0HO7A9fKOSZWQJ6E7J1DPpUczp4Zp7u9S_qpzba103HOW1ZtQ7QFXdkGAIcp0G6rmUlvJMoxc0mhUiDSM67UskRkasYH3xNubsHJrzMZp6lxtNFLssyfp4TQAelj3JbhBu7Q5iBIIgVJLN5ASae9K8TXFUIxIClvSBOgpRXOZVSfxlKPG9dN7SFScGafdZdJZnz9uDzWwEWf8f5o4FeLYW_81M9dWyxSZnEpCfZJpYSD69M.G9cQQPiejpoQNQILuw24PhpqK1LeojMz_ZWGbiCLIy4&dib_tag=se&keywords=dog+fanny+pack&qid=1745081374&sprefix=dog+fanny+pack%2Caps%2C145&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

    The key is that the spray has to be on everyone's body.  It is not enough to be able to run away and find some because seconds count.  



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    Laura McKelvey
    Shelter Manager
    PAWS Atlanta
    GA
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    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Best way to stop a dog fight

    Posted 04-19-2025 03:26 PM

    Laura McKelvey - really helpful info. Thank you! I had not heard about citronella. I will make sure we have some of that spray now. 



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    Stephanie Schmidt
    Grant Specialist
    Angie's Dog House
    AL
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    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Best way to stop a dog fight

    Posted 04-19-2025 10:02 PM

    We do a lot of playgroups with our dogs and always come prepared with a spray bottle with water as well as a just with rocks or can with pennies that makes noise to break the dogs apart. We always start with the spray bottle, then the jugs and if needed we have bite sticks. If a dog is reactive, we always start them with a muzzle just to make sure.



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    Stefanie Schmidt
    Animal Welfare Specialist
    Hearts Alive Village
    NV
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Best way to stop a dog fight

    Posted 04-21-2025 07:47 AM

    We have "bite kits" in strategic locations around the campus. These are tackle boxes with helpful equipment.

    We generally advise this escalation, if the dog(s) are not locked on:

    1. Blow the airhorn (more to call for help than to distract the dogs, but maybe it does both)
    2. Clap or use a strong voice (no screaming) to call the dogs away. Discontinue if ineffective.
    3. Pull the larger dog back by a dragging leash
    4. Use a spray bottle to squirt water into the dog's nose/face
    5. Shake a can or jug of pennies or use Pet Corrector (compressed air) near the dog's face
    6. Citronella spray to the dog's nose/face
    7. Wheelbarrow method

    If one doesn't have this equipment, we advise to throw a blanket over the aggressor or try to put any prop (e.g. a chair) between the dogs.

    If the dog(s) are locked on, we advise using a break stick to separate (or shove the victim dog into the biting dog's mouth until he is forced to open his mouth), and be prepared with something for the biting dog to redirect onto. 

    Anecdotally, I've heard from several members of the public that throwing water on dogs has worked. Hosewater, bucket of water, and also bucket of saltwater.

    And, I can't post without saying -- don't pull two dogs apart while one is locked onto the other, or you'll make the damage a lot worse!



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    James Pawlowicz
    Humane Rescue Alliance
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    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Best way to stop a dog fight

    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous
    Posted 04-21-2025 10:33 AM
    This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

    I'm sure citronella spray would get a dog's attention, but has it been tested for safety? It is a bug spray and is being applied to their nose, has it caused breathing difficulties? 


    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Best way to stop a dog fight

    Posted 04-21-2025 10:34 AM

    We are a county ahelter and used Dogs Playing for Life. If They were a huge asset to training for playgroups, body language, etc. They sent a team out for 3-4 days of training. Very worth checking into, it has made a huge difference! 

    dogsplayingforlife.com



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    Kelli Miller
    Adoption Counselor
    Haywood County Animal Services
    Clyde NC
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    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Best way to stop a dog fight

    Posted 04-22-2025 11:20 AM

    We have had to use the wheel barrel method, but it doesn't always work in the past. I've had to use the leash/collar method by pulling up on the dog that is the aggressor to successfully break apart the dog fight.



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    Bethany Guthman
    Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator
    Kaua'i Humane Society
    Lihue, Kaua'i, Hawai'i
    kauaihumane.org
    808-632-0610 ext. 118
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    Original Message


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