Animal Welfare Professionals

I'm very interested in this topic but am unable to attend the webcast.  Will it be available in another way?

Thanks

Mark Lupei

Hi everyone,

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you for our free webcast  (noon PT/3 pm ET) about breaking up dog fights w/  Laurie Lawless and Trish McMillan!

For those of you who like to have slides to follow along with, here they are :). 

If you can't join live, we'll post the recording as soon as it's available. 

Sign me up for the free webcast!

------------------------------
Sheila Segurson, DVM, DACVB
Board Certified Veterinary Behaviorist
Director of Shelter Solutions
Maddie's Fund
Pleasanton CA
9258608284
------------------------------

very cool to see this, all the helpful balanced techniques, and proper progression to keep people safe and minimize damage to dogs! <3

Thank you for such great info!

Thank you for this training. I found it practical, direct, and especially helpful because it challenged several instinctive responses that could put both people and dogs at greater risk.

One of my biggest takeaways was the emphasis on using hands-off intervention first. The reminder not to grab collars, place hands near a dog's mouth, step between fighting dogs, or hit or kick them was important because those are often the first reactions people have during a frightening situation.

I also appreciated the message that, in most situations, handlers have enough time to pause, get the proper tools, call for assistance, and protect themselves rather than reacting impulsively.

The section on portable interruption tools was especially useful to me. Water options such as a spray bottle or water bottle, along with less-invasive sound tools such as a short voice cue or toy clapper, could be practical additions for trained volunteers walking dogs or supervising controlled interactions.

As the founder of The Voiceless Bond JCMH Foundation, this training made me think more carefully about our future walking-safety kits and volunteer protocols. I plan to include a small water bottle and compact hand clapper as emergency interruption tools, while clearly stating that they are not for routine behavior correction.

I also found the discussion about preparation especially important. Having tools nearby is not enough if staff and volunteers have not practiced using them or do not have a clear response plan. The conclusion-keep the right tools accessible, train people in their use, have a plan, and try hands-off techniques first-is something I would like to carry into our own safety training.

For volunteers walking one dog in the community, what would you consider the safest minimum portable kit when an unfamiliar loose dog approaches or a fight begins unexpectedly? Would you recommend water and a toy clapper as the first portable options, with other tools reserved for trained shelter staff and controlled playgroup settings?

Thank you for helping people feel more prepared without encouraging unsafe confidence. This training reinforced that protecting the handler is part of protecting the dogs.

------------------------------
Jessica Hyams
Founder
The Voiceless Bond JCMH Foundation
El Cajon CA
------------------------------

 Jessica,

Thank you for your detailed response about the tools to carry and pretraining. I have not watched the video though. I have seen Trish Mcmillan and Michael Shikashio live on the same topic. 

One note to add for dog walkers, including pet owners, would be to learn how to use their bodies to effectively abort a stalking or charging dog and options for dog placement during a charge. It is not always possible to stave off an attack but sometimes it is.

A few moves that I have found effective when on walks? include placing the dog behind or beside me and keeping it still,  stepping forward with one foot and my whole body faced forward and with a low growling voice yell, "get." I usually carry a stick, so my forward stance is even more impressive. 

In a video I saw a suggestion in urban areas to pick up a small dog quickly and place it on top of a car or a trash bin, or inside your coat. If you have one on. Remember, however, picking up a dog may elicit predatory behavior in the other dog, so do it with thought.

------------------------------
Augusta Farley
------------------------------


Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2026 11:51 AM
From: Jessica Hyams
Subject: Breaking up a Dog Fight: webcast Thurs Feb 26 w Trish McMillan and Laurie Lawless: Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection

Thank you for this training. I found it practical, direct, and especially helpful because it challenged several instinctive responses that could put both people and dogs at greater risk.

One of my biggest takeaways was the emphasis on using hands-off intervention first. The reminder not to grab collars, place hands near a dog's mouth, step between fighting dogs, or hit or kick them was important because those are often the first reactions people have during a frightening situation.

I also appreciated the message that, in most situations, handlers have enough time to pause, get the proper tools, call for assistance, and protect themselves rather than reacting impulsively.

The section on portable interruption tools was especially useful to me. Water options such as a spray bottle or water bottle, along with less-invasive sound tools such as a short voice cue or toy clapper, could be practical additions for trained volunteers walking dogs or supervising controlled interactions.

As the founder of The Voiceless Bond JCMH Foundation, this training made me think more carefully about our future walking-safety kits and volunteer protocols. I plan to include a small water bottle and compact hand clapper as emergency interruption tools, while clearly stating that they are not for routine behavior correction.

I also found the discussion about preparation especially important. Having tools nearby is not enough if staff and volunteers have not practiced using them or do not have a clear response plan. The conclusion-keep the right tools accessible, train people in their use, have a plan, and try hands-off techniques first-is something I would like to carry into our own safety training.

For volunteers walking one dog in the community, what would you consider the safest minimum portable kit when an unfamiliar loose dog approaches or a fight begins unexpectedly? Would you recommend water and a toy clapper as the first portable options, with other tools reserved for trained shelter staff and controlled playgroup settings?

Thank you for helping people feel more prepared without encouraging unsafe confidence. This training reinforced that protecting the handler is part of protecting the dogs.

------------------------------
Jessica Hyams
Founder
The Voiceless Bond JCMH Foundation
El Cajon CA
------------------------------

Thank you, Augusta. This adds an important layer that I had not clearly separated from breaking up an active fight: preventing contact when an unfamiliar dog is stalking, approaching intensely, or charging.

I appreciate your examples of placing the dog behind or beside the handler, keeping the dog still, stepping forward, using body position, and giving a short, firm verbal command. Those are techniques I would want volunteers to learn through professional demonstration and practice rather than trying for the first time during an emergency.

Your point about small-dog placement is also important. Moving a small dog to a secure place that the approaching dog cannot reach may be protective in some situations, while picking the dog up could increase pursuit or predatory behavior in others. That distinction would need to be addressed carefully in training rather than presented as a universal response.

This gives me another important category to include in future Foundation planning: recognizing and interrupting a stalking or charging approach before contact occurs, not only carrying tools for separating dogs after a fight has already begun.

I would also want any stick, barrier, deterrent, or other walking tool reviewed by qualified behavior professionals, our partner organization, and insurance provider before it became part of a volunteer protocol.

Do you have a particular video, course, or professional demonstration you recommend for teaching safe body positioning and emergency placement of the dog during a charge? I would appreciate having a reliable resource to review.

Thank you for sharing your experience and adding this practical perspective. 🐾

 Jessica,

Thank you for your detailed response about the tools to carry and pretraining. I have not watched the video though. I have seen Trish Mcmillan and Michael Shikashio live on the same topic. 

One note to add for dog walkers, including pet owners, would be to learn how to use their bodies to effectively abort a stalking or charging dog and options for dog placement during a charge. It is not always possible to stave off an attack but sometimes it is.

A few moves that I have found effective when on walks? include placing the dog behind or beside me and keeping it still,  stepping forward with one foot and my whole body faced forward and with a low growling voice yell, "get." I usually carry a stick, so my forward stance is even more impressive. 

In a video I saw a suggestion in urban areas to pick up a small dog quickly and place it on top of a car or a trash bin, or inside your coat. If you have one on. Remember, however, picking up a dog may elicit predatory behavior in the other dog, so do it with thought.

------------------------------
Augusta Farley
------------------------------



Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2026 11:51 AM
From: Jessica Hyams
Subject: Breaking up a Dog Fight: webcast Thurs Feb 26 w Trish McMillan and Laurie Lawless: Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection

Thank you for this training. I found it practical, direct, and especially helpful because it challenged several instinctive responses that could put both people and dogs at greater risk.

One of my biggest takeaways was the emphasis on using hands-off intervention first. The reminder not to grab collars, place hands near a dog's mouth, step between fighting dogs, or hit or kick them was important because those are often the first reactions people have during a frightening situation.

I also appreciated the message that, in most situations, handlers have enough time to pause, get the proper tools, call for assistance, and protect themselves rather than reacting impulsively.

The section on portable interruption tools was especially useful to me. Water options such as a spray bottle or water bottle, along with less-invasive sound tools such as a short voice cue or toy clapper, could be practical additions for trained volunteers walking dogs or supervising controlled interactions.

As the founder of The Voiceless Bond JCMH Foundation, this training made me think more carefully about our future walking-safety kits and volunteer protocols. I plan to include a small water bottle and compact hand clapper as emergency interruption tools, while clearly stating that they are not for routine behavior correction.

I also found the discussion about preparation especially important. Having tools nearby is not enough if staff and volunteers have not practiced using them or do not have a clear response plan. The conclusion-keep the right tools accessible, train people in their use, have a plan, and try hands-off techniques first-is something I would like to carry into our own safety training.

For volunteers walking one dog in the community, what would you consider the safest minimum portable kit when an unfamiliar loose dog approaches or a fight begins unexpectedly? Would you recommend water and a toy clapper as the first portable options, with other tools reserved for trained shelter staff and controlled playgroup settings?

Thank you for helping people feel more prepared without encouraging unsafe confidence. This training reinforced that protecting the handler is part of protecting the dogs.

------------------------------
Jessica Hyams
Founder
The Voiceless Bond JCMH Foundation
El Cajon CA
------------------------------

Jessica, 

I have a few ideas where to look. I think the Michael Shikashio video below could be helpful although I have not looked at it in ages. Michael is my first thought and I highly recommend you contact him for educational materials and how they might relate to shelter situations.. He has conducted a defensive handling courses with Trish Mcmillan.

Two other people I would contact would be Erica Feuerbacher and Lisa Gunter, both PhDs,  who specialize in sheltering research, although not necessarily aggression or volunteers, but they have a wealth of knowledge.

I would also contact Sheila Segurson DVM, who has been leading the Behavior zooms here at Maddie's.

The rest of my information about what works I have probably gleaned from decades of encounters while walking and training my dogs in public. I am still learning. Most recently was the dog who stalked me and/or my two large dogs. Afterwards I made a note to self which I share below. I can't say I have ever seen lessons on what to do if you're stalked by a dog, although I have seen videos about wildlife stalking.

Fortunately, I had calm dogs on leash that knew something was up, a long hiking pole, and a mean voice. The voice probably didn't do any good as the rock I threw at its feet also made no dent in its slow forward movement. 

The hiking pole probably did make a difference because it stalked around us as I was swinging it.  My mistake was that I assumed it went back on the trail to its owner behind me so I took a couple of steps forward. At that point the owner yelled twice for the dog to come.

The note to self was: do not move until you know the owner has control of the dog! 

Michael Shikashio, Defensive Handling

https://youtu.be/R5aKUrPLkco?is=kPrLOM1_IMCaS4q3

I hope all of you can come up with something very educational, that is useful and doesn't scare people and will work for volunteers and new staff at shelters, not to mention the adopters and pet owners. Even something as simple as teaching volunteers and staff what "go slow" means, referencing a sign I saw on a kennel gate today when I volunteered at the shelter.

Thank you, Augusta. This adds an important layer that I had not clearly separated from breaking up an active fight: preventing contact when an unfamiliar dog is stalking, approaching intensely, or charging.

I appreciate your examples of placing the dog behind or beside the handler, keeping the dog still, stepping forward, using body position, and giving a short, firm verbal command. Those are techniques I would want volunteers to learn through professional demonstration and practice rather than trying for the first time during an emergency.

Your point about small-dog placement is also important. Moving a small dog to a secure place that the approaching dog cannot reach may be protective in some situations, while picking the dog up could increase pursuit or predatory behavior in others. That distinction would need to be addressed carefully in training rather than presented as a universal response.

This gives me another important category to include in future Foundation planning: recognizing and interrupting a stalking or charging approach before contact occurs, not only carrying tools for separating dogs after a fight has already begun.

I would also want any stick, barrier, deterrent, or other walking tool reviewed by qualified behavior professionals, our partner organization, and insurance provider before it became part of a volunteer protocol.

Do you have a particular video, course, or professional demonstration you recommend for teaching safe body positioning and emergency placement of the dog during a charge? I would appreciate having a reliable resource to review.

Thank you for sharing your experience and adding this practical perspective. 🐾

 Jessica,

Thank you for your detailed response about the tools to carry and pretraining. I have not watched the video though. I have seen Trish Mcmillan and Michael Shikashio live on the same topic. 

One note to add for dog walkers, including pet owners, would be to learn how to use their bodies to effectively abort a stalking or charging dog and options for dog placement during a charge. It is not always possible to stave off an attack but sometimes it is.

A few moves that I have found effective when on walks? include placing the dog behind or beside me and keeping it still,  stepping forward with one foot and my whole body faced forward and with a low growling voice yell, "get." I usually carry a stick, so my forward stance is even more impressive. 

In a video I saw a suggestion in urban areas to pick up a small dog quickly and place it on top of a car or a trash bin, or inside your coat. If you have one on. Remember, however, picking up a dog may elicit predatory behavior in the other dog, so do it with thought.

------------------------------
Augusta Farley
------------------------------




Original Message:
Sent: 07-29-2026 11:51 AM
From: Jessica Hyams
Subject: Breaking up a Dog Fight: webcast Thurs Feb 26 w Trish McMillan and Laurie Lawless: Maddie's Monthly Behavior Connection

Thank you for this training. I found it practical, direct, and especially helpful because it challenged several instinctive responses that could put both people and dogs at greater risk.

One of my biggest takeaways was the emphasis on using hands-off intervention first. The reminder not to grab collars, place hands near a dog's mouth, step between fighting dogs, or hit or kick them was important because those are often the first reactions people have during a frightening situation.

I also appreciated the message that, in most situations, handlers have enough time to pause, get the proper tools, call for assistance, and protect themselves rather than reacting impulsively.

The section on portable interruption tools was especially useful to me. Water options such as a spray bottle or water bottle, along with less-invasive sound tools such as a short voice cue or toy clapper, could be practical additions for trained volunteers walking dogs or supervising controlled interactions.

As the founder of The Voiceless Bond JCMH Foundation, this training made me think more carefully about our future walking-safety kits and volunteer protocols. I plan to include a small water bottle and compact hand clapper as emergency interruption tools, while clearly stating that they are not for routine behavior correction.

I also found the discussion about preparation especially important. Having tools nearby is not enough if staff and volunteers have not practiced using them or do not have a clear response plan. The conclusion-keep the right tools accessible, train people in their use, have a plan, and try hands-off techniques first-is something I would like to carry into our own safety training.

For volunteers walking one dog in the community, what would you consider the safest minimum portable kit when an unfamiliar loose dog approaches or a fight begins unexpectedly? Would you recommend water and a toy clapper as the first portable options, with other tools reserved for trained shelter staff and controlled playgroup settings?

Thank you for helping people feel more prepared without encouraging unsafe confidence. This training reinforced that protecting the handler is part of protecting the dogs.

------------------------------
Jessica Hyams
Founder
The Voiceless Bond JCMH Foundation
El Cajon CA
------------------------------