PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS FOR -S E R I O U S D O G F I G H T S O N L Y- SINCE HARM TO THE DOGS IS POSSIBLE. EVERY FIVE YEARS LIKE CLOCKWORK SOME IDIOT TAKES OFFENSE AT THIS SITE BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF INJURY TO THE DOG APPARENTLY NOT REALIZING THAT THE WHOLE POINT OF THIS SITE IS TO PREVENT DOGS FROM SERIOUSLY INJURING EACH OTHER WHILE REDUCING THE CHANGE THAT THE PERSON ATTEMPTING TO SEPARATE THE DOGS WILL BE BITTEN.
The material below is based on a December, 1997 thread from the Showdogs-L newsgroup compiled at the 'groups' suggestion. It contains opinions and suggestions that may be helpful in stopping or preventing dog fights. No guarantees. One thing that came out during the discussions was that not all dog fights are the same and what works in one case may not work in another. This is very important THE ADVICE GIVEN BELOW WILL NOT WORK IN ALL CASES.
Please remember, that the material included here consists of experiences that either worked or failed to work in specific cases. THERE IS NO GUARANTEE OR WARRANTY IMPLIED HEREIN. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. There is no intent to defame any particular breed. Information involves dog owners and their experience with their own breeds for the most part. Mention of specific breeds in no way implies the methods used will work without question for that breed, or that the temperament exhibited is typical.
A piece of generally accepted advice, DON'T reach between two fighting dogs or grab them by the collar. The dogs tend to get carried away and is a good way to get bitten. Even dogs that are not in the least 'people aggressive' may bite if you try to separate them. Advice to parents, tell your kids NOT to try to break up a dog fight on their own. And muzzles are no guarantee.
Dog fights come in several flavors. At a minimum these include:
The breed of dog is no guarantee. Fights seem to occur in all breeds, some more than others. Most fights are between same sex dogs, but not all. Even the dog you think least likely to start a fight may do so if in distress. Breeds that tend to be dog aggressive may fight in a more serious fashion, dogs bred to function in a pack may be more prone to 'dominance' squabbles. Some dogs will be fine with most dogs, but hate one. Some dogs / breeds hold grudges.
If you know a fight is likely, separate the dogs. This could be as simple as putting up baby gates, or require use of crates and locked doors The THREAT of using some method that successfully breaks up fights for you can prevent fights. Muzzling the aggressor after a fight will sometimes prevent future fights if the muzzle is kept handy. (Don't depend on muzzles)
PREPARING FOR A FIGHT: Have a plan. Have suitable stuff in easy reach, plan on how to isolate the dogs immediately.
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