Treatment For A Dog That Fights Other Dogs

Sterilisation

Castration can reduce fighting in male dogs, as the operation is responsible for changing both the odour of the dogs and consequent other dog's reactions to it and the amount of testosterone (the male hormone which precipitates the aggression) that is produced. Female dogs may also be aggressive towards each other, but male/female fights are less common. When the fighting is due to a dog being frightened or protective, or if a dog has been trained to fight, sterilisation will have no effect. If sterilisation has no effect, a progestion (synthetic hormone) treatment may have to be give by a veterinarian in conjunction with training and behavioural therapy.

Conditioning To Other Dogs

A dog that fights other dogs can be conditioned through supervised interactions to accept other dogs in close proximity. An unfamiliar dog should be brought towards the problem dog to a distance where no aggression occurs. The dog that is aggressive must be must be facing the approaching the facing dog and is to be rewarded for not barking or growling. Several trials will need to be conducted over a number of sessions with the dogs the same distance apart. Over a period of several weeks the distance between the two dogs can be gradually decreased, if no aggression occurs at each set distance apart. The procedure must be repeated with different dogs until the problem dog's behaviour changes. Less structured interactions can take place as the dog progresses.

Preventing A Dog Fight

Obedience Training

This alone will not stop two dogs from being aggressive towards each other. However, the control that owners gain over their dog through training can assist in both preventing and breaking up fights, as the dog is more likely to obey any commands given.

Body Language

Preventive action can be taken by owners who understand the body language and facial expressions of their own and other dogs.

Common Signs Of Aggression Or Dominance In Dogs Include

Slow and deliberate movements when approaching other people's dogs A stiff-legged walk and an enhanced profile Ears erect and the hairs on the back and neck raised A lowering of the head and extending of the neck forwards Tail horizontal or upright A direct stare Pronounced and frequent lifting of the leg and urination Growling, snarling or the curling of the upper lip

Walking The Dog

Some dogs will approach another dog, investigate and wait for a reaction from it. Others will attack without warning, or from behind cover. Little can be done when this occurs. When one dog is being walked on a leash and another not on a leash approaches, every attempt must be made to prevent the dogs from making contact with each other. The owner of the leashed dog should leave the scene with their dog by backing away, slowly and cautiously and keeping between the two dogs. Fortunately most dogs that are aggressive towards other dogs are not aggressive towards people. If the owner blocks their dog from the other dog, it may defuse the encounter.

Increasing The Distance

The distance from the other dog must be gradually increased, If the threatening dog follows, commands such as "Stay" or "No" should be given. Often dogs will obey these. Actions by owners such as turning their back immediately or quickly, striking out or moving forward and allowing their dog to challenge the other dog, may cause the offending dog to attack.

Small Dogs

A small dog can be picked up and carried high as its owner backs away from the other dog.

Breaking Up A Dog Fight

Separating two dogs that are fighting can be dangerous as not all known methods are effective with every pair of dogs. Dogs fight at different intensities and for different reasons. Learning how to avoid situations that can lead to a dog fight is better than having to break one up. Frequently one or both dogs will redirect their aggression towards the person attempting to break up the fight. Whether this is considered to be a dog attack on a person will depend on the circumstances leading up to the incident. Often dogs do not recognise their owners immediately in these situations and bite them when they come too close.

Owners in other instances can accentuate a fight by intervening, as the dog will then fight not only to protect itself but also its owner.

Techniques Separating Two Dogs

If there are two people available, both dogs should have their hindquarters lifted off the ground and then be dragged backwards by the tail. This will confuse the dogs and may cause them to relax their grip on each other. If the hindquarters are not lifted first, the dog may anchor itself by its front feet. Further injuries can then be caused to the other dog. In dogs without tails, the hind legs should not be substituted for the tail, as the dog can easily turn around and bite the person holding it. Grabbing the head or shoulders of one or both dogs is dangerous unless the person doing so can get directly behind the dog's shoulders and have the strength to control its head.

When One Dog Is On A Leash

The leash should be jerked sharply and a firm "No" given. This should be followed by the command "heel". If the two dogs break apart, the owner may be able to walk their dog away or keep it from the other dog. Releasing the dog from the lead and calling it whilst walking away is usually only effective in trained dogs that are involved in minor scuffles.

Using A Blanket

A blanket can be thrown over the heads of both dogs to confuse them. This may stop the fight and allow time for one or both dogs to be removed.

Distracting The Dogs

Throwing a noisy object at the dogs, or making a loud sound near their heads to startle them may gain sufficient time to stop the fight. A succession of commands such as "No" or "Stop" should be given at the same time.

Water

Water can be poured over both dogs, or squirted into their faces if a bucket or hose is readily available.

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