Drama at the Dog Park! What to Do When Your Dog Gets Into a Fight

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It's not fun when your dog gets into a fight. Hopefully, your own pooch won't be the aggressor, but you likely don't want them to be the victim, either. When your dog gets into a fight at the dog park, you'll want to quickly (and safely) break the fight up before making sure your dog is not seriously injured.

Use Your Voice

Even the most well-trained dogs can fail to pay attention to you during an altercation at the dog park. They're understandably distracted, and so might not even register your presence as you call them to break it up and come away from the other dog. Don't be afraid to raise your voice, if only to get them to look in your direction. Ask the other dog's owner to intervene as well. But sometimes it can be necessary to manually break up the fight.

Use Your Actions

Make your presence known. Continue talking to your dog as you approach so that you don't surprise either combatant. If you should happen to have a bottle of water, empty it over them. It won't hurt them, and the shock might be enough to end the skirmish. If you need to touch your dog, try to grab them from behind and pull them loose. Grabbing them by the collar might seem like a logical action, but by placing your hands close to the dog's head, you're putting yourself right in the firing line when it comes to snapping jaws. Please be careful when breaking up a fight so that you're not bitten.

Check Your Dog

Some altercations are over in seconds, with no harm done. This is not always the case. If your dog has been seriously injured, they will need immediate treatment. You can try to assess the severity of their injuries onsite, but remember that any bites (puncture wounds) might be concealed beneath your dog's coat. You know your dog's temperament better than anyone, so you'll be the first to know if they're in distress. If your dog does need treatment, take out your smartphone and search for a vet clinic nearby. Your own usual vet might not be the most geographically convenient, and time is of the essence. 

It's rather traumatic to see your poor pooch involved in such an aggressive action (no matter who started it). If your dog gets into a fight at the dog park, your priority should be to safely break up the fight, before assessing your dog's condition and seeking veterinary treatment.

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2 July 2020

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