When do you stop a fight? When do you let them work it out?

Posted by dogblog

Posted: October 12, 2009 - 12:29 pm

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When do you break up a "fight"

Google around the Internet, and you'll get a lot of confusing advice on what to do when a dogfight breaks out, either within your pack, or your pack and an outside dog. Many say "let the dogs work it out." Others say no, you have to show your dog that they don't have to solve the problem. You will.

What do you do? How can you tell when a "fight" is harmless posturing and when it is for real and one or both of them could be hurt?

In my limited experience, it comes down to a case-by-case basis. You have to relax and watch what's really going on. Are teeth just for show or are they being used? If they're being used, I break it up immediately. Short of that, if both dogs are healthy and of similar age and size, I often let it go. It helps to know the history of the dogs in past tussles.

Eddie has a tendency to go too far, so I break his fights up immediately. I also watch to make sure his puppy sister is not pushing him too far. However, on the occasions I was late to step in, some real learning took place. Jillie now knows how far she can push Eddie. She has learned his body signals and knows pretty well when to leave him alone. Conversely, she has learned how to act submissive when other dogs are being overly aggressive with her. I honestly don't think that learning would have taken place if I had stepped in 100 percent of the time.

Bottom line, I think, is to not let them get hurt. That's when to break it up. How do you know when that point has been reached? LOL, that's what I'd like to know!

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