Ever wondered what to should your dog be attacked; initiate an attack or even if you come across two dogs brawling in the street?  Well here are some pointers on what to do and what never to do!

Safety

As infuritating as it may be, the safety of you and those around you is more important than the dogs.  I know many people would willingingly risk their life or serious injury for their dog but in realitly you have to be able to deal with situations without getting hurt and causing any danger.

If you have a dog you know is aggressive, then make sure it is muzzeled when you take it out.  You must ensure the safety of others, it is imperative over anything else, including behaviour modification.  You will also be liable for any damage your dog causes.

Never put your hands near the front end of either dog.

You may think that your dog would never bite you, no matter what the circumstances but what we all have to realise is that if you put your hands anywhere near a dogs mouth mid attack, they can easily redirect – on you.  It is not your dog, or even the other dog being aggressive towards you, it is simply that the dog is in an extremely hightend state of mind and any touch can be interpreted as another attack; to which the dog may respond.

Remain upright

Do not put your face near dogs fighting, attempt to deal with the situation at a distance and protect vulnerable areas.

Voice

Avoid screaming and shouting; try to use a deep authoritative voice with an upright body posture.

Water

One of the best options is to grab a nearby hose or bucket of water and throw the water over the fighting dogs to stop the fight.  The hose is the most effective allowing you to stay a good distance whilst concentrating water pressure on the mouth area of both dogs.

Objects

Grab a near by object, plastic dog beds or a panel of wood are good options.  You can put this inbetween the feuding dogs to create a physical barrier.

Grabbing the dog from the back legs

A last ditch emergency option, should your dog be caught in a fight that you feel is life threatening then you may need to ask for assistance and both grab the back legs of the dogs and pull them apart.  Bear in mind there is considerable risk with this that the dog may turn around to take out its frustration at you.