How to Break Up Dog Fights Safely

 If your dogs get into a dog fight your safety should always come first, but it is good to have some tools to assist you to end the fight safely.  Thanks to the Behavior Vets in Castle Pines for compiling this list of options for breaking up a dog fight.  These tools are NOT for training - they are for EMERGENCIES!

- Citronella Spray/Spray Shield - follow instructions and spray directly in faces of dogs

- 1-2 liter bottle - full of seltzer or other fizzy liquid opened directly in the face (ideally up the nose) of the aggressor from as far away as possible

- Water - can be used in a similar fashion as the seltzer water by using an athletic type water bottle that allows you to squeeze out water with some pressure.  Spray directly in the face.  Sometimes just dumping water on the dogs is enough to distract them long enough to let go

- Blankets - toss one on each dog

- Hose- if it's handy turn it on to high pressure and spray the dogs

- Air horn - effective but can injure ears

It is helpful to set up "emergency stations" around your house with some, or all, of the options listed above.  That way you will always have something handy to help you with your intervention.

Always remember that it is NEVER a good idea to use your hands or other body parts to stop dog fights, although it is tempting to do so in the heat of the moment.  When your dog is hyped up on adrenaline they cannot distinguish between your body parts and those of the dog they are fighting.

ONLY ADULTS SHOULD INTERVENE IN DOG FIGHTS.