How to Prevent and Stop dogs from fighting (when it's your dog and someone else's)

I'm sure everyone who has taken their dog into a public place has at on point or another been worried about someone's dog coming over and instigating a fight with theirs. Some of you may have already experienced a battle or seen one. Here are some ways to prevent or stop the fight with minimal risk.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A good Stout collar/harness
• A sturdy leash
• treats
• A compact mini umbrella
• OR a small spray bottle filled with diluted citronella.

1. The most important part of this is to make sure YOUR dog is confident and obedient. If you stop walking and ask him to sit, he should do so without hesitation. He also needs to know how to look either at you or any where AWAY from the approaching dog. You also need to desensitize them to the opening/moving/closing of an umbrella. Once he/she has this down you are ready for your explorations.

2. Check your dog's collar/harness for proper fit as well as checking for weak points ie. fraying, loose thread around the buckle, check your leash as well. Take your little umbrella and put it somewhere on your person where it is within easy reach. If you choose to carry the spray bottle make sure it is within easy reach as well. Hopefully you will never have any need for them but if you do you have them. Now that you are in the wide open world one of two things may happen: You may run into several friendly dogs/people and have no issues OR you may run into a stray/loose aggressive dog. Hopefully you get through your hike without incident, however why rely on hope? For educations sake let's assume you have run into an aggressive dog at large. He's approaching your dog body stiff, lips tight and staring. As he gets closer he starts to growl and bark. What do you do?

3. First, you ask your dog to sit and look away from the oncoming dog. While asking him to sit, get either your umbrella out. Position it so that it will open between the two animals without hitting your pal. Step forward with your lead foot, in a stern voice give the command "STOP!" and hit the button to open the umbrella. At this point you have an aggressive dog who is most likely very confused who is going to try and escape the vicious umbrella attacking him. If you chose the spray bottle, aim for the end of his nose and in a stern commanding tone say "STOP!", commence spraying. Do be kind and try to avoid his eyes since some animals are irritated by citronella. By acting like the dominant dog and enforcing the command stop with an unexpected and unpleasant action you have proven your point. Return to your dog praise him, reward him briefly and continue on your walk.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that before you do anything, the most valuable thing you can do for your dog is TRAIN him. A polite, well mannered dog is a loved and honored member of society.
• If your dog is nervous or fearful when walking it may very well stem from his lack of faith in your leadership abilities. PROVE HIM WRONG.
• This will not work with dogs who have been trained to attack other dogs. If you have any suspicion that such activities are occurring in your area IMMEDIATLY contact the authorities.
• Do NOT allow your dog to turn and run, if he runs he becomes prey. The same goes for yourself.
• If this doesn't work and you are in trouble grab your dog firmly by the collar/harness (not the leash) and making sure to avoid direct eye contact with the aggressor BACK AWAY SLOWLY!
• After getting out of the situation contact the authorities with an accurate description of the animal, the area you were in and a statement of what happened. DO NOT assume that the dog is a "Pit Bull" just because it may look like one!

[acopro13]

on 1/8/2008 That's a good article for the everyday dog owner. I like how you stressed that your own dog should be well trained. One thing to add would be to always carry your cell phone and know your location. I often see this very situation occur in dog parks. Thanks for the solid advice.