How to break up a dog fight

[Doug]

In Tulsa, OK , Irene Parker and Beverly Wright were both mauled by a Pit Bull.

Story is on YouTube - http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KVftsx;  (incomplete)

 

I was talking with a brother whose Bichon Fried was recently attacked by a Pit Bull. He told me how the owner of the Pit stopped the attack. Something I have never known, and could save a life.

 

Lift up one of the back legs. Either leg. This destabilizes the dog and a Pit will unlock its jaw. As we know, there is almost no outside force (such as baseball bat) that will make a Pit Bull release its grip. The jaw is a vice. When this brothers Bichon was attacked, his wife pounded her fist on the head of the Pit,  breaking her pinky finger. Then the owner reached the scene and lifted a hind leg, and the Pit let go.

 

I've never heard of this method before.  I think it might be necessary / important to grab the dog by the ankle of a hind leg and not let go until help arrives. Once let go the dog will probably resume the attack.

I realize this comes under the "Easier Said Than Done" header. But, it could save a life and major trauma. Of course, this goes for all breeds of dogs.

 

[Miss Bea]

I Like this. It is at the opposite end of the body part where the teeth are! We have way too many dogs in our territory, and I sincerely hope this is not needed. However....thanks, brother! 

[carlos]

When a friendly play between my dogs escalates to a serious fight from time to time, I have found that throwing them a bucket of water (we keep a big one in the backyard for them to drink) works like a charm. Panicking and screaming (my wive's approach) doesn't help at all.

 

Of course, that's probably not a practical option if your dog is attacked while you walk it outside.

Edited June 5, 2017 by carlos

[Sylv]

8 hours ago, Doug said:

In Tulsa, OK , Irene Parker and Beverly Wright were both mauled by a Pit Bull.

Story is on YouTube - http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=KVftsx;  (incomplete)

 

I was talking with a brother whose Bichon Fried was recently attacked by a Pit Bull. He told me how the owner of the Pit stopped the attack. Something I have never known, and could save a life.

 

Lift up one of the back legs. Either leg. This destabilizes the dog and a Pit will unlock its jaw. As we know, there is almost no outside force (such as baseball bat) that will make a Pit Bull release its grip. The jaw is a vice. When this brothers Bichon was attacked, his wife pounded her fist on the head of the Pit,  breaking her pinky finger. Then the owner reached the scene and lifted a hind leg, and the Pit let go.

 

I've never heard of this method before.  I think it might be necessary / important to grab the dog by the ankle of a hind leg and not let go until help arrives. Once let go the dog will probably resume the attack.

I realize this comes under the "Easier Said Than Done" header. But, it could save a life and major trauma. Of course, this goes for all breeds of dogs.

 

Yes, the wheelbarrow method. If you're by yourself, focus on the instigator. Pivot the dog away from its victim (grab both rear legs if you can) and if possible, leash it (provided you have a leash or rope handy). If you have a companion, have him or her do the same with the other dog. The goal is to get them separated.

[ChrisC]

A play-fight got out of hand between our dog and another years ago. I thought the best thing to do would be to grab ours by the scruff of the neck but she managed to turn and bite me!

Not serious thankfully but I will try to remember the advice above.

[Omoyeme]

Good suggestions.

[RichardPNZ]

I volunteer at the SPCA and do training with my own dog.  Both of recommended the grab the back legs method and if need be hold them off the ground. When dogs fight they focus on what  is in front of them. Grabbing them by the back legs protects you from getting  bitten.

That being said it is very  difficult to remember if your dog is getting attacked.