10 Effective Ways To Safely Stop Your Dogs From Fighting

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

Two Dogs Fighting
Benjamin Fay/Unsplash

Living with dogs can be a joyful experience, but when tensions rise and fights break out, it can be overwhelming. If your dogs are at odds, it’s important to understand how to safely intervene and restore harmony. Whether it’s establishing boundaries, using effective distractions, or consulting a professional, there are numerous ways to manage and prevent conflicts in the household. Let’s explore these 10 strategies that can help you keep your furry friends safe, happy, and peaceful together.

Distract with a Loud Noise

A sound horn
sueinpng/PixaBay

When a dogfight erupts, the element of surprise is your best ally. A sharp, unexpected sound like clapping, a whistle, or even an air horn can jolt the dogs out of their aggressive state. This method works because the noise interrupts their intense focus on each other, giving you a chance to separate them safely. Keep such tools handy, especially in multi-dog households. Remember, timing is crucial; act the moment tension escalates to prevent injuries.

Grab the Hind Legs (Wheelbarrow Method)

Tail and hind legs of a dog
Harry Nixon/Pexels

This technique is one of the safest physical interventions during a fight. Approach each dog from behind and firmly grasp their hind legs, lifting them off the ground as though you’re pushing a wheelbarrow. This destabilizes them, making it harder for them to continue fighting. However, avoid touching their heads or collars, as this can redirect their aggression toward you. Practice this with caution and ensure both dogs are pulled apart simultaneously.

Use a Barrier

Dog blocked by a barrier
Photo by Pixabay

Barriers serve as a crucial and safe tool to separate fighting dogs without direct physical intervention. Whether it’s a sturdy chair, a thick blanket, or a large cushion, placing an object between the dogs can interrupt their line of sight and reduce the intensity of the fight. By creating a physical divide, you can redirect their focus and prevent further aggression. In more intense altercations, a barrier can also be used to push the dogs apart gently without risking injury to yourself. This method ensures your safety while calming the situation, making it a practical and effective solution.

Water Spray or Hose

Dog being water sprayed
Tolga Ahmetler/Pexels

Water is a simple yet powerful tool to de-escalate aggressive encounters between dogs. A sudden spray from a hose, water bottle, or even a bucket can momentarily shock the dogs, interrupting their aggression and shifting their focus. The unexpected sensation of cold water acts as a reset, allowing you to intervene safely. To make this method more effective, keep a spray bottle or water source easily accessible in areas prone to conflicts, such as near feeding stations or favored resting spots. This preparation ensures you’re ready to act swiftly and calm tensions before they escalate further. While this method will deter your fighting dogs, it is not a long-term solution and is considered as a negative reinforcement method by most dog trainers.

Body Block or Leash Control

 Two Leashed dogs
Sam Lion/Pexels

Positioning yourself strategically or using a leash can effectively defuse tension and prevent dog fights. With leashes, calmly guide each dog away from the confrontation, avoiding direct physical contact. When using body blocks, step confidently between the dogs without touching them, using your stance and presence to create a barrier. This method is especially effective if the dogs are showing signs of agitation but haven’t yet started fighting. These redirection techniques are proactive and ensure safety for both the dogs and their handler while maintaining control of the situation.

Avoid Physical Interference Near the Face

Rottwieller with Collar
RebeccasPictures/PixaBay

Resisting the urge to grab collars or put your hands near fighting dogs is crucial for your safety. Dogs in such situations act purely on instinct, and any interference near their faces can result in accidental bites, as they may not distinguish between you and the other dog. Instead, rely on safer intervention methods like the wheelbarrow technique, where you lift a dog’s hind legs to disrupt its balance or place barriers to separate them. These approaches ensure minimal risk while effectively de-escalating the fight.

Interrupt with Smells

Spray Bottle
Squirrel_photos – PixaBay

Strong, non-harmful smells like vinegar or citronella spray can be effective tools for breaking up dog fights safely. These scents are unpleasant enough to distract dogs from their aggression, providing you with a brief window to intervene. Keep such sprays in easily accessible spots like common areas where fights might occur. However, it’s crucial to avoid any substances that could harm or irritate their eyes, nose, or skin, ensuring the method remains safe for the dogs and effective for you.

Spay and Neuter

Two Weimaraner dogs enjoying outdoor exploration
Karl Byron/Pexels

Hormones can significantly influence aggressive behavior in dogs, often leading to fights rooted in territorial or dominance disputes, especially in unneutered males. Spaying or neutering addresses this issue by reducing hormone-driven aggression and minimizing conflicts over mates or hierarchy. The procedure can foster a more harmonious household dynamic, making it less likely for fights to occur. Consulting with your veterinarian ensures the timing is ideal based on your dog’s age, health, and individual needs, promoting long-term peace and well-being.

Have a Plan for Repeated Fights

Two Golden Retrievers playing tug-of-war
Barnabas Davoti/Pexels

Frequent dog fights require a clear, proactive strategy to address underlying causes. Start by identifying triggers such as food, toys, or specific situations that ignite tension. Once identified, set strict rules to minimize conflicts, such as feeding the dogs separately or removing high-value items during interactions. Consistent training is key. Focus on reinforcing positive behaviors and redirecting negative tendencies. Separating dogs during high-stress periods can also help prevent fights. Regular training sessions strengthen your bond, build trust, and create a calmer, more harmonious household dynamic.

Seek Professional Guidance

German Shepherd being trained by professional
Pic from PixaBay

When dog fights persist despite your best efforts, seeking professional help is crucial. A certified dog trainer or behaviorist can evaluate the specific dynamics between your dogs, identifying triggers, body language, and environmental factors that may be contributing to the aggression. They will work with you to create a customized behavior modification plan. This expert guidance ensures a safer and calmer household for both your dogs and humans, helping restore peace and giving you the peace of mind that your pets are well-managed.

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