Additional Resources:
Muzzle Training:
The Muzzle Up! Project | Muzzle advocacy, Education, and Training (muzzleupproject.com)
Muzzle Acclimation | https://youtu.be/Q5qsty9s9n0
Baskerville Muzzle Shaping | https://youtu.be/vfaYuMefivI
How to Feed a Dog Through a Muzzle | https://youtu.be/4MhPKIWDJs8
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Reactive Dogs:
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Websites:
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How to Break Up a Dog Fight: credit to Good Dog! – Safety First: How to Break Up a Dog Fight — BAY WOOF:
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Some of the things humans do to stop a dog fight, like shouting and hitting, can further agitate the dogs involved. In fact, dog owners are frequently bitten when trying to break up a fight, with the redirected aggression sometimes coming from their own dog in the heat of the moment.
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If a fight has already begun do NOT:
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Do not grab either dog's collar or harness.
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Do not kick, hit, or punch.
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Do not grab either dog by the tail.
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Never put your hands near either dog's mouth.
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Do not place your body between two fighting dogs.
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Never dangle a small dog in the air. This may cause the other dog to jump and bite at you.
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Pepper spray is effective, but it can cause burns, and you may accidentally spray yourself or another person or dog, especially if it's windy. There are safer alternatives, such as Pet Corrector. https://companyofanimals.us/brand/pet-corrector/
How to Break Up a Dog Fight:
Dog fights are often scary and loud, but you typically have a little more time than you think. The safest methods for breaking up a dog fight involve a hands-off approach to avoid being bitten. Here are some of the most effective methods.
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Use Water
Use a hose, water dish, or water bottle to startle and separate the dogs. Direct the water at the aggressor. I once stopped a dog fight with a bottle of Coke. Yeah, they needed a bath, but no one was hurt.
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Block the Dog's View
Use a jacket, towel, or blanket and throw it over the head of the aggressor. Most dogs will stop fighting as they become disoriented and cannot see the other dog. Separate them immediately after.
Separate with a Barrier
Find a trash can lid, a chair, a piece of wood, an open umbrella, or even a backpack or briefcase and use it as a barrier between the fighting dogs. Take care to keep your hands away.
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Use Noise
Yelling, especially high-pitched shouting, is likely to add chaos to the scene. Instead, a loud, sharp noise will startle both dogs long enough to separate them. A can of Pet Corrector or a pressurized air horn are two good choices. I prefer carrying a marine horn (the kind you blow into) because it's smaller, and there is no chance of running out of air. These noisemakers can also be used for hazing coyotes or mountain lions. However, be aware that unexpected loud noises carry the risk that your dog may become so startled that they run away from both the fight and from you. With some time and effort, you can use a desensitization protocol for a specific noise so that your dog is less apt to startle and run off.
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Try the Wheelbarrow
This popular technique should be a last resort as either dog may turn around and redirect a bite to you. Ideally, this requires two people working together. Each person grabs one of the dogs by the hind paws and lifts their back end into the air. The fighting dogs will be surprised and caught off-balance, giving you time to separate them. If you’re alone, wheelbarrow the aggressor by threading a leash through the dog’s hind end and lift it. You can then clip the leash to a tree or pole if possible. If one dog has latched on, push the aggressor into the dog that is being bitten; this may sound counterintuitive, but it is better than risking a tear.
Your dog is not a bad dog because they got into a fight. They are not a bad dog even if they instigated the fight. Like people, your dog won’t like every dog they meet and conflicts may arise. Put some forethought and planning into your outings and set your dog up for success by removing them from uncomfortable situations. With careful observation of your canine pal’s behavior, most dog fights can be avoided.
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Additional Tools:
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SAFETY-SPORT DOG HORN XL https://a.co/d/bJuZ7b1
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Professional Dog No Bite Sticks Safely Separates Food Aggressions Protect Crowbar Break Stick Chew Toys for for Training K9 Police German Shepherd Pitbull Medium Large Dogs Strong Dogs https://a.co/d/13VufM0
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PET CORRECTOR Dog Trainer, 30ml. 2 Pack- Stops Barking, Jumping Up, Place Avoidance, Food Stealing, Dog Fights & Attacks. Help stop unwanted dog behaviour. Easy to use, safe, humane and effective. https://a.co/d/5H6tGOf
PetSafe SprayShield Animal Deterrent with Clip - Citronella Dog Repellent Spray – Ranges up to 10 ft - 2.4 oz / 71 mL - Protect Yourself and Your Pets https://a.co/d/3FtXddP
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