How to Break Up a Dog Fight

I was asked recently from a client this question,

I have read several articles in our local paper about people witnessing a dog fight and wanting to stop the dog fight but did not know how to stop a dog fight. I am impulsive when it comes to these things and it caused me to ask what is the best thing to do when witnessing a dog fight? Is there a way to break up a dog fight? Should I try to stop a dog fight? I love animals and react without thinking about my safety and have stepped in before when I have seen a dog fight – fortunately I did not get hurt. What is your suggestion for what to do when confronted by dog fighting?

This was my response,

First, do not get rid of your instincts. There is no knowledge behind instinctual intelligence so “not thinking” is actually a good thing. In my profession, I only use “thinking” when I have to explain something to the human. With dogs, it’s all about instinct and energy.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind. You can stop a dog fight by observing body language. This is what I do with aggressive cases – stop the bad dog behavior at the very instance you see it about to escalate. But if that’s not possible, during a dog fight, once there is one occurring, stay calm and observe who or which of the two dogs is at a higher level of intensity. That’s the dog I’m going to focus on. Then you need to step in to give that dog the right touch – this means the rib cage area. The reason is that this forces the dog to open his mouth and let go of his hold on the other dog during the dog fight. It’s about timing too, so look for the right moment and then act quickly.

You can use a loud, strong voice or grunt directly at him and pull back from the back of his neck and collar – not from the top, but from the back and pull up, otherwise he can interpret this as you getting into the fight as well, and this is when the dog can turn on the human and bite him because his level of intensity is so high, he doesn’t think “oh, that’s the human.” You’re just another dog in the fight and before you know it, the dog you’re trying to defend is coming after you.

Whether it’s a big dog or little dog, the technique and method is the same. Do not scream repeatedly unless you are calling for help. Sometimes people are not going to help, so don’t expect that everyone will have your ability or good will. Most importantly, be quick, stay mindfully aware, emotionally in tune, and remain calm and assertive.

How to Perform CPR on a Dog

Introduction

In the event that a dog is not breathing, CPR, also known as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and mouth to snout resuscitation, can be used to save the dog’s life and stabilize the dog until professional medical treatment is carried out. In order to correctly perform Canine CPR. The “ABC” steps below can help you to remember how to perform canine CPR in the event of an emergency.

 

Step 1: A for Airway

Gently open the dog’s mouth, pull the tongue out, and try to determine if the dog is breathing. If possible gently straighten out the dog’s head and neck, but do not extend the neck out or you can cause further injury. Look at the dog’s chest for any sign of respiration, or hold your hand to the dog’s mouth to see if you can feel any signs of breathing or respiration.

Once you are sure the dog is not breathing, perform mouth-to-snout. Hold the dog’s mouth closed, cup your hand around the dog’s nose, and try breathing two breaths directly into the dog’s snout. If the breaths go in proceed to Step 2.

If the breaths are obstructed open the dog’s mouth again, and check for any visible object that is stuck in the dog’s throat. If an object is visible press gently on the dog’s throat in an upward motion while you try to remove the object. If no object is visible, perform the canine Heimlich maneuver. Do not proceed to Step 2 until the dog’s airway has been cleared.

Step 2: B for Breathing

If the breaths in Step 1 go into the dog’s lungs, continue the mouth-to-snout procedure. The ideal number of breaths is one breath for every 3 seconds with an average of 20 breaths per minute. If you are performing CPR on a large dog use your full lung capacity for the breath. If you are performing CPR on a small dog use shorter breaths.

During this process, make sure that your hand is snug around the dog’s nose and your mouth and try to blow the air directly into the dog’s mouth. Always keep the dog’s mouth closed with your other hand. Never force air into the dog’s nose. Instead, breathe into the dog’s nose at a rate of time, and pressure, that you would normally exhale.

Step 3: C for Circulation

Once the A and B’s have been established, check the dog’s femoral artery for a pulse, or lay your hand on the upper left side of the dog’s chest to see if you can feel a heartbeat. If no heartbeat or pulse is present begin chest compressions.

First lay the dog on its right side, and then locate the middle of the dog’s chest which is approximately where the left elbow touches the ribcage. This location is where the compressions should take place.

For small dogs 16 pounds or less, the thumb and forefinger can be used to compress both sides of the chest. For larger dogs, use a palm over hand method for compressions. The chest should be compressed about 1.5 inches down on each compression.

The speed of compressions and breathing is important for the CPR to work properly. Compressions should be done at a rate of 3 compressions every 2 seconds. After 15 quick compressions two breaths should be performed.

If no abdominal injury is possible, another person can gently press on the dog’s abdomen as the chest compression is released. This extra CPR, step known as interposed abdominal compression, can help return blood flow to the heart.

Repeat the CPR as necessary and periodically check for any signs of breathing or pulse from the dog. Only stop compressions when you feel a pulse or heartbeat, and do not stop breaths until the dog starts breathing on its own. If possible it is best to have someone continue the CPR in a vehicle while the dog is being transported to an emergency veterinarian clinic.

 

How to Break Up a Dog Fight

First, do not get rid of your instincts. There is no knowledge behind instinctual intelligence so “not thinking” is actually a good thing. In my profession, I only use “thinking” when I have to explain something to the human. With dogs, it’s all about instinct and energy.

Here’s what you need to keep in mind. You can stop a dog fight by observing body language. This is what I do with aggressive cases – stop the bad dog behavior at the very instance you see it about to escalate. But if that’s not possible, during a dog fight, once there is one occurring, stay calm and observe who or which of the two dogs is at a higher level of intensity. That’s the dog I’m going to focus on. Then you need to step in to give that dog the right touch – this means the ribcage area. The reason is that this forces the dog to open his mouth and let go of his hold on the other dog during the dog fight. It’s about timing too, so look for the right moment and then act quickly.

You can use a loud, strong voice or grunt directly at him and pull back from the back of his neck and collar – not from the top, but from the back and pull up, otherwise he can interpret this as you getting into the fight as well, and this is when the dog can turn on the human and bite him because his level of intensity is so high, he doesn’t think “oh, that’s the human.” You’re just another dog in the fight and before you know it, the dog you’re trying to defend is coming after you.

Whether it’s a big dog or little dog, the technique and method is the same. Do not scream repeatedly unless you are calling for help. Sometimes people are not going to help, so don’t expect that everyone will have your ability or good will. Most importantly, be quick, stay mindfully aware, emotionally in tune, and remain calm

RUFFUS IS HERE!

Well here is our boy! He is here for ten days while his new owners go for vacation, He was a bit nervous when he first arrived but in less than a minute after he gave us a good smell he remembered right away that he was home! Kinda, were just his vacation home lol! He is in like a dirty shirt, him and Misses had lots of kisses for one another and Puppet of course welcomed him with open mouth and lots of kisses whether he wanted them or not. He and Puppet are new-found friends, and where ever he goes Puppet is sure to follow. It is wonderful having him back even if it is only for ten days, it will be an awesome ten days that’s for sure, he doesn’t know it yet but he is royalty in my home and there is a list of people wanting to come and see him, you guys know who you are and our doors are open for visitation when ever you like. Welcome aboard!