Dog Fights

If anyone has ever had more than two dogs at one time, chances are they've experienced a dog fight. Although until yesterday, when my neighbor's dogs fought, I didn't realize some things I know about dog fights aren't common knowledge. I spent four years working with a dog breeder who had about 20 dogs, so I learned these things, whereas most people without that opportunity haven't.

Dog fights are very dangerous, to you and your pets. Here are some things it is essential to remember if you ever find yourself in that situation.

1. NEVER put your hands in between dogs fighting. Dogs can't recognize a 'helping' hand when they're fighting and they will bite your hand as if you're the enemy also, no matter how much they love you.

2. If you have more than two dogs, separate the ones fighting as quickly as possible from the rest. Dogs have a pack mentality, and will gang up on one another, resulting in a pack fight.

3. The absolute quickest way to break up a fight is water. Grab a hose or bucket of pool or pond water--anything. Splashing the dogs will surprise them long enough to break up the fight. Dogs don't generally continue fighting after they've broken it up already.

These three things will guarantee your own safety first, then the safety of your pets. Remember that no matter how much you and your pets love each other, a dog bite is almost a sure way to get the animal put down. If you have two dogs that fight more than once or twice, it's probably best to find a new home for one of them. You can't force dogs to like each other anymore than you can humans.