How to Deal With Aggressive Dogs When They Fight

Aggressive dogs can present serious problems when they fight each other. In addition to the possibility of harming each other, aggressive dogs that fight can also harm humans who attempt to break up the fight. If you attempt to break up a dogfight, you must be very careful. Otherwise, you could end up seriously hurt. If you have aggressive dogs that fight, you can improve and deal with the situation by employing a variety of different methods.

Things You'll Need

  • Water hose
  • Bucket
  • Spray bottle
  • Vinegar

Instructions

    • 1

      Shout "No!" When you see aggressive dogs beginning to fight, yell "No!" forcefully and firmly. This basic negative command is known by most dogs. If you are firm in your delivery, it may be enough to stop the beginnings of a dogfight.

    • 2

      Do not attempt to break up a dogfight on your own. If someone else is present, you can both focus on restraining one dog each. Grab the dog's hind legs and pull him away from the other dog. If you only grasp the hind legs, your hands will be far away from the dog's mouth. Once you have pulled the dog back, let go of his legs quickly in case he turns on you.

    • 3

      Spray water from a hose on the fighting dogs. The water's wetness and pressure are sometimes enough to break up a dogfight. If you don't have a hose present, you can throw a bucket of water over the dogs.

    • 4

      Fill a water bottle with vinegar and keep it handy. When aggressive dogs fight, spray them with the vinegar. Dogs don't like the acidity of vinegar, and oftentimes they will stop fighting when confronted with it.

    • 5

      Socialize your aggressive dogs. If your dogs are never around other dogs, they may view them as threats. Take your dogs to local dog parks so they can get used to being around other dogs. Keep your aggressive dogs on leashes initially until they become accustomed to being around other dogs.

    • 6

      Seek professional help. Aggressive dogs are a liability. Enlist the help of a professional dog trainer to tame your dogs. With proper discipline, your dogs can become less prone to fighting.