How to Stop Pitbull Dogs From Fighting With Each Other

American pit bull terriers, or more commonly, pit bulls, are a breed plagued by many misconceptions. Pit bulls can be very friendly dogs, capable of getting along well with humans and other animals. All dog breeds, however, are apt to fight other dogs when something sparks them. Pit bulls are no different. What is different is the breed's determination and strength. These traits make breaking up a fight between two pit bulls more difficult. Pit Bull Rescue Central recommends that all pit bull owners have a break stick, but this is not the only method for stopping a pit-on-pit fight.

Things You'll Need

  • Break stick
  • Hose or bucket of water
  • Leash
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Instructions

    • 1

      Separate your pit bulls whenever you leave them alone. If your dogs were to squabble over a toy while you were gone, it could easily escalate into a serious fight.

    • 2

      Assert your leadership role over the pits at all times. Call one dog to you when all of the dogs are playing. A dog who responds to your call in this situation views you as the boss. This authority can prevent a fight before it happens.

    • 3

      Recognize indications that a fight may begin. Jealousy over a toy or your attention may cause one pit bull to snap at another. Rough play or tug-of-war games can easily get out of hand. Redirect your pit bulls' attention when this happens. A simple call to them can diffuse the situation.

    • 4

      Grab the dogs' collars if a fight has just initiated but no one has a grip yet.

    • 5

      Spray water from a hose or toss it from a bucket onto the pits to divert their attention from one another before the fight escalates.

    • 6

      If the dogs are gripped, straddle one dog around its hips tightly. Grab the collar of the dog and insert a break stick into the gap behind its molar teeth. Twisting the stick encourages that pit to redirect its grip from the other dog to the stick. Having someone else to either do the same to the other dog or pull that dog by the collar is ideal.

    • 7

      Tie one dog to something sturdy if you are alone when the fight occurs. When that pit is attached to the line, use the break stick on the other pit to pull them apart.

    • 8

      Grab both dogs' rear feet and raise them up so only the front legs are on the ground if you do not have a break stick. Walk the pits apart and circle the dogs away from one another to avoid a resurgence of the fight or misdirected biting at you.

    • 9

      Loop a leash around one pit bull's hind legs if you are alone without a break stick. Back up and attach the other end of the leash to something solid. Now approach the other dog from behind and lift the rear legs, pull away and circle as described above. Put the dog in a secure area before releasing its hind legs.