How to Stop Two Male Dogs From Fighting

No matter how much you love your four-legged companions, they are animals with animal instincts. Regardless of their breed, male dogs sometimes fight with each other as a means of establishing a social hierarchy. As they try to determine top dog status, there are a few measures you can take to keep the fights at a minimum. But you must also consider your own safety should you step in between two raging animals.

Instructions

    • 1

      Watch closely for signs of aggression in the dogs so you can stop a fight before it begins. Some things to look for include a stiff tail pointed upward, showing of teeth, low growling and a targeted stare from either dogs.

    • 2

      Use a distinct, agressive command in order to stop either dog from starting a fight. For example, shout "No" or "Down" and make sure the consequences are the same each time. Reward good behavior and correct disobedience.

    • 3

      Place one or both male dogs on a short leash when in public to help keep them attentive and under control. The leash alone will do little to curb aggression, but you can have full control over your male dog should an unfamiliar male dog approach.

    • 4

      Alarm the dogs if they are in the middle of the fight as a means of making them stop. You can pour water over them, spray them with a hose or quickly open an umbrella to divert their attention away from each other. These tactics are safer than jumping in and grabbing either of the male dogs in order to break up the scuffle.

    • 5

      Attempt to pull the dogs apart only when there are two adults involved. Each person should grab the hind legs of a dog and pull them upward, until the dogs lose balance and release their grips. Because the dogs could potentially turn and bite you, this method should be used as a last resort in a particularly violent fight.