How to Stop Pit Bulls Attacking a Dog

Most aggressive dogs haven't been socialized and trained properly. While all dogs are capable of being aggressive toward other dogs, it's not in a dog's nature to fight without reason. They are pack animals that hunt, sleep and play together. Dogs naturally respect the pack leader and get along with the the pack. Unfortunately, the pit bull has a reputation for being dangerous. The breed is banned in some U.S. states and in some countries, including Australia and Norway. It can attack other dogs in defense of its territory, out of fear or as a show of dominance.

Things You'll Need

  • Water hose or bucket of water
  • Break stick, tire iron, stick or metal ruler
  • A long piece of gauze, thick rope, a leash or pantyhose
  • Lead, rope or choke chain
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Instructions

    • 1

      Assess the situation before sticking your hands in the middle of two dogs fighting. That said, timing is important and you should intervene as quickly as possible. A water hose or bucket of water might work, but in most cases the item to have on you to break up a pit bull fight is a break stick. If you are a pit bull owner, you should ideally always have a break stick with you when you take the dog out for walks.

    • 2

      Approach the dogs from the rear, clasp the dog's hind end between your knees, and grasp the dog's collar from behind. It is important to immobilize the dog's hind end. Keep a firm grip.

    • 3

      Yell for help if you are alone. If someone comes, don't let them hit the dog with anything; it will make the pit bull tighten its grip. If you don't have a break stick, ask the person to get something like a tire iron, metal ruler or stick to slide between the dog's back teeth to pry the mouth open.

    • 4

      Slide the break stick between the pit bull's back teeth. Insert it in the space between the teeth in the dog's jaw, behind the molars. Twist the break stick firmly in the dog's mouth. You are using it as a pry to crank the dog's mouth open enough to let go of the dog it is attacking.

    • 5

      Fashion a muzzle for the dog using a long piece of gauze, thick rope, a leash or even pantyhose. Wrap the gauze around the dog's snout, being careful to allow the dog to continue to breathe. Continue to hold the dog, ideally with the help of a second person. Do not let go.

    • 6

      Use rope or a choke chain to hold the dog once your homemade muzzle is secure around the dog's snout.

    • 7

      Let go only once the muzzle is secure and the lead is around the dog's neck. Contact the authorities immediately and hand the dog over to them.