When two dogs get in a fight, the first instinct many people have is to pull them apart by their collars. If you are walking your dog and an off-leash dog attacks, for instance, you are just trying to protect your pet.
The problem with doing this, however, is that it can lead to severe injuries. You could be bitten by either dog. Your own dog may be panicked and not even realize that they are harming you.
Often, when people try to break up a dog fight this way, they end up with severe lacerations and bite wounds on their hands, wrists and arms. Because dog bites are puncture wounds, these could become infected, and people could suffer injuries to tendons, ligaments and even nerves.
The best way to break up a fight
Ideally, if a dog fight breaks out, there will be two people who can work together to stop it. One tactic is to pick up the back legs of each dog. This forces them to balance on their front legs, and each person can then back up and slowly move in a circle.
Doing this not only pulls the dogs apart, but it ensures that the people who are involved are far from harm. It does take more time, and it takes coordination, but it is much safer than trying to pull the dogs apart by their collars or their necks.
Have you suffered injuries?
Dog bites can lead to very significant injuries that may mean you need immediate medical treatment. If you have been injured by someone else’s dog, be sure you know how to seek financial compensation.