Reasons Why Dogs Fight And How To Solve It Safely

Dogs generally tend to socialize once trained and are also comfortable to live in close association with others. However, it is a common sight to witness two dogs involved in a fight. Dogs can get into a battle not only with other dogs on the street but also with another at home. Dogs quarreling with each other are quite terrifying. They can harm each other quite seriously when the situation gets tensed.

What possible reasons do let dogs involved in a struggle? Dogs get involved in a fight due to many reasons, mostly which are related to specific intuition. A lot of behavioral factors may lead a well-trained pet dog to a dangerous creature and harm anyone coming in the way to calm them. Following various precautionary measures and rules is a must to stop them from fighting.

Nature of Dogs

Dogs are known to be faithful and obedient. But the true nature of dogs is not known thoroughly. As they have undergone a lot of evolutionary changes, it is difficult to identify their essential characteristics. Because of close terms with human beings, they understand them better as compared to other animals. A pet dog can acquire a broad range of components depending upon its breed, environment, and lifestyle.

Reasons of dogs involving in a fight

A dog may get involved in a fight due to various reasons. As a pet owner, they have to keep a close watch on the activities. It is vital to keep a dog under supervision. Any changes in their behavior should be a concern. Dogs have a basic intuition of fighting, which gets them to entangle in a fight. Some rational reasons are as follows:

Territorial: Dogs are quite concerned when a stranger enters its vicinity. Dogs tend to mark their personal space. Any other dog trying to enter this space leads to fights. Most dogs urinate around an area to claim his possession.  They do not entertain another dog who forcefully comes inside the marked region. 

Dominance: When one dog dominates over the other by claiming control over food, space, toys, etc. fights occur. Dogs incline towards certain items given by their human parents. They confront others while securing their belongings. When solving these issues does not provide any results through general communication, they get involved in a struggle.

Age: When two or more dogs stay together, they often get involved in fights due to age difference. A younger dog who is growing and attaining maturity has high energy. Likewise, an older dog will gradually have lower power and will move towards old age and be unable to perform basic tasks. It may ignite the sense of complex among the older ones and fight more often with the young ones.

Environmental: Alike humans, dogs, too, take time to adapt to a new environment. A new space or a new family with other dogs makes them feel out of place for the initial phase. They become quite vulnerable. It resides until they adjust to the new household and the modern family. A change in daily routine can also make them confused, leading to frequent fights.

Medical: Underlying diseases or illness makes dogs unable to perform routine activities. A dog may feel sick due to an untreated wound, consumption of unsuitable food, or other hereditary conditions. A change may occur during this time in their behavior when they observe that another pet dog can complete all his tasks. The struggles between them in such instances are quite common.

Social: A sudden change in the social circle, such as the inclusion of a new dog in the same household or area, can make them sensitive towards one another. To make their presence felt, one will try to supersede the other, making the situation unsafe for both the dogs. 

Aggression: This is a universal behavioral nature found among dogs. An untrained dog is more aggressive than a trained one. This trait increases the temper of one trying to dominate the other, causing a severe riot. Fights among dogs are results of anxiety as well.

Separation: Dogs are quite emotionally attached to their dear ones. It may be the human parent, mate, child, or just another dog. When any one of them gets separated from one another, they cannot accept it immediately. The death of a close member of the family also takes a toll on their emotional state. They become unsafe whenever there is an intrusion of an outsider or a stranger dog.

Noise: Fear and threat are common in a dog’s nature. They cannot withstand loud noises and sounds. They start behaving suddenly ferociously when exposed to such situations. An untrained dog should never meet a toddler because of their defenseless nature. Sudden cry or noise will threaten them and can alter their attitude.

Communication: Canines have their form of communication for interaction with each other. Lack of interaction may lead to sudden fights due to collision-related to possessiveness, pain, or irritation.

A thorough evaluation and a close watch can help to identify the exact reason for a dog fight. The sooner the cause is known, the easier it will be to take the necessary steps to calm them down and reduce their temper. Serious dog fights can even lead to deaths. Thus, anyone intruding in a dog fight must be very aware as the dog may attack them too.

Various ways to stop dog fights

Although dog fights are dangerous, at some point, it needs to stop.  Following actions will help to halt frequent dog fights before suffering severe injuries.

• Distracting them will break the fight and divert their attention like giving them their favourite treat, toy, or merely splashing water over them.
• As they fear loud noise, dog fights can be interrupted through it.
• Restriction of their movements, especially by raising their hind legs, will prevent them from further injury. This needs expert training to perform.
• Placing a large object between the dogs will act as a blockade, and they won’t be able to attack each other further.
• Seeking immediate professional help from dog rescuers in case of serious fights.

Safety tips to follow

Consider following a few safety tips while interrupting and trying to stop a dog fight.

• Do not enter in the fighting area physically.
• Do not use your hands at all; dogs will surely bite for the interruption.
• Keep your face away to avoid scratches.
• Never garb their tail or ears.
• Stay calm
• Get trained beforehand as these incidents are common among dogs

Preventing a dog fight

Dog fights among two or more dogs can be avoided while at home by following few measures. These are as follows:

• There should not be frequent changes in their living environment
• They must receive ample time to adapt to a new social circle
• Aggressive dogs should not be let alone and always be under the supervision
• Regular health check-ups will help to diagnose any underlying illness
• Every dog must have its toy, space, and belongings
• Separate area for aged or sick dogs
• Beware of other stray dogs while on a walk on the road
• Separation from close members will make them less vulnerable
• Children and kids should not disturb them until they become familiar
• Regular training is necessary
• Sports and outdoor activities will keep them diverted

Dog lovers are aware that not all breeds of dogs are comfortable in each other’s company. In the same family, two dogs fighting over petty issues are quite common. But every parent must also keep a look at the changing behavior of the dogs.

If the fights amongst them gradually increase, immediate professional help is a must. Along with training the canines, it is also necessary that the pet owners also prepare themselves to take essential measures during dangerous situations.

With proper training, management, and ample love and affection, multiple dogs can reside in harmony.

Reference Sources:

• How to Stop Your Dog From Fighting
• Why do Dogs Fight Amongst Themselves
• Breaking up a dog fight