How to Break Up a Dog Fight Co-authored by Shawn Riley
Last Updated: July 24, 2025 Approved
Breaking Up a Fight From Afar
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Knowing When to Step In and How to Do It
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Stopping Fights Before They Start
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Video
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Expert Interview
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Expert Q&A
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Warnings
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This article was co-authored by Shawn Riley. Shawn Riley is a Canine Trainer & Behaviorist based in Tualatin, Oregon. With over 40 years of experience, Shawn trains people to properly establish and maintain leadership roles with their canine companions. Shawn has trained with several acclaimed canine experts and refined The Dog Way training methods through experience and observation of dogs' natural interactions within their groups. Shawn has appeared on several local TV shows and was recruited by National Geographic as the on-set Behavioral Advisor for a national video series called “My Dog Ate What?” wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. This article received 25 testimonials and 80% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 286,585 times.
When dogs wrestle and nip at one another they're usually just getting some playful exercise. Sometimes, though, the roughhousing gets out of control and you've got a full-blown dogfight on your hands. If the fight doesn't seem to show signs of stopping quickly, it's important to step in before one of the dogs get hurt. Keep reading for the best, safest ways to break up a dog fight (including the popular wheelbarrow technique).
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Breaking Up a Fight From Afar
1 Make as much noise as you can. Dogfights don't last long, so use whatever you have at hand.
Yell, shriek, stomp your feet, and clap your hands — whatever you can do to attract the dogs' attention.
If you have metal dog bowls or garbage cans nearby, you can bang two pieces of metal together.
Resist the urge to grab your dog by the collar. This might be your first impulse, but when dogs are really fighting, they may whip around and bite instinctively, even without any past aggression. When the dogs' bodies are rigid and it's clear they're actually fighting, not playing, don't risk reaching your hand in there.
2 Hose them down. Water — as much as you have — can really get a dog's attention. Douse the fighting dogs with a hose, a bucket, or a cup of soda if you have to. No harm done, and in most cases the dogs will walk away, a little wet but not worse for wear.
If you are going to a dog park or another location where there will be unfamiliar dogs, bring a spray bottle to use in an emergency.
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3 Use a barrier to split them up. Look for something you can use to separate the dogs. A large piece of cardboard, plywood, a garbage can lid, a big stick — any of these can be used to separate the dogs without putting your hands in harm's way.[1]X Expert Source Shawn RileyCanine Trainer & BehavioristExpert Interview
4 Throw a blanket over the dogs. Some dogs will stop fighting when they can't see each other anymore. If you have a large blanket, a tarp, a jacket, or another piece of opaque material, try tossing it over the fighting dogs to calm them down. [2]XResearch source
A dog that's more aggressive in nature, needs to be out of the group for the rest of the day, or maybe even a couple of days.[3]X Expert Source Shawn RileyCanine Trainer & BehavioristExpert Interview
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Part 2 Part 2 of 3:
Knowing When to Step In and How to Do It
1 Know circumstances in which you should intervene. Again, it's important to note that most scuffles between dogs last only seconds and can appear worse than they really are. Fights involving fighting breeds should be stopped as they have trouble reading social signals from other dogs. Fights between dogs of two very different sizes, or two females in heat likely will need to be broken up, as well as fights involving dogs who are known to have done physical harm in the past or will not walk away.[4]XResearch source EXPERT TIP
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian
Pippa Elliot, a licensed veterinarian, shares: "A short, sharp surprise, such as throwing water over the dogs, is the best method for breaking up a fight. However, anything that disorientates them will help, so if you own two dogs that get into a scrap, simply throwing a duvet over them can help."
2 Do not get between the dogs. Under almost no circumstances should you get between two dogs that are actively biting. In the confusion, the dogs will mistake you for another target and you will get bitten.
If the dogs are very small, then you may be able to step between the two dogs to block their view from each other and diffuse the situation.
3 Grab hold of the dog. Approach your dog from behind and grab the top of its hind legs. Lift their back paws off the ground into a wheelbarrow position. Begin walking backwards, circling to one side so the dog will not be able to turn and bite you.
This works best if someone else is there to grab the legs of the other dog so you can pull them apart.
Never insert your arms into a dog fight, as you will get bitten.
You may also be able to use a leash looped around the hind legs to pull your dog out of the fight.
Once they have been separated, keep the dogs out of each other's sight. They may start to fight again when they see each other. Put your dog in the car or behind a closed door as soon as possible. Use a belt or a tie as a temporary leash if the dog does not have one, and if you are alone. tie one dog to an immovable object and remove the other dog to another location.
4 Use your legs. If nothing else is working, you may feel that you have to get physically involved to prevent serious injury to your dog. If you're wearing pants and heavy shoes, you may be able to push some dogs apart with your legs and feet.
Understand that this should only be attempted with smaller dogs, and that it should not be done of the dogs are actively biting, as they will bite your legs. Understand that you are at potential risk of injury yourself. This method is not advised for large dogs, such as German shepherds, since it is possible to receive collateral damage from a nasty bite to the groin.
This technique is especially effective when done with more than one person.
It is not necessary to kick or try to hurt the dogs; the goal is to separate them.
Once you have separated the dogs, don't forget to protect yourself. In particular, if one or more of the dogs becomes aggressive towards you, don't turn and run — continue to face the dog, stand still, and avoid eye contact.
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Part 3 Part 3 of 3:
Stopping Fights Before They Start
1 Observe how your dog interacts with other dogs. Does your dog bark, pounce, and snap? How rough does she normally play? If you know what behavior your dog usually exhibits around other dogs, it will be easier to tell when there's a fight brewing.
2 Watch the dogs' bodies. When dogs play, it often sounds a lot like it does when they're fighting.[5]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source Dogs will growl, snap their jaws, and bite one another roughly. Instead of listening, watch the dogs' bodies. If they look loose and relaxed, and they're wagging their tails, they're probably just playing. However, if the dogs' bodies appear stiff and rigid, and their tails are down, they may getting ready to fight.[6]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
3 Intervene in harassment and rough play. In some cases, one dog will think it's playtime, but the other isn't having it. If this is the case, it may be better to separate the dogs.[7]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
Sometimes, playtime can be too rough, even if both dogs seem to like it. A very large dog might accidentally hurt a small dog, for example.
4 Don't encourage competition. Dogs can get territorial over food and toys. Some breeds are more apt to defend their rights to beloved possessions, while others are better at sharing. Know your dog's unique personality traits so that you can prevent a battle from happening when another dog comes around.
Put treats, food, and toys away when your dog is having social time with other dogs.
Feed multiple dogs in separate rooms if they tend to get territorial.
5 Teach your dog to play nicely. When you first bring your dog home, it's your responsibility to teach your dog not to attack others. Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. When your dog bites, growls or exhibits other behavior that seems too violent, separate her from the dog she's playing with and put her in time out until she calms down.
6 Teach your dog to come when called. If your dog is good at obeying your call to come, you'll be able to pull her out of most tense situations before they escalate too much. Start training her how to come and stay when she's still young, and practice often, especially in the company of other dogs. Advertisement
Expert Q&A
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Question Why is my dog being aggressive all of a sudden? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Any dog that is acting out of character and becoming aggressive needs to be checked by a vet. It could be that he is in pain or uncomfortable, and the aggression is warning you to avoid touching certain areas. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 16 Helpful 73
Question I pulled on my dog's tail to break up a fight (before reading this article). What are the signs his tail may be injured? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Yanking on a tail can damage the nerve supply to the tail, and in cases of severe tail pull, damage the nerves to the bladder and bowel as well. The latter means your dog won't be able to pee or poop, or alternatively is incontinent. Signs of damaged nerves in the tail include a droopy tail that just hangs, and not being able to wag the tail. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 48 Helpful 125
Question What is a safe way to break up a dog fight? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Throwing a bucket of cold water over two fighting dogs is the best method. Alternatively, use a large object such as a chair to separate the two dogs. Never put your hands or body between two dogs that are actively fighting. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 31 Helpful 73
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Warnings
Introduce new dogs to each other slowly — this approach is much more likely to avoid fights than allowing the dogs to negotiate their own meeting. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 0
If you are bitten, seek medical attention. Be safe rather than sorry. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 2
Always leash your dog when you're outside to be safe. Even trained dogs sometimes can't resist temptation. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 2
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about keeping dogs safe, check out our in-depth interview with Shawn Riley.
Co-authored by: Shawn Riley Canine Trainer & Behaviorist This article was co-authored by Shawn Riley. Shawn Riley is a Canine Trainer & Behaviorist based in Tualatin, Oregon. With over 40 years of experience, Shawn trains people to properly establish and maintain leadership roles with their canine companions. Shawn has trained with several acclaimed canine experts and refined The Dog Way training methods through experience and observation of dogs' natural interactions within their groups. Shawn has appeared on several local TV shows and was recruited by National Geographic as the on-set Behavioral Advisor for a national video series called “My Dog Ate What?” This article has been viewed 286,585 times. 5 votes - 80% Co-authors: 45Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 286,585Article SummaryX
If you need to break up a dog fight, try to make as much noise as possible to distract them, like yelling, clapping your hands, or banging loud objects together. Bear in mind that most dog fights are brief and seem worse than they really are. You don’t need to break up the fight unless one dog is in real danger or if it is in heat or pregnant. You should also never try to get between the dogs, since they can easily bite you by mistake. Instead, try dousing them with water from a hose, bucket, or water bottle, if you have any nearby. If they continue to fight, you can grab one of the dog’s hind legs from behind, like a wheelbarrow, and back away with it to keep it away from the other dog. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to stop a dog fight before it gets started, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 286,585 times.
Reader Success Stories
Michelle Devlin
Nov 9, 2016
"We have 5 dogs. 2 are adolescent, and they are full of energy. One has started to show dominance and possess some territorial behavior. I had to break up a fight that did result in injury, and was very scary. I hope that our continuing training will help. I hope to not have to try these techniques, but wanted any more knowledge, as knowledge is power. Thank you, this was helpful."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Shawn Riley Canine Trainer & Behaviorist Co-authors: 45Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 286,58580% of readers found this article helpful. 5 votes - 80% Click a star to add your vote
Michelle Devlin
Nov 9, 2016
"We have 5 dogs. 2 are adolescent, and they are full of energy. One has started to show dominance and possess some territorial behavior. I had to break up a fight that did result in injury, and was very scary. I hope that our continuing training will help. I hope to not have to try these techniques, but wanted any more knowledge, as knowledge is power. Thank you, this was helpful."..." more
Lisa
Jan 8, 2019
"Dogs fighting can be a terrifying thing. This article has good advice, especially about never reaching into the fight. Nearly every time I've tried to separate fighting dogs, I've been bitten. Throwing a blanket over them was a new idea to try, thank you!"..." more
Jose F. Izquierdo
Dec 27, 2018
"Your article is very informative and educational. I have tried many of your techniques prior to reading this article through trial-and-error, and they work. Your article will definitely help any new or expert dog owners to understand their pets better."..." more
Sharon Meade
Nov 16, 2018
"I have a female boxer who gets aggressive to any of our other dogs when she's in heat. I've been bitten by trying to pull them apart. I couldn't get to a bucket of water, but thanks to you, I knew to grab a chair and shove it between them!"..." more
Rebeca Herrera
Apr 16, 2018
"The steps helped me. I was told to pull the dogs' back legs, and when my two male pits went at it over food, I did just that and it worked. But I was also told that that was one of the worst things to do, so thank you for that tidbit."..." more More success stories Hide success stories
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Co-authored by: Shawn Riley Canine Trainer & Behaviorist This article was co-authored by Shawn Riley. Shawn Riley is a Canine Trainer & Behaviorist based in Tualatin, Oregon. With over 40 years of experience, Shawn trains people to properly establish and maintain leadership roles with their canine companions. Shawn has trained with several acclaimed canine experts and refined The Dog Way training methods through experience and observation of dogs' natural interactions within their groups. Shawn has appeared on several local TV shows and was recruited by National Geographic as the on-set Behavioral Advisor for a national video series called “My Dog Ate What?” This article has been viewed 286,585 times. 5 votes - 80% Co-authors: 45 Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 286,585 Article SummaryX
Dogs Cats Rabbits & Furry Friends Fish Birds Other Pets Horses 
551 
1 Make as much noise as you can. Dogfights don't last long, so use whatever you have at hand. 
2 Hose them down. Water — as much as you have — can really get a dog's attention. Douse the fighting dogs with a hose, a bucket, or a cup of soda if you have to. No harm done, and in most cases the dogs will walk away, a little wet but not worse for wear. 
3 Use a barrier to split them up. Look for something you can use to separate the dogs. A large piece of cardboard, plywood, a garbage can lid, a big stick — any of these can be used to separate the dogs without putting your hands in harm's way.[1] 
4 Throw a blanket over the dogs. Some dogs will stop fighting when they can't see each other anymore. If you have a large blanket, a tarp, a jacket, or another piece of opaque material, try tossing it over the fighting dogs to calm them down. [2] 
1 Know circumstances in which you should intervene. Again, it's important to note that most scuffles between dogs last only seconds and can appear worse than they really are. Fights involving fighting breeds should be stopped as they have trouble reading social signals from other dogs. Fights between dogs of two very different sizes, or two females in heat likely will need to be broken up, as well as fights involving dogs who are known to have done physical harm in the past or will not walk away.[4] EXPERT TIP 
2 Do not get between the dogs. Under almost no circumstances should you get between two dogs that are actively biting. In the confusion, the dogs will mistake you for another target and you will get bitten. 
3 Grab hold of the dog. Approach your dog from behind and grab the top of its hind legs. Lift their back paws off the ground into a wheelbarrow position. Begin walking backwards, circling to one side so the dog will not be able to turn and bite you. 
4 Use your legs. If nothing else is working, you may feel that you have to get physically involved to prevent serious injury to your dog. If you're wearing pants and heavy shoes, you may be able to push some dogs apart with your legs and feet. 
1 Observe how your dog interacts with other dogs. Does your dog bark, pounce, and snap? How rough does she normally play? If you know what behavior your dog usually exhibits around other dogs, it will be easier to tell when there's a fight brewing. 
2 Watch the dogs' bodies. When dogs play, it often sounds a lot like it does when they're fighting.[5] Dogs will growl, snap their jaws, and bite one another roughly. Instead of listening, watch the dogs' bodies. If they look loose and relaxed, and they're wagging their tails, they're probably just playing. However, if the dogs' bodies appear stiff and rigid, and their tails are down, they may getting ready to fight.[6] 
3 Intervene in harassment and rough play. In some cases, one dog will think it's playtime, but the other isn't having it. If this is the case, it may be better to separate the dogs.[7] 
4 Don't encourage competition. Dogs can get territorial over food and toys. Some breeds are more apt to defend their rights to beloved possessions, while others are better at sharing. Know your dog's unique personality traits so that you can prevent a battle from happening when another dog comes around. 
5 Teach your dog to play nicely. When you first bring your dog home, it's your responsibility to teach your dog not to attack others. Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior. When your dog bites, growls or exhibits other behavior that seems too violent, separate her from the dog she's playing with and put her in time out until she calms down. 
6 Teach your dog to come when called. If your dog is good at obeying your call to come, you'll be able to pull her out of most tense situations before they escalate too much. Start training her how to come and stay when she's still young, and practice often, especially in the company of other dogs. Advertisement 
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. 