Dogs fighting...

Having just read Jennys post about poor Indie and those idiots I was just wondering if anybody knew the best way to separate 2 dogs when they are fighting?
It's just the other day Tetley (lab) and Dizzy (rottie) had a bit of a set two and when My Husband stepped in and went to pull them apart one of the dogs teeth caught his hand and he ended up with a gouge(sp)

Is there a way to do this without getting injured?????

I've been told to take them in the hind legs, as they would loose balance, but I've never tired it out in pracsis, so don't know

twist their collars or scruffs if they dont have collars on . and they soon come apart!!lol

wow candie u r scary

have heard all sorts of stories from smelling salts to breaking sticks hope Im never in that position

Why is Sally scary Katy? Thats what I do!!

Breaking Up A Dog-Fight

Separating two dogs that are fighting can be dangerous as not all known methods are effective with every pair of dogs. Dogs fight at different intensities and for different reasons. Learning how to avoid situations that can lead to a dog fight is better than having to break one up. Frequently one or both dogs will redirect their aggression towards the person attempting to break up the fight. Whether this is considered to be a dog attack on a person will depend on the circumstances leading up to the incident. Often dogs do not recognise their owners immediately in these situations and bite them when they come too close.
Owners in other instances can accentuate a fight by intervening, as the dog will then fight not only to protect itself but also its owner.

Techniques For Separating Two Dogs

If there are two people available, both dogs should have their hindquarters lifted off the ground and then be dragged backwards by the tail. This will confuse the dogs and may cause them to relax their grip on each other. If the hindquarters are not lifted first, the dog may anchor itself by its front feet. Further injuries can then be caused to the other dog. In dogs without tails, the hind legs should not be substituted for the tail, as the dog can easily turn around and bite the person holding it. Grabbing the head or shoulders of one or both dogs is dangerous unless the person doing so can get directly behind the dog's shoulders and have the strength to control its head.

When One Dog Is On A Leash

The leash should be jerked sharply and a firm "No" given. This should be followed by the command "heel". If the two dogs break apart, the owner may be able to walk their dog away or keep it from the other dog. Releasing the dog from the lead and calling it whilst walking away is usually only effective in trained dogs that are involved in minor scuffles.

Using A Blanket

A blanket can be thrown over the heads of both dogs to confuse them. This may stop the fight and allow time for one or both dogs to be removed.

Distracting The Dogs

Throwing a noisy object at the dogs, or making a loud sound near their heads to startle them may gain sufficient time to stop the fight. A succession of commands such as "No" or "Stop" should be given at the same time.

Water

Water can be poured over both dogs, or squirted into their faces if a bucket or hose is readily available.

I have used water, when little scrumpman was attacked a few years back

Wow thanks Mark.

That's good to know if I ever come across a dog fight

Hose pipe or the content of the water bowl will normally stop dogs from the same household long enough for you to re-assert your authority. Have found that with bitches this will only last for a short while and the moment you remove your attention they will start again, dogs don't and forget their differences quickly. Bitches once they have had a big set to, are difficult to leave together ever after, so if you can avoid bitch on bitch fights then it is well worth the effort. The most sensitive times is when bitches in the area are in or near a season and both dogs and bitches become tetchy and likely to pick a fight.