April 22nd, 2010
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Whether at home or the dog park, look for dogs who: have their cackles up (that strip of fur at the top of the shoulders), have their tail down (even if it’s wagging slightly), have a penetrating stare, and/or have a stiff body.
If a fight breaks out, do not jump into the middle of it. Instead, pull your dog back by the collar or back legs. Note, though, that this can be dangerous, as a dog might, accidentally of course, bite you. Other thoughts are to carry citronella spray, a squirt bottle, a loud horn, or, for Pit Bulls, a breaking stick. At home, you can keep objects they might fight over out of the way (including blankets, cardboard – anything they could “own”). Of course, obedience training and leashing your dog will go a long way. Kelly is a pet writer. She lives in the Boston area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |
i am usualy very happy withh these but today with the pitbull comment really upset me. there is nothing that seperated pit bulls from other breeds. my parents jack russel was way meaner then any pit bull i ever met. they dont need a breaking stick. they are as likely as any other dog to get into a fight. any dog can be trained to bit and not let go its not just the breed. this comment really upset me and i know many pit bull owners who would agree
I don’t think this is a very good article. First of all, the word you’re looking for his “hackles.” Cackle means “to laugh especially in a harsh or sharp manner.” Witches cackle. Dogs have hackles.
Also, any dog fight can be tough to break apart. I had a horrible time getting a German Shepherd off my dog when it attacked her. Singling out pit bulls as needing a break stick is pretty ignorant. I also don’t think a lot of places sell these as they’re seen as part of dog fighting paraphernalia.
Grabbing a collar is sure to get you bit. Dogs in the heat of things often redirect and have NO idea who it is grabbing their collar. The best thing to do would be to spray water on them (or use another sort of spray, like the Citronella one) and if that doesn’t work, have someone grab each dogs’ hind legs at the same time and pull them apart in the “wheelbarrow” position until they can be secured somehow. They can’t redirect on you because their bodies won’t bend that way.
OK, this has been bugging me ever since I first heard it! The hair that stands up along a dog’s spine is called “hackles”. Cackles are the noises a chicken makes. If you don’t believe me, drag out your dictionary and check it yourself.
While its understandable that you should be prepared for any situation with your dog, the way your article is worded singles out Pit Bulls and adds to the mounting tensions about a breed that is fashionable to fear.
You have suggested a product that is useful for use against Pit Bulls, but you have been neglectful in explaining -why- as well as missing an opportunity to set the record straight on a common Pit Bull myth.
It is complete fiction that Pit Bulls have a special mechanism or enzyme that allows them to “lock” their jaw. The do not possess a higher than average “bite pressure.”
Most breeds will snap at their opponent. They bite and release over and over again during a physical conflict.
Terrier Breeds bite and hold. This is not Pit Bull Specific.
This is why a break stick is effective against Pit Bulls and -unaffective- with many other breeds. It can be dangerous to attempt using a break stick against another breed, that will continue to snap rappidly and erratically.
I know you have to keep these tips short, but please advice readers safely and accurately!!
I am a bit thrown off by this.. I don’t much read these tips but I have 2(sweet & cuddly)pitbulls that play rough and i thought that’s what it would be about.. ive seen dozens of dog fighting videos and have never seen a pit bite their owner during the fight.. though pitbulls have been horribly bred to fight other dogs, they are completely loyal to their handlers and want to do nothing but please their owers. I have however seen a Pomeranian attack a dog, the dogs owner, and its own owner.. that is why I am more weary of small dogs then large.. pitbulls are not mean or violent in nature… it is their owners.. nature vs nurture..
I find a squirt gun works wonders. It is small and you can hide it until you need it. The range is longer than a squirt bottle too. Since I move slowly this helps me get the point accros more quickly.
The below comment that was in the email is insane. This person has no clue what they are talking about and I hope NO ONE does this. If you do you risk injuring your dog. If it is getting attacked by another dog and you do this the other dog will only clamp down on your dog so when you attempt to pull it away it will only suffer greater injury.
You need to dislodge the other dog’s mouth from your dog. You do this by punching that dog in the jaw as hard as you can. Do not pull it as that will only make it clamp down tighter as well. You need to make the dog attacking want to get away. You do that by attacking it with your fist or a board or something and yes I know I have had to do this. But the dog was attacking a man on the street. No one was helping and they all were trying to pull the dog off him or pull him away. That only made the dog clamp down tighter, causing deeper and worse injuries to the man’s leg. I came up and hit the dog (a rott) as hard as I could in the side of the face/jaw. It paused but didnt let go. I hit it again as hard as I could. It stopped, let go and shook it’s head and took off. Do that or hit it as hard as you can in the nose. If you do that and appear not afraid and bigger then it it will flee.
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If a fight breaks out, do not jump into the middle of it. Instead, pull your dog back by the collar or back legs
I repeat what all these other people have said today. CACKLES? and why pitbulls? I own a pitbull, as apparently does the author, and I am so tired of the stress I go thru constantly having to be wary for people who cause more trouble for my dog than my dog otherwise would. I swear, people provoke pitbulls on an unconscious level just from all the press. My Jack Russel/Chiuaua is 10 times more aggressive and inclined to bite than my pitbull is.
I think that Kelly should be doing something that
she actually knows a little bit about because
obviously she knows nothing about dogs!!
Ron
Respectfully, I must disagree with your advice. Dogs are social pack animals and will spat at times. Part of socializing your pet involves letting them learn to work things out….figuring out the “pecking order” if you will. I wholeheartedly agree that the utmost of caution needs to be exercised when allowing interaction with a new acquaintance. Pulling against a good, sturdy leash is the best solution BEFORE the fight breaks-out. Once vicious biting starts, you have to make the aggressor want to leave. Pulling against a biting dog will on agravate bit wounds and make the agressor want to bite-down harder and hang-on. Agreed, don’t get in the middle of a knock-down, drag-out dog fight unless there is no alternative. But if necessary, go after the other dog with every intention of winning the fight…DO NOT back-down.Use repellents designed for dogs. DO NOT USE MACE or other pepper sprays as they can cause permanent damage and your dog may catch some of the spray. I carry a water pistol and a short-handled “HotShot” (electric cattle prod). The water pistol works amazingly well 90% of the time (hit the dog in the eyes) and doesn’t hurt or piss-off anyone. In case of a large, vicious dog encounter, the HotShot does the trick and is 99% assured that it will not permanently harm the dog. One shot on the muzzle and the dog is running away! I suppose a stun gun could be used instead. Keep in mind that if you use a NotShot or a stun gun on a small dog, you may kill it!
By the way, I have NEVER had to use force on a PitBull, and I have had more than my share of encounters. Stinking little ankle biters are the worse offenders!
A dog with it’s tail down does not mean aggression….it is a sign of submission. and a stare does not always mean aggression either! border collies stare at EVERYTHING!…it’s their nature. a dog who approaches another dog with tail raised and chest out with head high however DOES signify that a fight will most likely break out unless one dog backs down! people with dominant dogs or unsocialized dogs should never enter an unleashed dog park without a trained professional who can pick up on these subtle advances before things get ugly!
I own a 9 yr. old doberman pincher,and I get lots of comments about how sweet she is.She has never been abused or taught to attack.There are people out there that wants their dog to fight and teaches them to. I think all these so called mean breeds would not be mean if they were taught with love.
I have to admit that many of these answers are brainless. Punching the dog? That’s getting in the middle of things. Guess what happens when you do that? Usually YOU get bit.
The reason why grabbing them by their back legs and hoisting their rears up works is NOT because you’re yanking the dogs apart but because in order to balance when they’re surprised in such a way, they usually let go. THEN you start moving the dogs backward away from each other and secure them someplace they can’t get back to each other until they calm down.
And you’re right about break sticks…I was confusing them with something else. But either way, not many folks are going to have them.
This one bothers me too. My hens cackle, but this is not about semantics. Nor should it have been about Pit Bulls.
ONCE, and once only, did I have to get my Pit Bull out of a fight. This was on our farm and an unannounced friend stopped in and let her (somewhat crazy, and NOT a Pit Bull) dog out of her car without warning. The visiting dog went after mine and he was defending himself. I only had to yell “off” at both dogs (because I have done some dog sitting with the visitor), and touch the tip of my boys tail to break it up.
It is not advisable to get in the middle of a dog fight. I am not a trainer (but I have a good one). That being said, I trust my dog to listen to me with verbal first, then respond to touch, provided you can stay out of the way of the other dog.
What the heck is a break stick? Never mind: does not sound like something I’d use.
Dogster, please bring back Tracy Hotchner or bring aboard another qualified dog writer. This is the third day in a row the tips have been bad. Cackles? How about some proofreading?
And the description of body language to watch out for was vague and inadequate.
Dogs have hackles, not cackles…
A retraction needs to be printed in regards to this article. The spelling error is bad enough but the author throws all credibility out the window when they unnecessarily single out pit bulls as needing a breaking stick (totally false). I would like to know what kind of research the author put in to this article. If any one of consequence from the dogster organization reads this I suggest that you create a more thorough screening process before sending these articles via email to the tens of thousands of dogster members who trust you to offer sound advice, free of unnecessary prejudice and misinformation
You have three pit bulls and then have to mention a breaking stick for pit bulls? You are part of the problem…breaking sticks work with all breeds-thanks for helping to malign a wonderful breed.
This post is very disappointing. What’s worse is the advice is dangerous and can get someone seriously injured if they take it. I agree with Ron & think that Kelly needs to stick to writing about topics she knows something about.
Cesar Millan is WAY BETTER than this advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Cesar Millan is WAY BETTER than this advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Cesar Millan is WAY BETTER than this advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Cesar Millan is WAY BETTER than this advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Cesar Millan is WAY BETTER than this advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Cesar Millan is WAY BETTER than this advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Cesar Millan is WAY BETTER than this advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Cesar Millan is WAY BETTER than this advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Cesar Millan is WAY BETTER than this advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Cesar Millan is WAY BETTER than this advice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m not sure I agree Cesar Millan is better than this advice. I think they’re both pretty lousy.
Also the more I think about it, the more I’m bugged by the description of a dog about to start a fight. My BC mix leans forward, crouches a bit and stares at another dog. She’s not looking to start a fight…it’s a herding stance. She usually then rushes to the dog if I don’t stop her and play ensues.
Honestly – if all it takes to be a “pet writer” is to start CALLING oneself a “pet writer”, than I am a “pet writer”, and a better one than the one featured in this column (as are most of the folks who’ve commented on the various and sundry idiocies posted by this “pet writer” Modzelewski).
PLEASE get someone with a bit of knowledge, or just discontinue this error-filled (and potentially harmful) posting!
I hate to “add fuel to the fire” for this poor advice given, but I immediately after reading it decided I had to respond. I got bit when I tried to pull my dog’s collar to get him away from a dog that had his mouth around my dogs head! I was just reacting like a mother and didn’t know what to do. I guess I could have pulled his back legs, but I think that would have made the bite on his head worse. I didn’t have a spray bottle, which I think would have been the best! I agree, dogster needs to follow up on this “tip”!
As one of the respondees, I think this goes to show that a Pit Bull OWNER’S bite is way worth than the dog itself. Sorry, can’t help it! Mine is the WORST
(Dang computer…or my “fat fingering” sent my post too soon! Sorry!)
As one of the respondees, I think this goes to show that as Pit Bull OWNERS, our bite is way worse than our dogs. Sorry, can’t help it, but we do get defensive, because we have to be.
Mine is the WORST guard dog ever, and accepts any dog that comes here, only getting defensive if the other dog is snappy. We may have been a bit hard on Kelly…should we give her another chance?
I don’t think this author intended a judgement on pits.Her writing skills need work. I have broken up dogs three times the size of pits and it is very different breaking 2 pits up because they have a very effective efficient technique. They are athletes and their physiques have been perfected for fighting. I see it in the way the puppy play fights compared to other dogs. It is like seeing a greyhound run or a border collie herd. It can be hard to get a greyhound to stop running, a border collie to stop herding and a pit bull in a fight to stop fighting.Some pit bulls are lacking in technique, some greyhounds make bad racers, some border collies don’t care where the sheep goes, however, we are the ones that bred them. We cannot deny their potential to be naturally good at what we bred them for. I do not believe they are more likely to fight than any other dog. They can get in an impenetrable groove if they do fight. A break stick is so that the dogs latch onto the stick instead of each other, allowing the humans to separate them before damage is done. If you have an alpha dog of any breed you will learn more than if you have the omega. Most people adopt the submissive dog. You learn a lot more about huskies behaviors if you have an alpha husky. My Momo dog, R.I.P., taught me that. The alpha pitbull puppy is showing the same potential to educate. She will also be educating the public after her training is complete.
A breeder of American Pit Bull Terriers (we hate the term “pit bull” associated with so much drama and often a mix)….prevention is the key. Basic Obedience classes, “Leave it” being able to read your dogs body language, LOCAL LEASH LAWS are the best prevention along with Responsible owners. I wouldn’t pull the back legs in fear of being bit. A dog may feel something suddenly pulling at it’s leg in a fight and assume it’s another dogs and turn to bite, you could also injure the dog when tugging. Breaking sticks are UNLAWFUL in a lot of areas and you could be considered part of a fighting Ring for simply carrying one. This type o was bad enough but the breaking stick was irresponsible advise. I would NOT allow 2 dogs to “work it out” because unless 1 is willing to submit they will likely fight till one is dead or gives up. I would never think to punch ANY dog or use a board unless my life was in danger. Not sure the writer should own an American Pit Bull Terrier let alone give column advise. Glad to see there was a lot of thoughtful responses.
Wow. I don’t even know where to begin. I’ve broken up at least 50 dog fights successfully because I’ve worked at kennels and daycares and teach obedience classes (one of which is a Growl Class). I’ve never grabbed a collar or back legs and I’ve never punched a dog. I grab a fistful of fur on the back between the hips and lift. It’s uncomfortable enough that they release their grip and try to bite your hand but guess what? It’s a difficult spot for them to reach so you don’t get bitten.
Hackles are a sign of stimulation, not aggression. Some dogs raise their hackles when excited and playing.
And don’t even get me started on the break stick….
Lastly, how do I get job writing here?
Sorry, I stand by this post. Pitbulls ARE different from other dogs b/c they were, and are, bred to fight other dogs. This makes it more likely they will do so. This is not meant to demean this type of dog but any pitbull owner who doesn’t accept that they might have to break up a dog fight someday is being irresponsible. Pulling on the back legs and using a break stick are sanctioned by most pitbull groups, including http://www.pbrc.net. And, I have found, that folks who get angry about a simple dog tip post are usually the idiots.
My last sentence was inappropriate and I apologize. Just reacted to a lot of beating up. Just three more points:
1. I own three pits and have broken up numerous fights using these methods.
2. This was a “tip” which means it had to be very short so these are SOME of the suggestions for breaking up a fight.
3. I only mentioned pitbulls briefly, pointing out that with them, you might need a breaking stick (which is not to be used on any other type of dog). I didn’t say they were the only dog that can get into a fight.
Peace out.
anyone owning three dogs claiming to have broken up numerous fights probably should not own three dogs. it all comes down to training. it’s comments like these that give pitties a bad rep.
my dog is a pit bull/greyhound mix. just a big goofy baby that run really fast. but sometimes in the store or out on a walk people will pull back and ask if he’s mean. that really bothers me. first, i wouldn’t have a mean dog out around people and animals, second, don’t judge him because he’s part pit.
i am a petsitter and have always worked with animals in some fashion. the only pits or any other dogs i’ve met who were mean, lacking social skills, started fights or anything else you can throw out here are the ones with lazy owners who don’t take the time to train. or idiots who don’t spend time with their dogs other than sliding a bowl of food or water daily.
as far as the cesar comment, i don’t agree with everything he does. however i love it when he has pits or rotts on because at the end of the show he always reminds people…don’t blame the breed and don’t ban the breed.
I’ve red your posts and I felt I had to write.
I’m the owner of 3 Pit Bulls 2 of them are brothers I have had issues with them getting rough however is like one of the comments explained these dogs will never turn on their owner it’s not in their naturure, we have had a tough time separating them but I have put my whole hand in their mouth in the heat of separating them and they have never bitten me I woudln’t recomend for anyone to ever attempt that I just know my dogs. 99.9% of the time that they have gotten into it it has been human error not theirs these dogs are the sweetest most loving and loyal dogs I have ever had I have 5 dogs total I have 2 Border Collies and the only ones that get into it is the two brothers.