July 22nd, 2009
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Whether at home or the dog park, look for dogs who: have their hackles 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 dog columnist and pet writer. She lives in the Boston-area with her three pit bulls and one neurotic cat. |