Scuffle at NE Dog Park
August 28th, 2007
At the NE dog park there is a bench in the middle of the park where dogs and people naturally congregate. Once in awhile dogs might get into a skirmish over a tennis ball or toy.
However, last Saturday two pit bulls got into a fight and unfortunately their owners could not separate them. One owner took a leather strap and started to whip his dog in attempts to get him off of the other dog. After about a minute and a half (it felt like an eternity to those watching in stunned silence) the owners successfully separated the dogs.
Thankfully the dogs were not hurt, and neither were the handlers. But this incident raised a few questions in my head.
Should pit bulls be allowed at dog parks? One of the pit bulls in this scenario was not neutered. Maybe only neutered males should be allowed at the dog park.
If there are two dogs fighting, what is the best method to break them up? It seemed to me getting in-between two pit bulls is pretty dangerous for everyone. And the whipping of the one dog didn't seem to produce any results either.
Comments
I know many pit bulls who
I know many pit bulls who could care less about other dogs or being dominant and yet others who can be very aggressive around other dogs. Ultimately I think the owner has to be aware of his or her dogs tendencies and pay close attention to their body language and facial features and if there is any doubt about the animal off a leash around others then play it safe.
Dogs, like people, need to learn manners and be socialized around other dogs. So, generally speaking, The more restrictions that are placed on a given breed mean that these breeds will further be isolated and unable to take part in social activities other dogs enjoy which as a whole means the breed can suffer exactly what responsible ownership encourages which is socialization.
Scuffles are bound to happen, ive seen many rude dogs at dog parks and the responsibility should fall on the owner to judge his/her dog and act accordingly. If the dog is known to be a bit on the dominant or aggressive side then they should seek out more controlled socialization exercises.
Whipping a dog is just going to increase its drive and likely cause further aggression, I think that was the wrong way to handle it. If the dogs where locked onto each other then use a leash and have both owners choke them out at the same time.
If they are flashing teeth and dont have a hold on each other, then the owners need to grab their back legs, pull up while backing away and spin in a circle to prevent the dog from coming back at them.
Good post Exitium! I
Good post Exitium! I completely agree with all that is said, thank you for saying it so well.
What it really comes down to regardless of breed is if your dog has ever acted dominant or aggressive towards another dog- YOUR DOG SHOULD NOT BE AT AN OFF LEASH DOG PARK! As a dog owner it is your responsibility not to put other dogs or even people into harms way. When my dog was a puppy I frequented the dog park in Plymouth. On a number of occasions a woman with an Australian Cattle Dog came to the park. This woman was oblivious to the fact that her dog was VERY DOMINANT and tried to start fights with other dogs until literally everyone would leave. The second time I saw this woman and her dog, she ignorantly spoke about dangerous dogs. She went into how American Pit Bull Terriers are the vicious pit bulls but Staffordshire Terriers are the nice ones. Someone then told her that HER dog was we the vicious one and that she should not come back. The ignorance of some dog owners is the real reason why things like this to occur, regardless of breed.
There is usually water
There is usually water available at the dog parks. Dowsing them with water will usually get the dogs apart. Trying to pull the dogs apart will cause ripping of the skin. Pit bulls usually have tails (for a reason). Grab the tail to handle the dogs while they're fighting.
Julie
the best way to break up a
the best way to break up a serious fight between any two dogs, is with a "breaking stick." sometimes known as a "parting stick" by those chasing the PC title, it is an efficient and humane way to separate two dogs who have ahold of each other. any pitbull or staf owner should have at least one. to properly use a breaking stick, you have to insert the narrow end into their mouth, holding the stick parallel to the ground, but with it rotated in your hand so that the edge of the end of the lever is perpendicular to the ground. you leverage the stick into the gap behind the canine tooth. when the dog gives you the slightest bit of room, quickly turn the stick to the side, so that it's flat to the ground, and insert into the mouth through the gap between the teeth. now when the dog tries to close his mouth back on the other dog, he will bite down on the stick instead, which will give you the few seconds you need to pull him back and separate him.
i would not advocate for pouring water on the dogs, or pulling their tails or any of the other methods above, when dealing with a fight involving any breed of dog!!
and for the record - dealing with two pitbulls fighting, you are less likely to get bit than if another breed is involved...
"no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the public"
HL Mencken
and, for the record: i do
and, for the record: i do not believe in breed discrimination. therefore, i believe that a pitbull or staf should not be banned from the dog park. however, as a realist, i understand that those dogs rarely have the correct mindset to be brought to a dog park. ignoring a dog's heritage and expecting him to behave like you hope he will because animal planet and dog fancy tell you that's the right way, is a recipe for disaster - IMO.
it is always the dog owner's responsibility to know his dog, and his dog's potential. most responsible staf & pitbull owners will tell you that their dogs should not be brought to places like that after they're about a year old.
"no one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the public"
HL Mencken