Reprinted with permission of the author.

Although this was written about Pyrs.  It can pertain to any breed of dog.

Breaking Up a Dog Fight Between Pyrs

By Linda Weisser

Pyrs can be (and often are) dog aggressive. They are dominant and territorial by nature and it is these qualities that make them effective livestock guards. A Pyr simply won't allow any animal on its territory that is not submissive to it. Since Pyrs (and especially males) do not submit to any animal, an encounter between two Pyrs on the same territory can be violent and bloody.

"Oh no!" I hear the cries of horror. "Not our kindly, gentle, patient friends". Oh yes, and to try to ignore this simple reality is to court disaster.

Let me be clear at the outset that dog/dog aggression and dog/people aggression are two totally different things. A dog-aggressive Pyr does not have a bad temperament, a people-aggressive Pyr does. A stable Pyr clearly differentiates between the two. An owner could take a Pyr who has been intention dismembering a rival and within minutes of the encounter entrust the tiniest baby (human or animal) to its patient care. Owners who get bitten in dog fights are bitten because they put their bodies between dogs intent orbiting each other. If you have ever seen the look on the face of a Pyr who has bitten a human in the heat of battle, you will see a dog filled with remorse and embarrassment.

Pyr bitches are somewhat better than males. As a general rule two adult malePyrs will never live together in harmony. Certain bitches will, while others absolutely will not. Be aware that really aggressive bitches can be more single-minded than males. Male Pyrs will almost never beat up a bitch handwork very hard not to respond to an attack by one. Pyr bitches will beat upon males. However, cross-sex fights seldom result in serious injuries.

It may take several years before two dogs really go after each other. We once had a father-son combination who co-existed until the son was almost two years old; then his sire jumped him. Once you have had one serious encounter that goes beyond growling and bullying, and both dogs participate, it is all over. You will never be able to have those dogs together again with any safety. Sometimes the day comes much earlier - often before the younger animal is a year old.

There is no doubt that in many cases of aggression, if you let the dogs figh tit out, they would 'settle' it. However, the damage could be fearful and they might main each other permanently. I know of 3 cases in which one dog died of the injuries sustained in such a fight.

Constant vigilance is the price of "peace", and prevention is the only answer; secure fences, secure locks, and attention to detail.

My own personal key to avoiding trouble is to assume that everything will fight with everything else of the same sex until proven otherwise.

Try to be alert to signs of impending problems. Two bitches together where the younger begins dominance behavior with the older (i.e. standing with her head and neck over the other's back; stiff legged, tail up approaches; little growls; body checks for no apparent reason.)

These are all signals the youngster is testing her place. Either the older bitch will turn on her or the younger will launch a full out attack the minute she senses that she has the upper hand. The ensuing battle may be brief and bloodless or it may be a true fight. Be aware that it is coming.

So, if in a moment of distraction, you forget the "secure fences, secure locks, attention to detail" maxim and you look out of your window and see two mortal enemies stalking around each other, what then? DO NOT GO OUT TO THE DOGS. You have the slight chance that they will decide not to fight. If you step out the door you will alter the balance of power and you will have a fight. It is important to understand that your very presence will often change the dynamics enough to cause two dogs to fight. If they do fight you will need to do something about it then, but try to avoid precipitating it.

This leads us to the next step. How do you break up a fight? 'TAIN'T EASY. Keep in mind that you want to avoid being bitten and that the dogs will probably not do each other much damage in the first few minutes of the fight, so take the time to do it right. Screaming will not work (except to release your tensions) and water hoses don't work. Large objects such as shovels will work only if you knock someone unconscious!

If you are fortunate you will have two people present. Each person should get behind a dog and grab the tail and hang on for dear life. Slowly pull the dogs away from each other. At this point you may realize that one has an iron grip on some part of the other--usually the head (lips, ears, dewlaps etc.)Do not pull violently or something will get torn. Hold on and keep constant pressure until the dog lets go and then drag them rapidly backward away from each other. Do not let go or you will have to repeat the process! Take my word for it that the dogs will not turn on you. If you have a third person present (kids are good for this) and one dog has a grip on the other, have the third person rap the grabber hard across the bridge of the muzzle--the edge of a dog food dish works well for this. Most of the time the dog will let go in pain and surprise. Once the dogs are separated, drag at least one of them into a secure kennel. Do not, under any circumstances, put any par of your anatomy between two fighting dogs--you will get bitten.

Now, suppose that the true horror scenario occurs and you are alone? The cardinal rule still applies--do not get between the dogs. Rule #2 - Do Not Panic!! Do not waste time and energy screaming!! the only way to break up this fight is to immobilize one of the contestants. Accept the fact that they will continue to fight and injure each other while you are readying yourself to end the battle. The following has worked well for me: take a leash, catch it around the loin of one of the dogs and then pull the latch end through the handle end and create a lariat-like affair around the dog. (Note: this takes patience and should be done deliberately; without panic.) Once you have the lariat in place, drag both snapping snarling animals backwards until you ge tto something solid (gate, fence etc.) and tie or snap the leash to it .Voila--one dog immobilized. Go to the rear of the other, grab the tail and proceed as above. Get one dog kenneled before you release the second.

Now the most important part of all. Go to your house, pour a large cup or glass of whatever soothes you best, collapse on the couch, and blubber until your heart beats normally again!!