Yeah its dog related but no idea where to post it.

I receive a daily PET/MD blog email each morning if its dog related they are usually interesting. Today was breaking up a fight. Interesting as usual until the big poke in the eye at the end. Pissed me off and I let them know.

http://www.petmd.com/blogs/thedailyvet/jlee/2011/oct/breaking_up_dog_fights (copy & pasted below)

Once while pet-sitting five intact Border terriers, I had the "life-experience" of learning how to break up a dog fight (imagine a string of terriers being shaken apart by yours truly, only to have them hold on with all ferocity — in other words, I couldn’t break them up!).

Granted these were small, 10-15 pound breeding bitches (who apparently didn’t like each other), but I couldn’t break them apart despite frantic shaking, kicking, pulling, screaming, and broom sweeping. The solution: dumping a couple of gallons of water on them; it was the only way I could break them apart. Despite these feisty terriers’ small size, it was one of the hardest fights I’ve ever had to break up. Seeing a full-on dog scuffle can be scary; having to break one up is even scarier.

Having witnessed a Great Dane kill a small Chihuahua while walking around one of Minneapolis’ lakes (both were leashed), I have a lot of empathy for the BDLD: big-dog, little-dog attack. I’ve also treated a lot of these BDLD injuries in the ER — along with cats that had been mauled by dogs or coyotes — so I know just how devastating, damaging, and even fatal these attacks can be. The best way to avoid dog fights is to avoid these situations. When in doubt, prevention is key.

What is the best way of preventing dog fights? Appropriately socializing your dog as a puppy. Work with your animal trainer, veterinarian or veterinary behaviorist on the best way to minimize behavior problems - after all, the #1 reason why pets are surrendered to shelters is due to behavioral problems that could have been prevented. My MUST-DO for any new dog owner: taking an official puppy obedience course (as it helps you learn how to train your dog), and appropriate crate and leash training of your dog.

If your dog is dog-, kid-, toy-, or fear-aggressive, please don’t bring him to a dog park where random dogs or children will run up to him. If you have an aggressive dog, walk him during off-peak times at a park (leashed, of course). If you see a dog (or kid) running off leash towards your dog, scream for the owner (or parent) to gain control of their dog (or kid) and tell them your dog is not dog-friendly. Likewise, all you parents out there: Teach your kids to never run up to strange dogs and to always ask for permission before petting a dog.

What about you friendly-dog-owning people out there? Heads up — you have some responsibility, too. Don’t let your friendly dog run around uncontrolled, as he may run up to a law-abiding, aggressive dog on a controlled leash. Should a fight occur in this instance, you could be at fault, since your dog was off leash.

If you happen to be involved in a dog fight and can’t avoid it, here are a few tips:

First, if your dog is on a leash, pull the leash hard to get her away from the attacker. If the owner of the aggressor is present, have them regain control of their dog immediately. If the aggressive dog is attacking you, your pet, or your child, get someone else’s attention to help you. That may include a loud cry of "HELP!" Stay calm and in control, as whimpering, crying, and wailing will only trigger a stronger predatorial response in some dogs. Above all, be careful not to get hurt. Biggest word of advice? Don’t win the Darwinian Award. Please don’t stick your hand in the middle of a dog fight, as you will get bitten — I’ve seen this too many times, and it will not help you break up the dog fight at all.

The best way to break up a dog fight is to throw water on them; it startles the dogs and gives you a window of a few seconds in which to draw attention away from the fight and separate the dogs quickly. If necessary, use an inanimate object such as a stick or broom to pry and separate the dogs.

Finally, try this tip that I learned from the ghetto streets of Philadelphia, where pit bull fighting is still common: Grab the attacking dog’s back legs swiftly and flip them up in the air. The attacker will be thrown off balance for a few seconds, and it’s in those few seconds that you have a chance to separate yourself and your dog from the attacker.

Lastly, avoid the situation. If you see an aggressive dog running toward you and your pet, find something elevated (like a garbage can or car roof) to throw your dog up onto if necessary. Don’t worry about the shame of it; after all, it can save your pet’s life. The last thing you want to do is hold your dog over your head so the aggressor can attack your face. The height advantage of putting your dog on an elevated surface may prevent the aggressor from being able to attack or reach your dog. While it sounds horrible, your 3 lb. Chihuahua is safer in the garbage or on top of the garbage can than getting mauled in a dog park, right?

If you really want to know, the worst BDLD attacks are not instigated by pit bulls (for all the pit bull boo-hoo’ers out there); it’s Siberian Huskies attacking small dogs.

Have any words of wisdom or horror stories of your own? Share some tips!

Dr. Justine Lee


Its the little dogs
by colddonkey on 10/12/2011 05:40am
You Quote: If you really want to know, the worst BDLD attacks are not instigated by pit bulls (for all the pit bull boo-hoo’ers out there); it’s Siberian Huskies attacking small dogs.

As the owner of various Siberian Huskys since 1985, I find this statement rather offensive. Sort of like a cheap shot as someone who lost the argument as they walk out the door.

My experience with BDLD mix ups has been the little crappers with the Napoleon complex when charging out of their yards after my Huskies. I've taken my dogs into the vet for treatment after numerous bites caused by negligent owners "sweet little terrorist." No more when were attacked I restrain my Huskies and call after the owner if that doesn't work then mine have every right to self preservation.

More often then not its the little mutts that instigate not the big dogs.

Good grief.... I'm happily reading along thinking that water and pulling legs out from under dogs seem like good ideas. Then... WHAM ...let's name a particular breed that I have NEVER seen to act like described! Like Len, I've been around Sibes for a long time (since 1990) and mine have both and others I have known have all been the dogs who stand there looking a little unsure what to do when a dog bully runs up to us. It's crazy how this gal refers to dogs in general (except the Great Dane / Chihuahua incident that he witnessed) until he gets to the husky part... no reasoning behind it and no mention of previous husky experience, just... POW ...slam the husky! I may need to comment on her article...

BTW, my neighborhood bully is a Cocker (and all involved, including his owners, are aware of his "nastiness" toward other dogs.

This is all well and good for fights around the house. But try breaking up a fight while walking six dogs on a wide open street with no water around and nothing to "elevate" all six dogs on. So far I have never broken up a fight on a walk with any of the usual advice you read around the interwebs. I like the big dogs, the tussle with me is on more of an even ground. Anything under 30 pounds moves differently and is much harder to pinpoint. I would love to hear what that author would have done out in the open with no one to yell at for help, no water, and five other dogs running in different directions.

And I think this person has Malamutes confused with Huskies.

Yeah that Husky comment was like a cheap shot to the groin.

EIW. WTF.

Someone should reply back, "I find your statement rather hypocritical. You are so quick to defend the reputation of pit bulls (which I do agree with) that you will blindly seek to destroy the reputation of another breed. Huskies, like ANY breed, are not aggressive by nature. Owners have a responsibility to socialize and train their dogs, as well as seek to actively prevent such altercations from happening. Blaming the breed or the dog is just as irresponsible as walking around with a non-socialized dog. You just ruined the credibility of your article."

I went to the link Len attached and read some of the comments. I would love to know where the couple people who stated that the #1 BDLD attackers are huskies. I googled to try to find any statistics on this and...nothing.

I did run into an interesting article about why little dogs act like they do! I think we all know these facts and probably most of you who have little dogs have well-behaved little dogs because you know all the stuff and train accordingly.

Here's the link: http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/articles/smalltoydogs.htm

And the conclusion:

"The bottom line is; small dogs are no different than large dogs. What gives them their different temperaments is that humans treat them differently. We over protect them and treat them like babies. Things we do not allow large dogs to do which are common pack leader issues because of the dogs size are addressed. These are issues all dogs need to have addressed, yet the smaller dogs tend to not get this discipline." (Ignore all references to Cesar Millan - he's not what the article is about.)

You know....there were several responses to this 'blog' that said, 'the numbers' show these attacks on small dogs are by huskies, but I'm with Len...what the numbers don't show are that the little dogs are usually the ones that instigate the fights which lands the small dog at the emergency....

We were at one of the meet-ups and some small yap dog was barking and barking at Ginger and she did absolutely nothing to this little yap dog. And when Ginger took a step to walk away, WHAM! That little $h1t yap dog nipped Ginger on her nose leaving 2 long, bleeding scratches on her nose! I watched the whole thing, and so did the little yap dog's owner...and guess what?! That yap dog ownder did absolutely NOTHING! Not even an apology!

Pissed me off up to my eyeballs that I had to just bite my tongue and walk away before I said something really crappy to that owner.

(Thanks for letting me vent....)

I would really like to see where they are getting their "numbers" from. Show me scientific statistical data and you may convince me a little. But I agree with Len. In my experience it's usually the yappy little ones starting the trouble. I lost count how many times Frankie was attacked by a little dog and his reaction was not an aggressive one. ALthough I wouldn't have blamed him if it was. And I really don't think you can compare cats to little dogs. Frankie can NOT be around cats, but he can be just fine around little dogs when they are not attacking him.

ok im crossing that park off the list, two visits with dog issues. thanks for telling me that. i remember seeing the fight JD broke up but at the end of it.

I have NO problem telling people that their little dogs are being aggressive. I like to give the example of them yelling in my face - that's what their little dog is doing yapping in my dog's face - it's aggressive. I've also had to point out that guarding their owner is not "cute", it's resource guarding. And that carrying them around makes the aggression worse. I live amongst some of the worse offenders.

Thank you to all small dog owners that train their dogs - you rock!

And yes- the lifting up the rear dog legs thing to stop a fight works. Personally used it. Just remember to get away from the bite-y end after that.

I also now carry both mace, animal shield and a whistle. And apparently I project my voice quite well - had to do it this morning as small off leash dog approached my two on leash. The owner actually apologized this time, though.

If the owners get stupid with me, I have animal control on speed dial on my cell and have used it to report off leash dogs and ask them to give the owner warnings. Zero tolerance nowadays. I'm thisclose to printing tshirts to wear to hikes that say "hiking trails are NOT a dog park. control your dog".

Sam, you and i are on the same boat! you to Dee!

I did a little research this afternoon, because I have that kind of time on my hands, and yeah there are several sources out there that have Huskies fairly high up on the list of dangerous dogs. I found one posted by a dog bite lawyer (yes, consider the source) that had Huskies listed as more dangerous than wolf hybrids... Granted, all the sites I was looking at today focused on human bites and I haven't found any data on dog fights yet, but it looked like the overwhelming majority of fatal attacks by Huskies were on children under 2, most likely because mommy and daddy left the dog alone with junior. I don't care what kind of dog you have, that is a recipe for disaster. I saw once incidence of a Jack Russell mauling a newborn to death. C'mon people, exercise a little responsibility. And of course, everyone always blames the dog. My parents have a 95 lb lab/pit mix who is the sweetest dog (and biggest baby) ever. He'd never hurt a fly, but you can bet your bottom dollar none of us would leave him alone with my 5 month old nephew.

As far as dog aggression goes, our Cocker is one of the more dog-aggressive dogs I've ever encountered. She ran off a large Mastiff the last time we were at the dog park because she thought it got too close. She got so bad actually that we had to leash her and hold her on Aaron's lap while Ghost played. Aaron knew she was extremely aggressive so he rarely took her to parks, but now that I'm around and we have Ghost we routinely have puppy play dates or go to dog parks. She's got a lot of issues yet, but we are working with her and she's doing somewhat better. She still won't play with Ghost though.

The worst I ever saw was actually my neighbor's chi/poodle mix back in Oklahoma. They did nothing to socialize the dog, their 3 young daughters absolutely terrorized the poor thing, and they left it out wandering the neighborhood constantly. Everyone on the block had been bitten by this yappy little sh*t, and no one would do anything about it. I finally had it one night this past spring when the stupid thing bit another neighbor's 12 year old, went after another dog, and then bit the crap out of my hand when I tried to get it away from the kids. I finally called the neighbors on it, the wife blew up and screamed at me and said her dog could do what it wants, and then followed me back to my house screaming obscenities at me. I put my fist though a wall I was so mad... Then I called animal control and got them a $75 ticket

But again, this is all a symptom of our societal ills in which the majority of Americans feel like they don't have to be responsible for anything so it's always someone else's problem. Heck, your dog gets into my yard and bites me, so I can sue you and make money... Right? Train your dogs and keep them under control and NEVER alone with small children, and you won't have a problem.

Sam, if you ever wind up making those shirts, I will totally get one

man if we are old and cranky at 29,30,31 what are we gonna be like in our 70's and up!