8 Ways to Abate Dog Fighting

So your pooch isn't as friendly as he looks. He meets other dogs and turns into Cujo. Why is this so?

Some dogs aren't social butterflies, so it's important for an owner to know what to do in case a canine rumble occurs.

Playtime sometimes isn't only about playing. At a young age, dogs learn bite inhibition, tackling moves and pack communication.

1. You're the big kahuna so your voice should be deep and loud. I've read in an article that women have a higher probability of remembering what men with deep voices say compared to those with high-pitched ones. For dogs, it's the same. Pet's usually associate low-pitched voices with a growl. So if you want to stop a brawl, make sure you say your deepest and loudest "No!"

2. Quell their anger. You see your pooch raising his back hair up, lunging for the bite, his opponent inviting the attack. Get your hose ready to blast if a squabble begins. A pail or pitcher of cool water will have the same effect. Just get the damned cool water in a container and extinguish their rage.

3. Don't go referee. Be careful when intervening. It's always better to use the water trick rather than go in yourself on a suicide mission. There have already been cases of people being bitten or mauled by their pets because of their attempts to stop a fight with their hands and body. If you don't have water, get a large cloth like a heavy towel or blanket and throw it at your pooch before you start grabbing him.

4. Opt for play dates with other dogs. Introduce your dog to his fellow canines through play dates. Your pooch will eventually enjoy the company of other dogs which will lessen his assumption that new peers are always hostile.

Make sure you set meetings on non-territorial grounds. Some dogs don't like it when a dog invades their space so make sure to meet somewhere neutral like a park rather than at home.

5. Mood. If you plan to let your dog meet other pets, try to set it in a time where he's already spent his excess energy such as after playing, walking or doing an intense physical activity. Postpone meetings if you feel that Fido is irritated or stressed.

6. Neutering / Spaying. Although most of us prefer to see our baby's babies, we should also consider neutering or spaying because doing so can lessen aggressive tendencies in them.

7. Hold the leash properly. Some dogs may seem to be looking for a fight because owners pull their leashes high. It's important to hold the leash slightly loose so your pooch doesn't look like an aggressor with his head up. Keep the leash low when he meets other dogs so they can greet each other.

Don't pull your dog immediately away from the sniffing activity. Give him 5 to 10 seconds to sniff their peer's shoulder and behind before saying "Good boy," and pulling him away.

8. Take notice of your pack. Dogs are pack animals. They also have a hierarchy. So in feeding and greeting them, it's important to go for the older dog first.

This is Milk. She's the current barker. I like this picture because she looks scary on it which is completely the opposite of how cute and adorable she is.

In my pack, there is a barker, a leader and a challenger. The barker is always the newest member. She (it's currently a she) is the one who barks when they get hungry. Everyday, she barks for food for a couple of minutes then stops.

The pack's leader is always free to go wherever he wants to.

The challenger always growls at the leader because he doesn't want to pay his dues (in the form of food).