Last spring (I can't believe it was that long ago), I wrote a blog post about things you NOT should do if your dogs just had a fight.

Well, here I am, much later than anticipated, ready to discuss things we SHOULD do if our dogs get into a fight.

First, there are a few important things to remember. One is that it is completely normal and not uncommon for dogs who know each other well to occasionally get into non-injurious fights or "arguments." I have two dogs who have lived with each other for eight years and still occasionally get into a scuffle. This is normal because the majority of dog fights are exactly that, a scuffle or argument.

(Think about how often you argue or raise your voice with someone in your family who you live with. I know I'm not the only one!!)

With that being said, we do always want to take dog fights seriously so that they do not become a bigger problem.

So now that we have established that most dog fights do not mean the end of the world, let's dive into some things we should do if they happen in our home.

1. Separate The Dogs and Give Them A Break From Each Other

When dogs get into a fight, they are very commonly amped up and stressed. Because of this, dogs will likely get into another fight soon after the first one if kept in the same space.

This is why I always recommend separating dogs and giving them a break from each other to cool off after an altercation. The length of time that dogs should be separated can vary depending on factors in your specific situation.

As a general rule, I recommend separating dogs who have just gotten into a fight for at least a few hours or up to a day. If either dog still appears stressed after a few hours, then keep the separation going for longer.

2. Take Note of ALL Aspects of The Fight

Right after the dog fight, take note of everything that was going on. Here's a brief list of what you would want to record:

• Who was present?

• Where did the fight happen?

• What happened right before, during, and after the fight?

• When did the fight happen?

• Why did the fight happen? -- name all possible triggers you could think of

The reason that we want to take note of all of this information is so that we can better understand why the fight happened and how to prevent it from happening again.

3. Take Appropriate Action

This step is going to be very dependent upon the details of your situation.

If the fight did not cause any injuries and had a clear trigger that you can avoid, then putting in measures to avoid that situation may be all you need to do. An example of this would be if dogs scuffled over someone's bowl at dinner time.

However, if either dog was injured, the fights are happening more frequently, or you do not understand why the fight happened, I recommend reaching out to a professional behavior consultant to help you. This is because if we do not take the steps to intervene appropriately, then fights will likely continue and the problem could get worse quickly.

I offer consultations online via zoom or in client's homes (for Indianapolis and surrounding areas).

Dog fights can be stressful and concerning, but with the right steps, they can often be managed and prevented from escalating. By separating the dogs, observing the details of the incident, and taking appropriate action, you can help maintain harmony in your home. Remember, if you're unsure how to proceed or if fights are becoming frequent, reaching out to a professional behavior consultant can make all the difference.