We work our hardest to try and prevent this as much as possible, and provide a safe environment for dogs while they are here. But as much as we can try to minimize the risk of a scuffle, fight, or injury happening, when you are putting a group of semi domesticated predators together, the risk of those happening is never zero.
We work our hardest to try and prevent this as much as possible, to create a safe environment for dogs while they are here. But as much as we can try to minimize the risk, when you are putting a group of semi domesticated predators together, the risk is never zero.
Our work in preventative actions is important, but just as important, is how we respond to a scuffle, fight or injury happening.
The first step is to assess the situation-were there injuries, was anyone hurt, do they need vet care, etc. Unfortunately on Sunday, there was vet care needed. We are so incredibly grateful to our vet clinic and the care they give.
Now that everyone was taken care of physically, we have to start working towards recovery.
It is so easy when there has been a situation to separate everyone and keep them separated. We feel safer and sometimes it is scary to put them back together after an issue. However, if you can safely put dogs back together after a scuffle, or if they can stay together through the whole process, I feel that’s one of the best things you can do.
Often I have heard of people in multiple dog households who their dogs get in a fight, they separate the dogs for a period of time and now they can’t get them together again.
Safety should always be the number one concern, and if you can’t do so safely, please reach out to a trainer for help.
I took Clyde for a walk in the field to help him decompress a little bit. Then we took a group of dogs out for some play time. Once they were tired out and calmer, I brought Clyde out on a long leash. Austin helped me create a “bubble” around Clyde so other dogs were not approaching. As he settled in I would let dogs approach him, but I was mindful that he may be more defensive and that he was still feeling a bit ouchy. With this in mind, I would not allow dogs to sniff and hang out by his ear, where he had been bit. I walked him around, then around the other dogs, for a little bit of time-probably no longer than 10 or 15 minutes. Then we went out for another walk in the field. I could tell he was uncomfortable, but he was really looking to me in the situation and was not reactive.
I also messaged his owner about working him in a social setting coming up as well once he is healed up.
If you ever have a fight with your dog, be mindful of recovery for the dogs, but also for yourself. Seeing a fight can be hard. While we want to be reading our dog’s body language and how they are communicating together when putting them back together, sometimes we hold onto the fear longer than the dogs, which can pass back to them.
Here is the video of Clyde in the group of dogs. Notice his body language-his ears and tail are especially expressive here. Also notice how he engages with me.
https://youtu.be/afbY_tbLwCIHere is the video after having him in the group of dogs, decompressing on his field walk.
https://youtu.be/becIfvUEC7w