Dog Fight Prevention & Management Tips

Tips For Multi-Dog Households in Conflict

Fights between household dogs are serious. Management, structure, and clear communication can reduce stress and prevent escalation while you work toward a longer-term solution.

Immediate Priorities After a Fight

Separate the dogs immediately and house them apart. Use baby gates, crates, or rotate rooms to keep them physically separated at all times.

Do not reintroduce them casually or let them “work it out”—this often worsens things and puts everyone at risk.

Secure the injured dog’s recovery in a quiet, safe, stress-free space. Allow zero contact or visual access to the other dog.

Reducing Future Conflict: Management Strategies – every household member must agree to follow the management, structure and routine.

1. Physical Management

Use baby gates, crates, and closed doors to create “zones.”

Rotate dogs out for walks, play, and attention. One dog out while one is confined, and switch.

Do not leave them unsupervised together under any circumstances.

2. Feeding & Resources

Feed dogs separately and pick up food bowls after meals.

No shared toys, beds, or high-value items. Resource guarding is a common fight trigger.

Watch for “staring,” blocking, or posturing over space—these are warning signs.

3. Routine and Predictability

Stick to a predictable schedule to reduce stress.

Use consistent commands and calm body language. Dogs thrive on routine and leadership.

4. Structured Activities (Separately)

Walks, sniffing games, training exercises, food puzzles—burn energy without the other dog around.Mental stimulation helps reduce reactivity and boredom-based tension.

5. Muzzle Training

Start conditioning each dog to wear a basket muzzle (you can look up “How to muzzle train using positive reinforcement” on YouTube).

Muzzles allow for safer reintroductions if/when that becomes an option down the road.

Start a Fight Diary

Track:

Time and location of incidents

What triggered it (food? Attention? doorway?)

Body language before the explosion

This can help identify patterns and future risk factors.

Dog Body Language – time to become an expert in calming signals and the ladder of aggression.

https://www.careytrainsme.com/post/dog-body-language

You’re not alone. Inter-dog aggression is heartbreaking and scary, but with structure, management, and safety-first routines, many families can find stability. Focus on preventing further damage, giving space, and creating a calm home environment.

Time for healing!

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