It's important to always watch your dog's body language if you're not sure if a fight is going to ensue. If Fido's body is suddenly rigid and tense then this is one indication that a fight is about to break out. However if the dogs' tails are wagging, they have a bounce in their step and are having fun playing, then this is an indication that they are just having fun interacting and having a great time.

Arguing dogs might growl fiercely, bark, snap and show their teeth—or even bite each other’s faces or loose neck skin. However, most dogfights, especially those between well-socialized dogs, don’t result in injury.

Is It a Real Fight or Just Good Fun?
Normal dog play can seem pretty violent, especially to new dog parents. In fact, when some dogs play, they often look and sound like they’re trying to kill each other! Dogs use their mouths to interact, communicate and explore their world, and a certain amount of growling, snapping and gnawing on one another is to be expected during playtime.

If you’re not sure that both dogs are interested in playing roughly, especially if it looks as though one is picking on the other, try separating them. Pick a time when it’s safe to grab the “bully” dog by the collar or noose him with a leash, and gently lead him away.

Preventing Dogfights
Go for Good First Impressions
If you’ve brought a new dog into your home, please see our article on Introducing Your Dog to a New Dog to learn how to do a calm, gradual introduction on neutral ground.

Avoid Competition over Food and Valued Objects
If you have multiple dogs in your home, it’s a good policy to feed them in separate rooms or crates. There is no reason to add extra stress around feeding time. Let your dogs eat in peace.

Be the Referee
If you have multiple energetic dogs in your home, you know that playtime can sometimes get out of hand. As the one who brings home the dog food and pays the bills, you should also be the one who decides how rough dog play can get in your household. You can institute rules like “no wrestling in the living room” or “all dog play must happen outside.”

• If you’d like to let your dogs continue to play, just put them in separate areas for 30 seconds to 2 or 3 minutes so that they can cool down. Then you can let them play again.
• If you think it’s time for a play break, you can take the dogs for a walk or engage them in a game of fetch or tug.
• Have some quiet time. Sometimes dogs get overly excited and just need to chill out for a while.
Teach and Reward Calm Behavior
Teaching your dogs to remain calm during these events can prevent the excitement from turning into agitation. Good training is key.

Breaking Up a Fight
How to Stop a Scuffle between Two Dogs
Sometimes, despite your best efforts to monitor their interactions, dogs get into fights. Luckily, most fights last less than a few seconds, and you can often interrupt them by simply shouting at the dogs. If the fight continues, however, you should be prepared to physically separate them.

Breaking up a dogfight can be dangerous. To reduce the likelihood of injury to all parties, follow the guidelines below.

General Advice
• Have a plan. Decide in advance exactly what you’ll do if a fight happens. If you live with multiple dogs and other people, make sure everyone living in your home knows about the plan.
• Don’t panic. Remember that most dogfights are noisy but harmless. If you stay calm, you’ll be able to separate two fighting dogs more safely and efficiently.

Plan A: Startle the Dogs or Use a Barrier
Before you physically separate two fighting dogs, try these methods:
• A sudden, loud sound will often interrupt a fight. Clap, yell and stomp your feet. If there’s a hose or water bowl handy, you can try spraying the dogs with water or dumping the bowl of water on their heads.
• Use a citronella spray, like SprayShield™ or Direct Stop®. Aim for the fighting dogs’ noses.
• Try putting something between the fighting dogs. If such an object isn’t available, you can make do with a baby gate, a trash can or folded lawn chair.

Plan B: Physically Separate the Dogs
If other methods don’t work or aren’t possible, it’s time for Plan B. If you’re wearing pants and boots or shoes, use your lower body instead of your hands to break up the fight.

The Aftermath
After the fight stops, immediately separate the dogs. Don’t give them another chance to fight.

Not all dogs are prone to fight, so if you feel there is an easy way to pick up your dog who isn't fighting back do that, just don't get your hands in the way of the other dog's teeth.

Another great tip is to begin teaching your pup good manners from the time you get him when he's a baby. Keep him calm around other dogs and don't allow him special privileges if he gets riled up around other dogs. Either pick him up and leave (depending on his size) or get him away from the situation as quickly as possible. Follow additional tips from ASPSA and you can know exactly what to do if a dog fight for your Pug ever ensues.