Tips For Resolving Pet Disputes

Domestic animals, especially those we use as companion pets, tend to be very territorial and protective. It is very common for many pets that are usually quiet, to react aggressively to the presence of another animal, therefore we give you some tips to resolve domestic animal disputes.

Normally the domestic animals that fall into this type of situation the most are dogs and cats (either among themselves or among their peers). However, it is not their exclusive behavior. Some birds such as parrots or cockatoos, rodents, pet pigs, among others; they may react with aggression, although it is less frequent and the damage in a confrontation is rarely severe.

The reasons for this are rooted in the instinct of animals, since in wildlife other creatures are potential threats that need to be reduced or expelled, whether they compete for food, territory or one is part of the diet of the other. This risk is increased in pets that have not been socialized.

Injuries to each other in a fight involving larger mammals, such as dogs and cats, are of care, both for the animals involved and for those trying to separate them. Let’s look at some strategies that you can use once the fight has started.

General recommendations for dogs and cats

Many of the fights between dogs and cats are due to their caretakers allowing them to be in the street loose, whether the cat leaves the house, walks the dog without a leash or is left in a front yard unsupervised. It is not advisable to get in the middle of a fight while it is taking place, as animals rarely distinguish who they bite or scratch in the heat of the moment.

Normally we know the body language of our pets, so when we see that they start to get tense in the presence of an animal, we suggest two options, if your pet is small, simply take it in your arms and take it immediately. If you are a big or heavy dog, yell no! And remove it from the place immediately, using the strap. Pets understand our tones of voice, and if you use this command frequently, you can hopefully avoid confrontation.

In case the fight has started, throw some garment over your pet, it can be a jacket or shirt, and lift it by the leather near the neck, keeping it as far away as possible from the other animal. In case the other caregiver is around, tell him to do the same. The garment will prevent them from hurting you.

If you have a container of water or a hose on hand, wet them and take advantage of the distraction to take your pet with you. In case they do not stop, the fights tend to last little, but they can be fatal, use the strategy that we suggested in the previous paragraph.

Presentation and socialization

One way to prevent pets from fighting is to accustom them from the end of their vaccination schedule to sharing spaces with other animals. Dogs and cats are not always hostile, but you should be aware that excess energy can be an inconvenience during the presentation, so before introducing an unfamiliar animal, it is best to be tired and calm.

It is recommended that cats and dogs are presented outside the home, because they will tend to be more dominant within their territory. However, this implies a drawback, and that is that we could not bring another animal home.

How to avoid fights

• Always walk your dog on a leash.
• Don’t leave newly met animals unsupervised.
• Dogs must assume a position of submission within the hierarchy of the home.
• When you live under the same roof, give each animal its space so that they won’t fight each other.
• Introduce your pets correctly, giving them time to get to know each other, smell each other, or move away if they wish.
• Do not let your pet get close to another unless you know that it is not aggressive.
• Stay alert while you are on the street with your little friend, there are animals that attack without warning.