Do not kick or punch the dog if at all possible (that might escalate in their arousal). Once the attack is over, immediately get yourself, your dog or your child away. Don't turn around, try to get further control of the situation, or try to find the owner.
If a dog is showing signs of aggression, don't look it in the eye as it will take that as a challenge. Don't smile as it could interpret that as you baring your teeth. Instead, stand sideways to it so you present less of a threat. Without making sudden movements, slowly back away and out of the dog's line of sight.
3) If the aggressor dog does not release the bite grip when pulled by his tail, grab his back legs and flip him on his back. 95% of the dogs will release a bite grip when flipped on the back. It is very important that this is done correctly so that the action is safe and effective.
The dog's weak spots are the back of its head (not the top, where its skull is thick), nose, and throat. Otherwise, use your full weight and elbows or knees to wrestle the dog down.
Contrary to popular opinion, pepper spray and Mace are seldom effective. In fact, these agents are known to actually provoke dogs into redirecting their aggression.
Resist the impulse to scream and run away. Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until it is out of sight. If the dog does attack, "feed" it your jacket, purse, bicycle or anything you can put between yourself and the dog.
A deterrent can be anything from a dog treat to a spray and is easily carried on the body. Some deterrents include: Whistle with a sharp note or ultrasonic: Dogs have sensitive hearing and a whistle with a sharp or ultrasonic tone can be effective in shutting down a dog that's engaging in aggressive behavior.
Stay calm, and back away slowly. Instead of screaming, or yelling at the dog, speak to him in a soothing tone as you slowly back away. Don't make direct eye contact. Staring in the eyes of an aggressive dog may prompt him to attack.
As a side note, Pepper Spray is very effective against highly aggressive dog breeds such as Pit-bulls.
Throw a blanket or jacket over each dog so they can no longer see each other. Or spray the dogs' faces with citronella spray, lemon juice spray, or a vinegar spray. Use an object to separate the dogs. Be certain to keep your hands and face as far from the dogs' mouths as possible.
Never kick at a dog because their common reaction may be to turn and bite your foot. It is understandable that your reaction would be to stop the fight by doing whatever it takes. However, physically intervening in a dog fight puts you at risk for getting bitten.
In an article for Pet MD, Jennifer Coates, DVM recommends using distraction to break up a dog fight. Try distracting the dogs by throwing water over them. A loud noise such as an air horn or two metal objects being banged together can also be effective.
While the areas of the human body most sensitive to touch are the fingertips, the most sensitive part of the canine body is the muzzle. Dog's paws are much less sensitive than the human hand, and with good reason. Dogs use their paws to walk.
When they sleep on their back with their belly in the air and paws up, they are trying to keep cool. This is such a vulnerable position to be in, when dogs sleep on their back with their paws in the air, it also means they fully trust you and their environment.
Dogs have pressure points throughout their bodies that can be massaged to help relieve stress and tension. One such point is located on the ears. Gently hold the ear between your thumb and fingers and rub from the tip to the base where it meets the skull.
Forgiveness brings stress relief.
Both tended to spend more time together after the conflict regardless of if they had an existing relationship. While it seems dogs do forgive after a fight, there's still a lot more to learn about reconciliation in dogs. In some multi-dog households, it doesn't always work out.
Don't Let the Dogs “Work It Out”
Years ago, people used to believe in letting dogs fight to work it out between them. What is this? This is dangerous for both dogs and for nearby people. Also, the dogs may never get along after such a fight.
In short, the answer is yes, a dog can be traumatised after a dog attack. Alongside the physical scars of the wounds they have gained, the dog may be emotionally scarred from the traumatic event, and you will need to be on the lookout for behaviour that might indicate your dog has been affected in this way.
In fact, some dogs will try to exert dominance over the other. This is what's called dog neck biting dominance, and is used in play, but more aggressively during a fight.