Unfortunately there may still be times, for whatever reason, that fights do occur in the household. Should this happen, it is imperative that the owner does not physically interpose any part of his body to try to stop the fight. Neither should he pull on one dog's tail to try to pull them apart, or in any other way try to physically separate the dogs with his own body. If pure voice control does not work and a command to stop is not effective, there is one recourse which is probably safe. That recourse is to take an object such as a round bowl or bucket and put it over the head of the dog that appears to be the attacker. "Scoop" the dog's head into the bowl and back him up. Usually he will let go, because he can't see any more. In the absence of a bucket or bowl, try a cloth such as a jacket or small blanket, covering the dog's eyes so that he can't see. As soon as the attacker lets go, back him up into the nearest nearby room with a door and shut him in.

After a fight, always check over all participants carefully. Puncture wounds must be treated by cleaning with hydrogen peroxide and triple antibiotic. Vet visits are often necessary and it is highly important to continue checking for a few days to make sure that infections do not develop.