Can dogs become traumatized witnessing a dog fight?

MarleyBoy

So today at our dog park, two dogs got into a fight (one was a larger older lab, and the other was a young Pomeranian). The lab went at the Pomeranian very viciously and had the Pomeranian yelping in terror. Marley and several other dogs were watching the fight and Marley was absolutely terrified. He came running to me and tried to climb into my lap (which isn't going to happen since he's huge), but ended up tucked between my legs and was shaking). I calmed him down while the other dogs were separated and removed from the park by their owners. All the dogs who were left seemed terrified by the incident. Not a single dog resumed playing, and Marley would not leave my side - pressed up against my legs. We left the park and took a long walk and he calmed down and seemed fine.

Later that afternoon, we were at a different park and Marley saw a puppy rough-housing with another dog. It was definitely a play fight and nothing in any way serious at all. Marley suddenly started barking at both dogs and whining, like he was trying to break it up. He has NEVER displayed this referee type behavior before. So my question is - can a dog witness a dog fight and be traumatized by what he sees? Marley himself has never been in a fight since we've adopted him, but I am unsure of his history before we adopted him.

skelaki

You witnessed one excellent reason to stay away from dog parks.

zimandtakandgrrandmimi

I kind of feel like dog parks are overstimulation for some dogs especially since there really isn't any way to enforce a standard of behavior..and yes I think dogs can be traumatized by things like that. I had a rescue that once while waiting for a friend outside of a store got her tail run over by a bicycle. immediately after she would visciously try to attack any bicycle she saw..

trainers use repetition of positive and negative effects of certain behaviors to imprint dogs with desired behavior. some dogs respond to stimuli instantly. others take repetition. perhaps this event enforced something that was imprinted already.....

I think dog parks aren't for all dogs. they don't have much in the way of standards of behavior and too many bring untrained animals there and then sit back and chat and don't pay attention to their dogs and what they are doing. there are those that do pay attention but in my experience these folks are few and far between...

applesmom

Traumatized from witnessing a dog fight? Never say never, right?

It would probably depend on the individual dog, it's temperament, and the owners reaction during the fight. But I seriously doubt that witnessing two strange dogs fighting would traumatize a well socialized dog of stable temperament.

Most dog fights are more noise, slobber and wet fur than anything else. IMO it's usually the owners that overreact and are traumatized more than the dogs.

If the dog itself was attacked out of the blue with no provocation, that could be another story. Even then a well socialized dog of sound temperament shouldn't be permanently traumatized though they might be a little wary for awhile..

kenRC51

what happens when a dog kills or hurt another dog badly at the dog park? Who's fault is it and who is reliable?

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MarleyBoy

I've only seen two dog fights in my life - and they are scary! - but there was something so horrible sounding about the yelping the Pomeranian was making. It wasn't so much the owners' reactions as the sound from that dog that seemed to freeze and terrify all the other dogs. I know this is completely anthropomorphizing the event, but it looked like all of the other dogs were more upset by whatever that Pomeranian was saying!

As to faults; well, the fault, I assume, would always lie with each dog's owner.

poodleholic

Absolutely.

Yes, dogs can be traumatized witnessing a dog fight. The next time your dog exhibits behavior that indicates he's anxious around other dogs, do not comfort him, as that will only reinforce it. Move, and then cue your dog for a sit, shake, or whatever, and follow up with positive reinforcement, giving verbal praise all the while. "Happy talk," and keep moving.

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