What do I do if my dog bit another dog?

If your dog bites another dog:

With an injury:

1- Separate the dogs.

2- Go over them throughly to check for injuries (long haired dogs need more time to look through). 2a-Then check them over AGAIN, about 15 minutes late.

3-Give both about 15-30 minutes to calm down separate from each other.

4- If there is an injury, take any immediate medical attention necessary.

4a- this could be taking them to the vet or administering first aid

4b- Always make sure the other dog is safe and secure while you are helping the injured dog.

5- Think about how this happened. Was there a toy present? What did their body language look like leading up to the bite? etc.

5a- If this was because of a resource (food, toy, chew, bone), the solution is simple -- take the items away from that dog if he is with other dogs. If it is something else, this will help you in keeping an eye on them in the future to help diffuse situations from escalating.

6- Talk to the other dog's owner as soon as possible being honest, empathetic, and letting the owner know what you are doing to help mitigate the situation.

6a- Ask the owner what steps they would like to take with their dog? (if it is a minor cut, do they want you to administer first aid, take them to the vet, or keep an eye on it)

If none of the dogs are injured and Dog Reintroductions:

Follow steps 1-3 (from above)

4- Try introducing them slowly back together, keeping a close eye on their behavior

5- if another scuffle happens with them, give them another 15-30 minutes to calm down

6- Repeat step 4

7- If another scuffle happens with them, call it a day and keep them separated from each other.

8- Always be transparent with the other dogs owner to let them know what is going on, they may have some tips to share!