Kiko's Fight Part 4: Lessons Learned

A week ago I posted the narrative of an altercation that my dog and I got mixed up in. Two other dogs met up with us and a fight ensued. Thursday's post described our injuries, treatment and healing process. Sunday's post included a picture of Kiko enjoying some snow and three others of his healing wounds. Later on Sunday I posted my analysis of what happened. Today's post, 10 days after the event, articulates the lessons I've learned from the incident and aftermath.

I'm blessed with friends and family who took the time to listen, read, consider what happened and share their counsel with me. Thank you all very much. From you I've learned four things:

First, I did two things right. I was walking Kiko, which is good for his health and mine. And I had him under control on a leash, so he wasn't a threat to other dogs or people. We will continue to walk together, connected by a leash.

Second, I underestimated the potential threat of the approaching loose dogs. I paid more attention to how Kiko was behaving than their breeds, sex, and body language. I only understood they were willing and able to injure Kiko after the fight started. Fortunately they weren't targeting me; this time I got lucky. Wagging tails all around is good; stiffening and baring of teeth is bad!

Security guards and police officers are trained on the use of force continuum. The goal is to use the minimum force necessary to achieve compliance. I should have faced the oncoming loose dogs, asserting my dominance towards them (rather than Kiko). When they kept approaching I could have blocked them with my body, keeping them away from Kiko. I could have used vocal commands to discourage their approach. Throwable rocks are always at hand in the desert. Several people suggested chemical options (water pistol filled with ammonia, pepper spray with UV dye, citrus spray). Further up the force continuum are options like a solid walking stick, an edged weapon, or a legally-permitted concealed firearm.

Third, I should not have been trying to put Kiko in a "down-stay" position. He was already at a disadvantage merely by being on a leash. When strange people are approaching it may be appropriate to have Kiko in a "sit-stay" position, but strange dogs need to see Kiko standing up. Depending on the situation it might even be appropriate to unclip his leash as the other dogs approach, so it's not such an easy "dominance win" for the other dogs.

Again, I should have looked carefully at how the other dogs were approaching. Because I was so focused on Kiko's compliance I don't remember if the other dogs' tails were wagging or if they were showing signs of aggression. I should also evaluate Kiko's body language; he is very well socialized with other dogs so if he starts showing fear there's probably a good reason for it.

Fourth, when the fight started I should have kept my hands clear. Many dog fights end quickly once dominance is established, perhaps with minor injuries but nothing serious or disfiguring. Rather than fighting bare-handed I should choose other options along the force continuum. If I'm not a target I can throw drinking water and escalate to chemical irritants. If I perceive myself a target of an unrestrained pack and I believe my life (or Kiko's life) is in danger, then I might have to use lethal force.

That's the series. Right now Kiko is snoozing comfortably on his pillow by the fireplace. He's still wearing his "cone of shame", but hopefully we can take that off after his next vet appointment on Friday.