What are the warning signs of dog fighting?

Dogfights can happen anywhere, anytime of year. They may happen in a city park or a remote wooded area, a field, the basement of a house or apartment complex, a barn, garage, or warehouse. Some fights may even take place on the street in a secluded alley. Dogs who are forced to fight often have their ears cropped and tails docked by dogfighters. Other physical signs that a dog is being abused for dogfighting include scars — especially on their face, chest and legs — lacerations, puncture wounds, and other untreated injuries. Dogs abused in dogfighting operations are often tied down outdoors with heavy chains and collars, with no water and little-to-no shelter. A property where dogfights or training take place will typically have a confined ring, pit, or other enclosed space where the dogs are forced to fight one another. The enclosure may be stained with blood and have scratch marks. Dogfighting paraphernalia may also be found on the property, including tread mills to which dogs are tethered and forced to run, stimulants and steroids for the purpose of increasing stamina and aggression in dogs, and bloodied break sticks— a tool inserted into a dog’s mouth and used to pry apart her jaws during a fight.

One of the first steps in recognizing a dog fighting situation is to look for signs of physical abuse in animals. If you notice a dog with unexplained scars, deep cuts, or puncture wounds, this could be an indicator of involvement in dog fighting. These wounds might be especially concentrated on the legs, face, or ears—areas commonly targeted in fights. In addition to visible injuries, dogs involved in fights may exhibit strange behavior, such as extreme fear of humans or other dogs, aggression, or the tendency to fight when provoked. Aside from physical signs, there are other red flags to watch out for in your community. Unusual gatherings of people, especially in secluded areas, may be a sign of illegal dog fighting. Additionally, if you encounter individuals who own multiple dogs, particularly those of aggressive breeds, and they are not maintaining proper care or training, this could indicate potential involvement in such activities. Dogs kept in poor conditions—such as small, isolated kennels or areas lacking proper care—can also be an indicator.

Dogs who are play-growling are over-exaggerating their snarls, which may make this noise sound scarier than if they were actually fighting. Dog play and dog fighting can sometimes look similar, but there are tell-tale signs to differentiate between them. Always watch dogs that are playing too, in case their play turns more serious. Dog’s bodies when they’re upset or feel threatened by another dogs will become very stiff. Their hackles, which is the hair on their upper backs, are raised. If your dog has long hair, this may be harder to spot. Their growls will be different too. They will have low warning growls, closed mouths, and curled lips. Their ears will be pinned flat — no big, silly smiles. Dogs are trying to get away from one another, or at least one probably is, and their body language reflects that. They won’t be happy and bouncy. Instead, their tail may also be tucked underneath them. A dog that feels threatened will have quick and efficient movements. They won’t be bouncing around, and definitely won’t be “taking turns” like they did when they were playing. If dogs do end up fighting, it will hopefully be a short encounter. Unlike playing, the “loser” won’t stick around, and will try to leave the area.

An intense stare. Ears that are either laid back flat or standing straight up. Bared teeth or curled lips. A slightly upturned nose, typically caused by the lifting of lips to bare teeth. A guarding posture in which the dog’s neck is a bit lower than shoulder level and his head is lowered and stretched forward. Hair standing up, starting in the neck area, as a result of the piloerector reflex. A squared-off, tense, and very quiet stance. A stiff and straight tail or one placed high over the dog’s back. Short, staccato wags, or wagging at just the tip, can be a threat gesture.

Pit Bulls on heavy chains is a sign that the dog is a victim of dog fighting. Seeing a Pit Bull in a yard with a heavy logging chain, possibly with a padlock, is a sign that the dog is a victim of dog fighting. Scarred or injured dogs, especially Pit Bulls, are another sign, with scars from fighting likely present on the face, front legs, and around the thighs and hind end of the dog. They may look like deep scratches or like punctures from a deep bite. Mangled and ripped ears are another sign of dog fighting. Breaking sticks, usually wooden, around a foot long, and flattened out on one side, with blood on them, can also indicate dog fighting. A spring pole, made from rawhide, heavy knotted rope, or a tire, suspended from a beam or tree branch, can be used to condition a dog for fighting by building up their neck and jaw muscles. Treadmills, either homemade or electric, in a neighbor’s yard, might be used as a conditioning tool for fighting dogs. Dog fighting pits, often made from plywood and measuring between 14 and 20 square feet, with scratch marks in the opposite corners, can also be a sign. Washtubs can be used to wash dogs to check for cheating, and discarded veterinarian pill bottles, especially those for antibiotics, iron pills, or canine steroids, lying around a suspected residence, is a likely sign of dog fighting. Jenny Mill or Cat Mill, a miniature horse walker used to increase aggression in fighting dogs, and dogfighting publications, such as Sporting Dog Journal, Scratch Back, International Dog Journal, and Certified Contender Report, can also indicate dog fighting.