When Play Turns Into a Fight: What I Learned the Hard Way
Have you ever wondered which dog is more likely to start a fight—a Golden Retriever or a Belgian Malinois?
Most people assume the Malinois. But in this case, they’d be wrong.
This isn’t just a story about dog fights—it’s about how play can escalate into something serious, even when experienced trainers are watching. It’s about what went wrong, what I learned, and what YOU should do if you ever find yourself in a similar situation.
What Happens When Play Goes Too Far
Prince, my Malinois, is a structured, ball-obsessed working dog—not a fighter. Buddy (not his real name), a Golden Retriever, had always played well with him—until one day, play turned into a full-on fight.
It happened in seconds. A simple mistake. A lunge for Prince’s prized ball. And suddenly, two 80-pound dogs were locked together in the snow, ignoring everything I tried to stop them.
Nothing was working. Then, I did something completely against instinct—I walked away.
What happened next shocked me.
Read the Full Blog Here: When Play Turns Into a Fight
Inside the blog, you’ll discover: ? The unexpected reason the fight stopped. ? Key mistakes even pros make (so you don’t have to). ? How to recognize signs that play is about to escalate. ? The safest ways to break up a fight—without risking injury.
Bonus Video: Want a step-by-step guide on preventing and stopping dog fights? Watch my latest video: How to Prevent & Stop Dog Fights: Expert Tips for Dog Owners
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