Even if you’re walking your laid-back pooch on a leash, there’s always a chance that an aggressive dog will run up and start getting scrappy. So, what should you do if a fight breaks out?

Never reach down and grab either dog around the face or neck or you’ll risk getting bitten. When dogs are on leashes, each person can pull their pooch back. But if both dogs are off leash, two people should work together — each on a dog, lifting its hind legs and pulling it away from the other.

Once the dogs are separated and under control, move your buddy out of sight of his canine competition. Try to calm yourself so that your dog follows suit and starts relaxing, too. Then check your pooch for blood, puncture wounds or anything else abnormal. In many cases, it’s best to take your dog right in for evaluation at an emergency clinic.