Status: 12.10.2023, 20:00 PM
By: Sophie Kluß
CommentsShare
When dogs attack, some use a Breaking Stick. From an animal welfare point of view, this is worrying. You can find out why and which better alternatives to the cutting timber there are here.
The breaking stick, also known as a break stick, parting stick or separating stick, is a tool for separating animals in emergency situations. Nevertheless, it should only be used by trained and responsible personnel to avoid unnecessary injuries. The safety and well-being of the animals should always be paramount. The German Animal Welfare Association takes a critical view of its use: "The Breaking Stick is legal to purchase in Germany, but from an animal welfare point of view it is questionable in use and probably rarely really helpful in a dangerous situation," explains specialist Katrin Umlauf.
What is a Breaking Stick?
A Breaking Stick is a small, handy tool specifically designed to separate dogs or other animals from each other during fights or attacks. It is usually made of a strong, shatterproof material such as hardwood or plastic and has a narrow, wedge-shaped tip. However, it would be wrong to regard a separating timber as a blanket aid, even in the case of attacks on people.
How Dog Owners Can Avoid Potential Incidents
Umlauf points out: "Such a stick, which is usually also available in metal in the usual online shops, does not guarantee the resolution of a dicey situation – this should ideally be prevented in advance." How you can avoid possible incidents, especially as a dog owner, at an early stage:
- Preventive use of a muzzle, for example: especially if you are unable to assess your own dog's situation or if it reacts unpredictably in certain situations.
- As a passer-by, be considerate of dogs: According to the Animal Welfare Association, walkers, cyclists and joggers shouldbe careful "not to overtake strange dogs too close from behind and to avoid a head-on collision in the event of a direct encounter." A small berth around the dog is always the better choice. In addition, frightening the animals should be avoided and fast, hectic movements should be avoided - such behavior could trigger a follow-up in some four-legged friends. As a passer-by, if you notice that the dog has become aware of you, stop or continue walking at a slow pace. Also be careful not to fix the animal with your eyes.
- Sending signals to the dog owner: As an anxious person, you should signal to the dog owner that you do not want to be close to the dog. "Responsible dog owners are considerate anyway and make sure that their dog does not bother humans or other animals," says specialist Katrin Umlauf.
In addition, the German Animal Welfare Association (Deutscher Tierschutzbund e. V. amandatory certificate of competence for all dog owners, "so that future owners are knowledgeable and clear in advance about what dogs need and what type of dog suits them." You can read here which mistakes you should avoid when dealing with your dog.
From an animal welfare point of view, a breaking stick as a separating aid is not recommended and should only be used responsibly in extreme emergencies. (Symbolic image) © YAY Images/Imago
You can also "find out in the dog school or from the dog trainer how to recognize aggressive behavior and learn to act prudently in such situations."
In case of emergency: the safe handling of a Breaking Stick
The Animal Welfare Association advisesagainst carrying a breaking stick with you as a passer-by for prevention, because "depending on the dog, the use of such a utensil can lead to an aggravation of the situation." Emergency aid and self-defense are always possible if the situation seems hopeless. However, one must then be aware of possible consequences. "This is when a situation can really escalate," informs specialist Katrin Umlauf.
0
Read also
Five clear signs that speak to your dog that are happy
READ
Sweet farewell: Mistress gives her terminally ill pug Teddy one last chocolate treat
READ
"I've never seen it before" – Mermaid dog with six legs abandoned in parking lot
READ
Fascinating German Shepherd from Belgium – what distinguishes the Laekenois?
READ
Wild five minutes: Golden Retriever lets the pig out and amuses TikTok users
READ
Fancy a voyage of discovery?
My Area
What is important when using the Breaking Stick – in an extreme emergency – can be found in this list:
- Responsible use: The use of a breaking stick should only be made in situations where two or more animals are involved in dangerous fights or attacks where the life or health of the animals is seriously endangered. This separation aid should never be used for training or as an ordinary aid.
- Rapid intervention: In emergency situations, quick and precise action is required. Make sure that you have mastered the correct handling of the Breaking Stick to prevent injuries.
- Gentle and effective separation: The Breaking Stick should be used to gently open the jaw of a dog or animal by inserting it between the teeth and twisting it. However, care should be taken not to injure the animals additionally.
Find out here what you should be aware of if your dog has been bitten.
You can find even more exciting animal topics in Landtiere.de's free partner newsletter, which you can subscribe to right here.
Precautions and Ethical Considerations
It is crucial that the use of a Breaking Stick is carried out exclusively responsibly and in the interests of the safety of all parties involved. This tool should never be used thoughtlessly as a means of punishment or to promote fighting.
This article was created with the help of machine support and carefully reviewed by editor Sophie Kluß before publication.