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bjwedes said..FormulaNova said..
I remember trying to separate a 'fight' between our family cattle dog and my brother's staffy/pig dog. My brother's dog just locked onto the other dogs neck. Luckily the cattle dog had a huge amount of hair around his neck, so it wasn't so bad, but the staffy/pig dog looked like it could have held the other dog all week if it could.
My dad broke a broom handle over the back of the pig dog, but it didn't care.
I think there has to be some control over these breeds. Exceptionally loyal to their owners, but not so good amongst other people if it takes a dislike to them.
Similar experience with neighbor's staffs/pig dog and our cattle cross, we couldn't get the staffy to let go ....passing truck driver who was wearing steel cap high boots helped out - he placed his heel on the staffy's front paw and crushed down...staffy let go ...
The way I separated the dog from the other dogs neck was, it sounds strange, but I put my hand in his mouth. This dog had no problem with me, and sticking my hand in there confused him or he felt vulnerable. It was sort of amazing that these dogs can just lock their muzzle like that with seemingly no effort. I guess it helps with hunting and just being able to hold the animal.
The thing that started the fight was that both of these dogs loved playing fetch, and when the younger one went for the tennis ball that the older one couldn't beat him to, it was on.
Thinking about it now, your approach, with the dogs feet is probably a good one, as dogs are pretty sensitive when it comes to getting their feet hurt.