What should I do if my dog gets into a fight at a dog splash pad?

Dog fights at splash pads happen, and the worst response is reaching between two dogs to grab collars — that's how owners get bitten. Use the wheelbarrow method: grab the back legs of each dog and lift them up so they can't get traction, then walk backward. Two adults working together is safer. Loud noises (air horns, whistles, even spraying water from a hose) often break up scuffles before contact. Keep a citronella spray in your bag as a deterrent. After separating, leash both dogs immediately and exit through different gates if possible. Check every dog for injuries — small puncture wounds can become infections. Exchange contact and vaccination info with the other owner. Report serious bites to your city parks department; they may need to flag a habitually aggressive dog. Don't return to the same park that day.