Whether at home or the dog park, look for dogs who: have their cackles up (that strip of fur at the top of the shoulders), have their tail down (even if it's wagging slightly), have a penetrating stare, and/or have a stiff body.

If a fight breaks out, do not jump into the middle of it. Instead, pull your dog back by the collar or back legs. Note, though, that this can be dangerous, as a dog might, accidentally of course, bite you. Other thoughts are to carry citronella spray, a squirt bottle, a loud horn, or, for Pit Bulls, a breaking stick.

At home, you can keep objects they might fight over out of the way (including blankets, cardboard - anything they could "own"). Of course, obedience training and leashing your dog will go a long way.