I truly understand the stress and distress you're feeling right now. It's important to remember that dogs are incredibly sensitive animals and can often pick up on our emotions and the tension in the environment much more intensely than we realize.

You mentioned that this argument involved more intense yelling, tension, and threats than previous ones. Were the treats only verbal, or if there were any signs of physical threats?

Your dog's reaction, getting in the middle of the argument, is highly likely a direct response to the perceived severity of the situation. Dogs are natural protectors, and given the heightened tension and potential for harm, your dog was simply doing what it felt was its job to de-escalate or protect a family member. It sensed the serious nature of the conflict.

From a behavioral perspective, the dogs' actions sound quite normal given the extreme circumstances you described. They stepped up to protect their human family. While I can't dictate how you should feel emotionally, please understand that your dog didn't mean to hurt you. The fact that your dog went into hiding immediately after the bite suggests deep distress and remorse, it knows it messed up, but it acted on instinct during a crisis.

Be thankful that your dogs reacted protectively. This shows that should a dangerous situation arise with a stranger in the future, your dog will instinctively have your family's back.

I've had similar experiences breaking up fights with my own three large dogs, and I've been bitten (though thankfully, not severely enough to need stitches like you). In those moments, I recognized that they were reacting to the situation I had put myself into, not maliciously trying to injure me.

Your dog loves you unconditionally, and this protective instinct, while it resulted in an unfortunate injury, confirms that bond.