Fostering Success: Ask the Dog!
We’re proud to host a presentation and book signing with Steve Dale, CABC (Certified Animal Behavior Consultant).
A new thought on preventing dog bites: ASK THE DOG!
With dog bites increasing (including fatalities), we must be missing something. Appropriately, we teach our children (and hopefully adults follow the same advice) ask the handler, “Can I pet your dog?” That’s obviously not enough. Why not also ask the dog?
Steve Dale will describe a new protocol, called S.T.O.P.P.
It explains why asking the dog permission to be petted may lower the number of dog bites while educating the public about dog signaling, as well as improving dog welfare. Considering the dog’s preference is consistent with Fear Free standards and the relatively new concept of consent, it turns out, if you ask dogs, they do answer. Other explanations for the increasing dog bite numbers are also discussed. Veterinarians and technicians can make a difference in the clinic by instructing clients on dog body language, even during routine exams.
This holds for everyone in the animal rescue community.
Our foster homes, shelter workers, transport drivers, volunteers at adoption events… all need to add this skill to their organization’s intake protocol. If bite numbers continue to escalate, so will the insurance rates of clinics and not-for-profit organizations. Other repercussions are also likely to make America less dog-friendly.
Steve will also cover:
Why the veterinary profession still experiences many bites – and how the majority of these bites are preventable, even in-clinic, and certainly among the public.
Current dog bite data: the significance of escalation of bites and who gets bitten most often and why.
Why clients paying close attention to what dogs are saying may lower dog bite claims (and why that will benefit anyone with homeowners/renters’ insurance, whether they have a dog or not).
Why S.T.O.P.P. matters, and asking consent of the dog improves canine health and welfare.
Lecture & Book Signing: 60-90 minutes
Registration and payment are required in advance
Includes door prizes and a Raffle!
Seating limited to 60
FEE: $40.00* per person
Each registrant will receive a free copy of Steve’s new book: ASK the DOG!
Steve will also be available for a book signing.
Proceeds will be donated to DuPage County Animal Services to support the positive work they do in the rescue community.
ABOUT Steve Dale CABC:
Steve has been a trusted voice in the world of pet health for over 20 years. You’ve likely heard him on the radio, seen him on TV, read him in print and online, and watched him speaking at events around the world. His contributions to advancing pet wellness have earned him numerous awards and recognitions worldwide.
www.facebook.com/SteveDalePetWorld/
Instagram: SteveDalesPetWorld
Twitter: SteveDalePets
This event is brought to you by Positive Solutions for A Sound Beginning, a 501c3 charitable organization.
When: Sunday, March 1, 2026
Time: 11 AM (Doors open at 10:30 AM)
Capacity: 60
Duration: 90 Minutes
Location: DuPage County Animal Services - 2255 Manchester Road, Wheaton, IL 60187
Fee: $40 per Person
To register for this class, you must agree to the A Sound Beginning Program Terms and Conditions.