W.A.I.T

✋WAIT
to see if the dog is with his owner. Wait to make sure the dog looks friendly.
🛑 If the dog looks afraid or angry, STOP and walk away slowly.

🗣️ASK
the owner for permission to pet their dog. “May I pet your dog?”
🛑 If the owner says “no”, STOP and walk away slowly.

🫴INVITE
the dog to sniff you. Use a quiet voice to talk to the dog and stand with your hands curled at your sides.
🛑If the dog does not come over and sniff you, STOP and do not touch him.

🐶TOUCH
the dog gently to pet. Never pet near the face, head, or tail.

Bite Prevention – Cats and Dogs
Published date: February 24, 2025
Source: Bite Prevention – Cats and Dogs, princeedwardisland.ca

Even the most trustworthy pets may react instinctively by biting or scratching in certain circumstances.
Use these prevention strategies to protect yourself and your family:

  • Spay or neuter your dogs and cats. This may reduce aggression.
  • Keep your dog on a leash when in public.
  • Regularly exercise your pet – bites and scratches sometimes occur when a pet is over excited or has too much energy.
  • Never leave a dog unsupervised with an infant or child under six years of age.
  • Never approach or pet an unfamiliar animal. Always ask animal owners if it is okay to approach or pet their pet.
  • Do not attempt to separate 2 animals fighting each other with your hands. Use an item such as a broom or garden hose to break up the fight.
  • Avoid running or jogging past a dog – they may chase or attack.
  • Do not disturb an animal that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
  • If threatened by a dog, follow these tips to reduce the chances of a bite
  • Avoid eye contact
  • Speak firmly
  • Stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly – do not turn and run
  • If you are knocked down, curl up in a ball and cover your head and neck
  • Many dogs are protective of their property and family members, especially children.
  • Never reach through a fence or open a door or gate to a home unannounced
  • Tie up or restrain your dog when strangers such as mail or package delivery service workers are approaching your property
  • Avoid allowing your child to take mail or packages from delivery service providers in the presence of a dog
  • If you are driving onto a property where there is an unrestrained dog, stay in the car until the owner has control of their dog.
  • Try calling the owner on the phone if possible.
  • For delivery services: If delivering a parcel – mark item as “undeliverable” rather than risk being bitten.
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