What To Do If You See A Yellow Ribbon On A Dog’s Leash

#1 Have you seen doges lately with a yellow ribbon tied to it's neck or on it's leash?

You are out in the park with your family, playing, running, maybe even having a picnic. Perhaps your dog is with you; however, off in the distance you see adorable dog approaching with their handler and your children immediately begin to run towards this adorable dog. As the dog is getting closer, you see a yellow ribbon tied on the dog's collar. What goes through your mind?

#2 The ribbons are a concept from the Yellow Dog Project to help identify dogs that need some "space."

A yellow ribbon around a dog's collar is to help children identify that you need to proceed with caution. The dog may not be child friendly, may have fear or anxiety issues, or may be overly excited. Either way, caution should be applied when approaching.

#3 There are many different reasons why your dog may require space.

The Yellow Dog Project is a nonprofit organization that is a global effort to help raise awareness and education around dogs that require a little extra distance upon approaching.

#4 Does this mean that the dog is aggressive or mean?

No, there are numerous reasons why a dog may have a yellow ribbon. It may mean the dog is new with the handler, is under medical care, or in foster care for instance. The ribbons can be used to tell strangers that the dog is nervous, in training, timid, afraid of children, and even that he may just be grumpy. The problem is getting the word out to everybody so that anyone who see's the ribbon will understand to be cautious.

#5 Some dogs just need a little more space than others.

The purpose of this project is to assist with the proper techniques to approach a dog. Children have a lot of energy and often to run up and pet a dog. Not all dogs understand this and can become fearful.

#6 Proper education is required for the project to work, which will take some time to get people aware of the ribbon's meaning.

With proper education, all parties are put in a less stressful environment, which in turn reduces opportunities for an unforeseen accident. The ribbon does not mean the dog is dangerous, it simply means the dog is not used to people, for many different reasons. This can be difficult for children to understand.

#7 They may be cute, cuddly, or friendly, but to be sure, just proceed with caution if you see yellow on a dog.

The organization is concerned that dissenters might see the ribbon as a "warning" notice that might fuel the "bully breeds are dangerous" mindset. Some dogs are timid in public, particularly if they have been abused, so the yellow ribbon might be a warning to stay back and let the owner work on the timidity at a measured pace.

#8 Apparently a red ribbon on the tail of a horse is a warning that it might kick, so people are advised to keep their distance.