Personal space is a delicate thing. Ever been to a concert where everyone was bumping into you, and it just ruined your night? Wouldn't it be nice to have a force field; a 360 degree circumference that people couldn't step on or spill their beer in or just generally invade?
For some dogs, personal space is a big issue, and having a yellow ribbon can be like having a force field. Through The Yellow Dog Project, a yellow ribbon on a dog's collar or leash lets others know that that dog is a Yellow Dog and needs a safe amount of space. The Yellow Dog Project is a global movement to bring awareness to dog's needing space, and helps keep people, their kids, and other pets safe.
So what is a Yellow Dog?
Yellow dogs aren't necessarily aggressive dogs, but they're dogs who:
- Display fear, anxiety or reactivity around other dogs, kids, or adults
- Are rescues or shelter dogs working out their behavioral kinks
- Are recovering from recent surgery or procedures and may be in pain
- Are in training for work or service
Do you have a Yellow Dog?
Let the world know by tying a yellow ribbon to their collar or leash. It's not an admission of shame or guilt, it's a way to identify that your dog has a need for space to feel safe, and to let people know. Yellow Dogs are good dogs; they just need consideration and extra space. Nothing wrong with that! Tying a yellow ribbon to your dog's collar or leash is a considerate way to let people know you're concerned with the well-being of your animal, and everyone else around them.
What should you do if you see a Yellow Dog?
 | Acknowledge that the dog needs safe space. A yellow ribbon is a visual cue that you should give that dog and their person a wide berth. Don't approach a Yellow Dog with your dog or let your children run up to a Yellow Dog. Respect that this dog needs space and maintain your distance to give the Yellow Dog and their owner a safe space. |
Pass it on!
Of course, not everyone will know what the yellow ribbon means, so be sure you let them know. That's part of the The Yellow Dog Project movement; it's about education and awareness. If you're out on a walk with your Yellow Dog and see someone approaching with their dog or child, say something like, “My dog needs space, that's why he wears this yellow ribbon. He's a Yellow Dog. Please go ahead, but give us a safe distance.”
All dogs deserve to feel safe. Let's help give them that chance.
About The Yellow Dog Project
| The Yellow Dog Project was started by positive reinforcement trainer Tara Palardy in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. She created The Yellow Dog Project for her clients wanting something to help identify their dogs as not being approachable--from dogs getting nervous around kids or other dogs, or even puppies who jump all over people. The yellow ribbon indicates that you should ask before approaching that dog, so their owner can keep them safe. For more on The Yellow Dog Project, visit theyellowdogproject.com, or connect with other Yellow Dog owners in their Facebook group. |  |
| Kathleen McCafferty loves the work that The Yellow Dog Project does and wants all of her pals that visit Dog Tag Art to know about this wonderful organization. She wrote this brief article to help spread the word about The Yellow Dog Project and their work around the United States and the rest of the world. |
