Who doesn’t love dogs? While some folks are afraid of them, dogs are the number one companion animal in many countries around the world. They’re fun, super playful, loyal – and they look absolutely fabulous when they’re showing off a brand new outfit at the dog park!
Fashion sense aside, running around and playing fetch with your furry friend at the dog park is a great way for both of you to unwind. You might even spot a new doggy friend off in the distance for your pooch to play with.
But, if you happen to spot a yellow ribbon adorning the other pup’s leash, there’s something important you need to know first. While it may seem like a fashion statement, there is actually a really good reason some dogs have this.
That yellow ribbon is actually a warning sign. Just like a yellow traffic light means that you should proceed with caution, a yellow ribbon tied to a dog’s leash carries the same meaning.
However, proceeding with caution doesn’t mean that the dog will automatically give you rabies if you happen to glance its way! It also doesn’t mean that they are necessarily aggressive. It just means you should probably walk, rather than run, towards the new pooch.
This is especially important for young children that want to cuddle with every animal that comes onto their radar, or for adults that are skittish around dogs. Dogs can be skittish and nervous, too! Especially when a stranger approaches their human-doggy pack.
The Yellow Ribbon Project is a a non-profit organization that was started in 2012 by Tara Palardy, of Alberta, Canada. She wanted to help bring about public awareness for parents of DINOS – Dogs In Need Of Space. That’s an easy acronym to remember, right?
The yellow ribbon actually means that the dog just needs some extra space! The pooch in question might be in the middle of being trained as a service animal, or he could have health issues. Humans have been known to be grouchy when they’re sick, so it’s no surprise that a dog might need some space when he’s feeling down.
The yellow-leashed dog could also be unfriendly to other dogs. Which is quite understandable – after all, you don’t like every human you meet, do you?
The Yellow Dog Project wants people to know tying a yellow ribbon on your dog’s leash is not an excuse to avoid properly training your pup to behave! It’s not a waiver of responsibility.
Should you see a yellow ribbon on a dog, remember to approach with caution, and ask the owner if you are allowed to pet them. Not only does this show respect for the dog owner, but it allows the dog to decide if they want you in their space, too. Hopefully, he’ll bark out a big friendly yes!
This is such a great idea! Not all dogs are friendly 24/7. It’s nice to know there’s a visible warning system in place so that you can give the dog some extra breathing room. Now if only these made these for humans, too!
Sources: Facebook/The Yellow Dog Project, FB Image Credit: Facebook/The Yellow Dog Project
by pawbuzz on July 24, 2017 in Dogs
