If your a dog enthusiast and you’re on FaceBook, no doubt you’re heard of The Yellow Dog Project.
This program is gaining momentum and its possible you’ve seen an information poster around town, at dog parks, vet hospitals or pet supply stores.
The Yellow Dog Project promotes the use of a yellow ribbon tied to a dog’s leash or harness to let every one else know that this dog needs space. It could be space from humans or dogs or both and it could be for a variety of reasons:
- social anxieties (fear of people)
- new rescue
- in training
- blind or deaf or some other medical issue
- the dog is not social and would prefer to not meet other dogs
There has been some discussion as to whether this yellow ribbon movement a good idea. Some have stated that:
- if your dog needs space because of some issue, the dog shouldn’t be out in the public.
- if you have a fearful reactive dog then your basically announcing ‘dangerous dog’ and you could be liable.
- it may catch on with those in the know (preaching to the choir so to speak) but not with the general public; The yellow ribbon is well recognized as a symbol for support for people and not as a symbol of ‘space needed’ for dogs and guardians.
Well anything new will have nay sayers and truth be told, some of their points are valid, however, the more we educate and promote The Yellow Dog Project, the more people will learn and understand and in time the yellow ribbon will be recognized and people will respond.
Sadie Mae has social anxieties and I have the yellow ribbon on her leash.
If someone asks, I’ll tell them about The Yellow Dog Project and cease the opportunity to educate them that dogs have issues too. That as a guardian of such a dog, I have the right to go out and walk amongst the public without someone coming up and touching without asking. I”m not advocating walking a human aggressive dog down a busy street. We still have to use common sense.
What I’m suggesting is that if I want to get out with my dog, I have something to silently announce to others; Take notice and don’t approach or at least ask if you can approach and respect my response if its NO or follow my instructions if its YES.
We are learning all the time. Eeeegads! 20 years ago my dog used to ride in the back of an open pick up flying down the highway at 100kms, but I’ve learned and I continue to learn and that is the attitude I have towards others. I don’t get frustrated at ignorance, I view it as a chance to inform.
The Yellow Ribbon will give me that opportunity to let others know about The Yellow Dog Project; That responsible owners are doing right by their dogs AND for their fellow man/women.