Yellow Ribbon Project story

As the owner of a difficult dog, I am always looking for ways to keep people from approaching me and Archie during our walks.

Like most dogs, Archie loves a good walk and naturally, people on their walks want to walk up (or run up in the case of children) to pet him. I often hold up my hand and say “stop, ” which for now, remains the most effective method for dealing with this matter. (Although he is quick to let them know too.)

Archie needs an enormous amount of space to be happy. He will go from a happy go-lucky dog to a very upset dog in seconds if someone cross his invisible threshold. Five dog trainers later and we still haven’t been able to crack the code that will relax him in strange situations. It took him almost a year to get comfortable with a new veterinarian when we moved. From the first day he arrived in our home, along with his brother who is fine, he has made it clear he doesn’t like change. We do our best to build his confidence, but three years later, not much has changed with Archie.

Archie is not the only dog who may need some space, whether for behavior reasons or because they are in training, recovering from surgery, or going through rehabilitation. To help these dogs, the Yellow Dog Project proposes that pet owners tie a yellow ribbon on their dog’s leash to let people know not to approach or touch the dog. I think it’s good manners not to reach down and touch a dog unless invited to do so by the dog or handler. Some people though, feel compelled to do so, especially kids, which is why the Yellow Dog Project has the potential to help lots of dogs. Not all dogs are happy being touched by strangers.