Yellow Ribbon Project for dogs

The next time you see a dog with a yellow ribbon on its leash or collar, don’t just assume its owner has a penchant for sunny-colored flair — that ribbon is sending a message to all about that pet’s behavior.

The Yellow Dog Project, “a global movement for owners of dogs that need space, ” is hoping to color-code our four-legged friends so those not ready for a close encounter can be easily recognized. The movement’s site explains in further detail:

Yellow Dogs are dogs who need space – they are not necessarily aggressive dogs but more often are dogs who have issues of fear; pain from recent surgery; are a rescue or shelter dog who has not yet had sufficient training or mastered obedience; are in training for work or service; are in service; or other reasons specific to the dog.

This morning, I woke our Amos from his mid-morning slumber to model a yellow ribbon in action for you:

Truth be told, it’s not the pooch in this photo you really have to watch out for, though. Beware the skulking feline.

All the same, one of the things I love about The Yellow Dog Project is they also work “to educate appropriate ways to approach or make contact with a dog with permission of a dog owner only” regardless of ribbon color or presence.

You see, while my big dog isn’t exactly a yellow-ribbon type and has never met a child or other dog he didn’t like, we both get a little freaked out when a kid comes barreling our way. Often when Amos and I are out other parents and I size each other up as we reach close proximity. As I’m trying to gauge if your toddler is a grubby ear-grabber, I get that you’re legitimately concerned those sweet eyes are a ruse disguising a chomper.

I’m happy to report most often I encounter kids who have been taught to ask first, though just as often they’re already reaching a hand out before I’ve had a chance to answer. Now, with the spreading of the use of yellow ribbons as a signifier about dogs who need space, we’ve got one more tip to teach our little ones about how to stay safe.