Yellow Dog Project
Do you ever wish there was a way to let others know that your dog needs a little space? Ifyour dog is reactive, recuperating, or in training, and you might not want other dogs or people in their faces. It can be difficult to verbalize, too, especially if your dog is not obviously in distress. Some owners are understanding of an explanation, but some aren’t, and sometimes, it just takes too much time to explain!
Enter the Yellow Dog Project. This group is working to spread awareness of the dogs that need some room, requesting that you leave a dog be if you a yellow ribbon or something yellow on their leash. What a great idea! I’ve had some ‘diva’ dogs in the past, who preferred not to be approached by other dogs (humans were awesome! dogs, not so much) and this could have saved me a lot of stress. I imagine it would be especially useful for fearful dogs – if people interpret the yellow correctly, they might start being able to build some confidence! “Hey, here I am at an agility trial, and magically there are no other dogs or people approaching me… this isn’t half bad!”
Join with Yellow Dog Project to give dogs the space and comfort they need.
*I do realize there are other options, especially at trials, but I still think this campaign is a great idea!
I think it is a good idea. At the same time I wish dog owners and not would simply respect a handler/dogs space without having to wear a yellow ribbon. My dogs are trained to stay with me and not go to other dogs or people unless told otherwise. I have an older dog that is not aggressive, but will grumble at another dog if they are overly excited and try to get in his face. Hopefully this will help to better educate the general public about better pet manners in public. 🙂
I have three dogs I rescued and am rehabing. It is hard when people do not understand how to treat them. I am currently working with them to compete in Rally O. My dreams of Agility are gone, 2 of the 3 became very ill and nearly died. They have recovered nicely but their stamina is low. I am rehabing them emotionally. One is afraid of men and noises since he was in the hospital for one week. The other has come along way and is not so afraid of people anymore but is still shy.The third is sweet but fearful when people have something in their hand. It would help greatly to have the yellow dog project in our shelter or area. I would use it personally for my dogs when I take them out in the public. Sharon Empson and Bindi, Cody, Terra.
I think this is a great idea!
I have a 9-month-old pup who feels intimidated/threatened around other dogs until he gets to know them, and then he wants to play. At first, the very instant he spotted another dog he would compensate for his fear by barking and growling, sounding quite ferocious. Thankfully, we have worked past that stage by using lots of verbal distraction, and by rewarding him with a click/treat at the first pause in the unwanted behavior.
The little guy is making progress on a daily basis, and his confidence is steadily increasing, but he is still intimidated if/when a strange dog gets too close to him too quickly.
I have a girl who needs her space around other dogs, this is a wonderful idea, being able to go for walks and not have to worry about other dogs and their people. Go Yellow dog Project Josie and I are in !!
I run a reactive dog training group for which the yellow dog project is very appealing. While it is not an agility group, as such, I use agility equipment to build confidence and reduce anxiety by using big muscles.