You are out in the park with your family, having fun, maybe even enjoying a picnic. Perhaps your dog is with you too, running and playing with the kids. Its a great day!

Off in the distance you see an adorable dog approaching with their handler and your children immediately begin to run towards them. They love dogs just as much as you do!

But as the dog is getting closer, you see a yellow ribbon tied on the dog’s collar.

What goes through your mind?



The Yellow Dog Project/Facebook

A yellow ribbon around a dog’s collar helps identify a dog who needs space. The Yellow Dog Project “hopes to educate the public and dog owners to identify dogs needing space, promote appropriate contact of dogs and assist dog parents to identify their dog as needing space.”

Yellow ribbons, collars, bandanas, leads, and shirts all indicate you need to proceed with caution. The dog may not be child-friendly, may have fear or anxiety issues, or may get overly excited. Perhaps even healing from injury or surgery. Either way, caution should be applied when approaching.



The Yellow Dog Project/Facebook

What is The Yellow Dog Project?

A global effort, The Yellow Dog Project is a nonprofit organization educating and raising awareness around dogs that require a little extra distance upon approaching.

Does this mean that the dog is aggressive or mean? No, there are numerous reasons why a dog may have a yellow ribbon. It may mean the dog is new with the handler, is under medical care, or in foster care for instance.



The Yellow Dog Project/Facebook

The purpose of this project is to assist in teaching proper techniques to approach a dog. Children have a lot of energy and often love to run up and pet a dog. Not all dogs understand this and can become fearful. With proper education, all parties are put in a less stressful environment, which in turn reduces opportunities for an unforeseen accident.

For more information about this wonderful cause, please visit: The Yellow Dog Facebook page. Learn how to educate family, friends, colleagues, and yourself.

When there is knowledge, there is understanding.



The Yellow Dog Project/Facebook

Have you ever seen a dog wearing a yellow ribbon? Did you know what it meant prior to this article? Do you have a dog that may need to wear a yellow ribbon?

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Feature Image: The Yellow Dog Project/Facebook