If you saw a dog approaching you with a yellow ribbon tied to his leash, would you know what this meant? Yellow flashing lights tell us to approach with caution. The idea behind yellow ribbons tied to a dog’s leash, is the same principle. It means to approach the dog with caution, or stay your distance.
Dogs in Training
A dog in training may have a yellow ribbon tied to his leash. The owner may be working with them to teach them how to walk on a leash properly. The dog may be a rescue dog and could be skittish and afraid of strangers. Rescue groups walk them to accustom them to a leash and simple commands.
You may be tempted to want to pet dogs that are being walked. You should never approach a dog on a leash, especially if she is sporting a yellow ribbon. She may be dog aggressive or just not socialized to be friendly, yet. Approaching a dog with a yellow ribbon tied to its leash can put you, your dog or even the other dog in danger. It may also hinder the training the dog is getting.
Why Walk Such a Dog
Even an untrained, under socialized dog deserves fresh air and exercise. The only way a dog can learn is by being taught. To be taught, the dog must do and understand what is expected of him. The only way a new owner or rescue group can teach a frightened dog to walk and become comfortable on a leash is by walking them in a public area.
The dog may also have an injury that makes him irritable or he may shy away from being touched because it hurts. The dog may also be being trained as a service dog and needs to learn not to be distracted by other dogs, sights or sounds around him.
Teach About Yellow Ribbon Awareness
You can help these trainers, rescue groups and dog owners by informing others about Yellow Ribbon Awareness for Dogs. If you didn’t realize what a yellow ribbon on a dog’s leash meant, chances are others don’t either. Talk about yellow ribbons on dog leases to your children, neighbors and friends.
Inform them that a yellow ribbon tied to a dog’s leash means ‘caution” and they should keep their distance from the dog. If you are walking your dog and you are meeting a dog with a yellow ribbon tied to his leash, be courteous and cross the street if possible. If that is not possible, rein your dog in by your side and keep him as far away from the other one as possible.
Note: This writer intended this article to inform readers of what the Yellow Dog Project is all about. In researching, I have found several voicing pros and cons of this idea, even from dog owners. In a later article, I will discuss some of the pros and cons I have read. What do you think? Is it a sound idea? If you would like to get updates on new articles about natural pet care, subscribe up above. I will be adding new and interesting things about pet care regularly. If there is something you would like covered email me at alternativepethealth@gmail.com and I will try to address it in another article.
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