Should Your Dog Be a “Yellow Dog?”

Or “Yellow Ribbon Dog?”

Ever had someone invade your personal space? Most of us have had that experience at some point, and if you’re not ready for it, it can be a pretty unsettling experience. Well, dogs have the same need for a degree of personal space at times, especially if they’re working through past trust issues, or still in the process of learning socialization with humans and other animals. These dogs really need others to recognize their need for personal space during this time — and that’s the purpose of The Yellow Dog Project.

The Yellow Dog Project is a not-for-profit organization seeking to help dog owners (and others who come into contact with dogs) to recognize and honor these animals’ need for some extra space. The most common method for communicating this message is simply to attach a yellow ribbon to the dog’s collar or jacket. Initiated in Canada by dog trainer Tara Palardy in 2012 as a means of helping local pet owners and trainers, the movement has already gone global, with thousands of supporters discovering it through its website (theyellowdogproject.com) and on Twitter (@yellowdogproj).

Why would your dog need extra space? He might be recovering from a painful injury or surgery; it may have never received the necessary obedience training; or it may have other phobias or fear issues that need to be settled through a period of compassionate care and education. It’s important to note that a yellow ribbon on your dog is not a “Get Out of Training Free Card,” nor does it indicate a dog with serious aggression issues. But it is a great way to give your dog some breathing room while he learns how to relax around others and maintain his inherent friendliness even at close proximity. Check it out! And let us know if you would like some help getting your dog over any aggression like issues.