by Christine Foster of Pawsitive Difference Professional Pet Care

The Yellow Dog Project is an educational awareness project that brings visual attention to a “space for dogs” request. It is VISUALLY asking for respectful space of their mental and emotional well-being.

Dogs are known for their loyal, playful, and loving nature. However, just like humans, dogs can and do experience anxiety and nervousness. As a Certified Fear-Free Professional I work with dogs that live with Fear, Anxiety and Stress (FAS). It is my mission and to help reduce (FAS) in pets. I work 1:1 with these types of dogs, and only provide solo walks for them.

The Yellow Dog Project is in line with my Mission Vision and Values working with pets, and the moment I learned about it I wanted to bring this initiative to Stratford. Like many other Pet Professionals, when I’m walking a dog with FAS and someone with a dog approaches and wants to initiate a meet and greet, I create space and do some explaining as to why the dog I am with requires space.

Explaining, goes a little something like this:

Human with Dog: “It’s okay, my dog is friendly!” 

Me: “It’s nice you would like our dogs to meet, and I am sure your dog is friendly but we are unable to meet because ______________ is very (anxious, in-training, etc).”

This sometimes leaves Human with Dog offended or bewildered — while I stand there and explain that the dog I am working is experiencing FAS and is slowly becoming more nervous or scared.

This often happens to Pet Professionals who work with dogs that need space, or to pet owners when walking their anxious or stressed dog. The stress of this situation increases when a dog is off-leash and charging at one of these fearful or stressed dogs. (There is a leash bi-law in Stratford and it Is very important to always leash your dog for their safety and for the safety of others.)

The Yellow Ribbon Project is for dogs who need their space and have a yellow ribbon tied to their collar or leash. The yellow ribbon indicates a dog who shouldn’t be approached. “Yellow Dogs” have various reasons for this need. They might be aggressive, fearful, unpredictable, or perhaps needing space because they are post-surgery, elderly or have a health condition. It may also indicate dogs who are very friendly but are in training, service dogs, or shelter dogs whose behaviour is not yet well known and could be unpredictable.

This initiative was started by dog trainer, Tara Palardy, in June 2012, and is now used in more than 40 countries — including some parts of Canada.

Yellow bows are a good option for those who do not want to replace their current collar or leash. For those open to change, I encourage you to change the collar and leash to solid yellow.

I will be providing education for this program at local schools, veterinary clinics, the OSPCA and throughout the community. If we can get people in the community (especially children) recognizing yellow = dog needs space/proceed with caution we can reduce Fear Anxiety and Stress (FAS) in dogs and set them up for success — reducing the potential for reactivity, aggression, and dog bites. 

“Dogs can have space issues for a variety of reasons, and you are not the only person with a yellow dog. There are most likely many people in your community. Be proud of your furry family member and the work you are putting into him/her!” – Tara Palardy

Some of my clients have switched to using yellow leashes and collars. If you know your dog requires extra space, I strongly encourage you to use a yellow collar, leash or bow. These items will be readily available and displayed at The Barkery and Global Pets in Stratford.