This week being National Dog Bite Prevention week, I wanted to focus on the Yellow Dog Project. This project was spear headed with the intent to inform bystanders that your dog is not one that can just be approached. This could be due to anxiety, nervousness, they are old and grumpy, just got out of surgery or they are a pup in training. Whatever the reason your dog totes a yellow ribbon on its leash the Yellow Dog Project is trying to solidify that the yellow ribbon means “to proceed with caution” or “ask my owner first before approaching.”
This is such a wonderful idea but with the good comes the caveat.
While most people would view this movement to warn the public as good others have and will see it as a meal ticket: an opportunity to take advantage of the warning for monetary and personal gain. In recent years more dog bite lawsuits have come through the legal system with a very common thread: the dog had a yellow ribbon tied to its leash. Now we aren’t saying abandon the Yellow Dog Project at all but we are warning you to the potential dangers out there in the world.
Dogs are wonderful companions and we love to bring them with us outdoors especially for walks.
The Yellow Dog Project has done a remarkable job putting forth this warning system. They believe that all owners should be asked before people try to handle their dogs not only for the safety of the public but for the safety of the dog. The yellow ribbon can’t do it alone. DO NOT assume that every person knows what the yellow ribbon means and DO NOT assume that there are not people out there looking for a “meal ticket”. Work with the Yellow Dog Project. Do your due diligence and remain aware of your surroundings, your dog’s behavior, and actively ward off approaching people from your dog to avoid incidents. For more information go to theyellowdogproject.com
