We all enjoy greeting and stroking a cute dog we come across while out walking - but do we ever consider the dog in question might not be as keen as we are?
The Yellow Dog UK project is a charity-led initiative which aims to highlight how some dogs suffer with anxiety, or simply just need to be left alone while out on their daily walk.
To highlight this, the project aims to make it common knowledge that dogs who need to be left alone, for whatever reason, will wear a piece of yellow material to let dog lovers know that not all pups enjoy being patted by a stranger.
The yellow item could be the official 'I need space' items being sold as part of the project, or simply a yellow bandanna work around the dog's neck or a yellow ribbon attached to the lead.
There are many reasons why some dogs need space - they could be recovering from a medical procedure, be unwell, or have other underlying anxiety problems.
With this in mind, pet owners and dog lovers alike are being reminded of this scheme and the importance of the yellow symbols and how to recognise them, report Gloucestershire Live.
The message of the project is: "If you see a dog with a yellow ribbon, bandanna or similar on the leash or on the dog, this is a dog which needs some space."
What is the 'Yellow Dog UK Project'?
The Yellow Dog UK Project is a registered charity created to bring awareness to dogs who need space while training, recovering from surgery, or being rehabilitated.
Why might a dog need some space?
There are many reasons why a dog may need space.
It may:
- Have health issues
- Be a rescue dog being rehabilitated. The world can be a very scary place for these dogs.
- Have had a bad experience with another dog or is just not like the kind of friendly dogs which always want to say "Hi!"
- Be a bitch that may be in heat
- Be in training
- Be very old and arthritic
- Be nervous or shy and other dogs cause it stress
What should you do if you see one of these yellow markers?
On the official Yellow Dog UK website it warns you should not approach a dog with a yellow marker.
It writes: "Please, do not approach this dog or its people with your dog. They are indicating that their dog cannot be close to other dogs. How close is too close? Only the dog or his people know, so maintain distance and give them time to move out of your way."
You can purchase any of the Yellow Dog UK scheme markers here.
