The Yellow Dog Project warns people about giving dogs their space!

This project is about placing ribbons on dogs in places where there are a lot of people so they understand that your dog isn't comfortable about interacting with strangers. 
The Yellow Dog Project warns people about giving dogs their space!

Last update: 25 September, 2018

The Yellow Dog Project warns people that want to pet your dog that he doesn’t like physical contact with strangers. Dogs are just like people because they need their own space. Continue reading to find out more about this project and its objectives.

What is the Yellow Dog Project?

The Yellow Dog Project is an international initiative that allows owners to place a yellow cloth or ribbon on their dog’s leash to indicate that he needs his space. It aims is meant to raise awareness on the different reactions that approaching an animal may provoke.

Yellow Dog Project

An animal may need to wear this yellow ribbon for several reasons. He may be a puppy in the process of training, and strangers may frighten or get him confused. Perhaps, it may be an animal that is suffering from some kind of injury.

This ribbon is especially important if your dog easily gets scared, nervous, or has a history of a hostile attitude toward strangers. The goal of this project isn’t intended to shine these dogs in a negative light, but to allow owners and animals to peacefully go out for walks in environments full of strangers.

This project has owners put special Acronym on the ribbon: DINOS– dogs in need of space.

A shy dog

The Yellow Dog Project doesn’t do the following:

There are a number of misconceptions about this project. However, using the yellow ribbon can be extremely beneficial for your pet. The most common prejudices related to the Yellow Dog Project are the following:

  • Using the yellow ribbon is not an excuse for not training your dog. This project is intended to provide animals with a little more personal space in order to prevent any problems with other people. This preventive measure can be used short-term or long-term and can protect animals that have been abused and are still not comfortable being around other people. No matter what, you should always train your dog and seek advice from a professional. The yellow ribbon doesn’t exempt you from any responsibility.
  • The yellow ribbon isn’t synonymous with failure or confession of guilt. For whatever reason, your dog needs the ribbon. Neither you or your dog have anything to be ashamed of or to explain. If your pet has aggressive tendencies, the yellow ribbon is a sign that you are working on this behavior. So, you should be proud of that.
  • The Yellow Dog Project doesn’t make your pet’s problems go away. No matter how often or how long your dog wears the ribbon, if he still feels stressful or uncomfortable, his response may be just as negative.

The fact that you are considering using this cloth is already a sign that you are a responsible dog owner and you want him to feel as comfortable as possible. If more owners are aware of this project, then more dogs could have a better quality of life.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.