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Yellow ribbon: Dogs on the lead

By Christine Swiderski

REGION – Licensing requirements and leash laws are not the only issues dog owners need to be aware of when out for walks. They must also keep in mind that certain other dogs should not be approached by passersby.

The Yellow Dog Project is a global effort to educate dog owners to identify dogs needing space and to promote appropriate socialization of dogs. Under the Yellow Dog Project, a yellow ribbon tied to the leash indicates a dog that should be ignored, avoided, or approached with caution.

This is not to say the dog that needs space is aggressive. There are many reasons a dog may need space:

1. Health issues
2. Being Rehabilitated
3. At work: Within our community, we have service dogs and assistance dogs that must not be distracted while performing their jobs. An assistance dog helps someone with a disability complete essential tasks so they can increase independence and improve their quality of life. The assistance dog acts as a constant companion and makes a person more approachable, allowing them to gain confidence while bringing peace of mind to their loved ones. These dogs have a job to do their focus should be on that job. When you are walking your dog keep in mind that not all dogs should socialize on the lead. Ask permission to pet the dog. Watch for the vest which denotes the dog’ job.

4. In training: There are puppy raisers within our community that raise dogs to be assistance dogs for Leader Dogs for the Blind. These puppies are adorable; it is easy to want to give them a pet or talk to them. You may hear the handler will say “My dog does not socialize on the lead.” Again watch for the vest which denotes the dog’ job. Some vest will specify ‘Do not pet, I am in training.’

According to Leader Dog puppy raiser Patti Brehler, of Lupton, ‘Dog distractions are the number one reason why future leader dogs are [unsuccessfully trained].’

Brehler said she would try to avoid encountering another dog while training a puppy, but if it couldn’t be avoided, ‘I would then ask the person not to bring their dog close because my puppy is a service dog in trainingGǪPeople really shouldn’t let their dog approach another dog unless they ask if it’ OK.’

5. Senior Dogs: Senior dogs may feel threatened by a young exuberant dog. They may shy away from a human wanting to pet.

Even if you do not see a yellow ribbon on the lead or a vest to denote a dog at work, ask permission to approach a dog. Remember not all dogs want or should socialize when on the lead.

For more information about the Yellow Dog Project, visit the yellowdogproject.com.

Contact Christine Swiderski at csfreelance@juno.com for comments and suggestions for future articles

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