What is the Yellow Dog Project?
Not all dogs are the same. While most people think dogs are
social and are always seeking new friends, it’s not always true. Some
dogs need more space or, said another way, they prefer not to be touched
or talked to. The owners can make other people aware of this by
labeling their dog with yellow color (yellow ribbons, collars, or
leashes).
The Yellow Dog Project is a charitable educational movement. It
teaches people to understand more about dogs’ characters and ways of
getting on with them. It helps to avoid unwanted situations and to
minimize dog aggression and anxiety.
In Which Condition Dogs Might Need Yellow Ribbons?
Yellow-colored ribbons or collars ask people to give a dog some space and to keep their animals away from the dog. This may be necessary due to different conditions. Most often it may mean that a dog has health issues, has survived the disease, surgery, or strong stress recently. It’s also a way to inform if a pet has anxiety issues or is in training.
Using Steroids for Treatment of Different Illnesses in Dogs can Trigger Anxiety
There are plenty of drugs that may influence human behavior. That’s especially true about hormonal treatment or steroids.
Yet this fact is often ignored when animals are treated with steroids.
However, in dogs side-effects may be stronger and more dangerous.
Owners of steroid-treated dogs report their pet behavior changes.
Usually, dogs feel more nervous, depressed, anxious, or even
aggressive. More than half of owners notice that dogs on treatment lose
their self-control easily.
The reason for that is the steroid influence on hormonal
production and, as a result, on functions of the nervous system. Such an
effect is kept during the whole period of steroid treatment and even a
few weeks after. While most dogs receive the drugs for a short period,
some chronic diseases may require life-time steroid use.
How Yellow Dog Project Lowers Anxiety
A dog’s anxiety is often predictable. There are special triggers
that cause the unwanted reaction of a dog whether it’s aggression, fear,
or anxiety. These triggers differ from dog to dog, yet most pet owners
or trainers are aware of them.
The Yellow Dog Project helps to create a secure space for
human-dog interactions. First of all, it prevents harmful or dangerous
situations for the yellow-labeled dog. It reduces the amount of
psychological stress on an animal.
It also stops a dog from unwanted activity (like games with other
animals) that is necessary during both behavioral and health issues.
Moreover, it protects people and animals from possible dog aggression.
How to Greet Unfamiliar Dogs
Dogs may misinterpret some of our body signals. Our actions can appear scary or aggressive to a dog and cause an animal’s aggression, fear, or anxiety. If you are going to greet an unfamiliar dog, pay extra attention to these 3 points:
· Eye contact
While direct eye contact is associated with trust among people,
it’s a sign of aggression for many animals. Don’t look at the dog’s
eyes; band your head a little bit, so your face won’t be directed to a
dog. Even if a dog appears friendly, don’t keep your eyes on the animal
for too long.
· Voice and noise
Speak slowly and quietly. Most dogs have better hearing than
humans, so there’s no need to shout even when an animal stands a bit
far. Whistle or other loud voices, which are sometimes used for
attracting dogs’ attention by their owners, can scare an unfamiliar
animal or cause aggression.
· Body position
Move slowly not to scare a dog. When you stand you appear big and
scary. Yet if you sit or bend a little bit, you’ll look closer to a dog
size – it minimizes animal’s fear. However, such a trick shall never be
used if there’s a risk of a dog attack – you may need to step back
quickly (it is uncomfortable in a sitting position).
Before approaching any dog, watch the animal attentively. The dog
owner may use signs like colored labels, ties, or collars to inform
other people about the pet’s behavioral issues.
