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This is what a yellow ribbon on a dog’s collar means

<p>Adobe Stock</p>
Adobe Stock
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A yellow ribbon on a dog’s collar is a sign to use caution when approaching

All dogs are good dogs, but not all dogs are comfortable with meeting new people or their pets. If you enjoy taking your out in public but stress about the possibility of difficult interactions with well-meaning (but clueless) strangers and their dogs, it might be a good idea to learn about the international Yellow Dog Project.

Simply put, the project teaches people to look for a yellow ribbon tied to a dog’s collar, which signifies that the dog is skittish and requires extra care, possibly including a conversation with the pup’s owner when approaching. While some pet owners rely on medications or other to , the yellow ribbon can serve as one more way to help a dog live their best life, even if they have a little anxiety going on.

Yellow ribbons can signal an anxious dog

Tying a yellow ribbon to your dog’s collar helps communicate that others should proceed carefully around your pup, for a host of reasons. If a dog has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is deaf or blind, is in training to become a service dog or is generally nervous, the yellow ribbon signifies the need for a thoughtful approach from others.

What does a red ribbon mean?

There are other ribbon colors to communicate different things about a dog. A red ribbon means a dog may be aggressive, so it’s best to stay away.

If you see a pup with a green ribbon, that likely means they are friendly and would love some attention. Orange lets you know that a dog prefers human friends, but may not get along well with other dogs. Both blue and yellow can mean a dog is training to become a service animal while white is used to signal that a dog is deaf or blind. Purple ribbons generally indicate that a dog should not be fed anything without permission, possibly due to allergies or other health reasons.

In general, it’s always advisable to ask a pet owner before approaching or petting their dog whether they have a ribbon on their collar or not.

Best calming products for dogs

Address your dog’s senses of smell, hearing and touch with this antianxiety jacket. Its snug fit will help your pup feel more secure and calm, while the included music player and spot to stash some essential oils will provide even more soothing vibes. This jacket can help your dog feel less anxious during thunderstorms, while in public, at the vet and during stressful travel.

Help your dog feel relaxed while improving mobility and relieving pain and inflammation. This high-potency hemp oil can be fed directly to your dog or mixed with food and treats. It can even be applied directly to the skin if you would rather not include it in their food.

If being touched by strangers is an anxiety trigger for your pup, send the message out loud and clear while in public by tying on this “nervous dog” bandanna. It includes the message, “I’m a little scared please ask to pet” in the hopes that people will get the hint and not take your dog by surprise with unwanted petting.

Help calm your pup with a blend of hemp seed, chamomile and L-Theanine, made delicious with the taste of peanut butter. These treats help promote calmness and alleviate daily stressors for your dog. They come in several flavors and are suitable for dogs of any size.

The signature yellow color lets others know that your pup is not up for random socializing. Not only is the bright yellow color eye-catching, but it also says “nervous” on the leash to make sure the point is clear.

While most dogs don’t love pills, all dogs love a tasty treat, making these calming hemp chews an excellent choice for your nervous pup. The bacon-flavored chews contain nine ingredients for calm, including valerian root powder, hemp seed oil, chamomile, ginger and more.

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