The staff at Pet Allies Network has been abuzz this week with talk of the Yellowdog Program. Several people were already familiar with the concept, which originated in Sweden. Others of us were not. We’re all excited about it though and hope you will help spread the word.
The Yellowdog Program is actually a campaign that a group of Swedish dog lovers - including dog psychologists, trainers and pedagogues - are promoting to aid dogs with special needs. It’s simple. If you have a dog whom you do not want other humans or canines to engage with while you are out walking, affix a yellow ribbon to Fido’s lead or tie a yellow bandana around his neck to alert people that he needs space. Your dog may need space for a number of reasons including old age, illness or injury, shyness or behavioral problems in certain situations.
The Yellowdog Program is actually a campaign that a group of Swedish dog lovers - including dog psychologists, trainers and pedagogues - are promoting to aid dogs with special needs. It’s simple. If you have a dog whom you do not want other humans or canines to engage with while you are out walking, affix a yellow ribbon to Fido’s lead or tie a yellow bandana around his neck to alert people that he needs space. Your dog may need space for a number of reasons including old age, illness or injury, shyness or behavioral problems in certain situations.
Sometimes it’s we humans who need the space. My husband and I were walking our two very friendly Poodle mixes a couple of weeks ago when we happened upon a lovely one-year-old Golden Retriever. As we approached, his guardian quickly maneuvered him into the street and instructed him to sit. Noticing the puzzled looks on our faces - since all three dogs indicated a desire to meet - she raised her arm, exposing a wrist guard used for carpal tunnel syndrome and said it hurts her when the dog pulls on his leash even slightly. Yellowdogging would have instructed us to avoid contact, alleviating any need for an explanation.
Since starting the Yellowdog Program on June 27, 2012, the organizers have set up a website and translated it into 17 languages. It has Facebook groups in six countries and has been viewed by people in 117 countries. Yellowdogging has also received significant media attention in Sweden.
Please inform your fellow dog lovers about the Yellowdog Program. By spreading the word, we can all help create positive change for special-needs dogs and their humans. We can reduce the potential for unfortunate situations where a dog snaps or is accidentally hurt, not to mention the difficulties that arise between humans on those occasions.
Yellowdogging is so simple, creative and intelligent, it makes us wonder why no one thought of it years ago!
by Elizabeth Sundstrom
GREAT idea whose time has come! I used to show horses and whenever there was a "kicker", a horse that other horses were not to get too close to, a red ribbon was tied on their tail. It worked well and was a great idea
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing that, Nancy! Let's hope the Yellowdog idea catches on, too.
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