The yellow dog scheme UK

What is the yellow dog project in the UK?

The yellow dog scheme UK (or yellow dog project) was introduced in 2012 to help owners of dogs who, for whatever reason, need space when walking their dogs.

By using a bright yellow ribbon, collar or I need space lead cover, identifiable item seen from a distance the owners are indicating that their dog cannot be close to other dogs and you should give them time to move away and avoid you.

Even if you’re walking dogs with perfect recall, be aware that the owners of yellow dogs don’t know this and will become anxious to see off-lead dogs. Although it’s not your responsibility, it is considerate to call them back to you whilst the other owners change direction and move away from you.

What does a yellow dog lead mean?

A yellow lead, ribbon, collar, harness or jacket means that the owner and the dog would prefer you, and any dogs you have with you are kept away from them and gave them space.

In a park or countryside that might mean calling your dogs and putting them on a lead whilst they pass or changing direction to avoid coming close to them.

In an urban setting that might mean stepping to one side as far as you can with your leashed dog allowing them to walk past, or crossing the road (although if the owner of the yellow dog has spotted you they may have already taken evasive action).

Is it Just Yellow leads?

Although owners can highlight their own dogs needing space with yellow leads and clothing, in reality, any dog on a lead should be treated as needing space until you’ve checked with their owners.

Dog’s meeting whilst on leads can cause frustration even in the most mild mannered and polite dogs. And if only one dog is on a lead but is being approached by your enthusiastic group of dogs then that dog can feel restricted by the lead, causing anxiety and perhaps an out of character reaction to the situation.

Reasons dogs might have a yellow lead, jacket or ribbon.

• ⦁ They may be unwell
• ⦁ They could be old and unappreciative of younger energetic dogs
• ⦁ They might have an Injury or be recovering from one
• ⦁ They could be an in-season bitch
• ⦁ Reactive
• ⦁ Nervous
• ⦁ In training
• ⦁ Newly adopted dogs
• ⦁ Just doesn’t like other dogs
• ⦁ The owner doesn’t want to interact with unknown dogs/people
• ⦁ Aggressive

Wording on jackets and the law

The wording on the products sold by the yellow dog scheme charity all state ‘I need space’

They explain on their website that this wording has been checked by solicitors and is compliant with UK law.

The concern is that by using other wording then you are admitting that there is an issue that you, the owner or walker, were aware of before walking the dog and it could be argued that you should have taken greater precautions if they were to injure someone.

So stick to items that say ‘I need space’ whether bought from the yellow dog scheme’s website or from other websites and stay away from items which state ‘aggressive’, ‘don’t touch’ or ‘nervous’.

Do they have the yellow dog project in other countries?

In some countries, different colors may be used, such as orange or red, but the basic idea is the same. The initiative is designed to help prevent incidents of dog-on-dog or dog-on-human aggression and to promote responsible dog ownership.

Do all dog owners know what it means?

No. Unfortunately, not all owners know about the yellow dog scheme UK so be sure to spread the word on your social media accounts and websites if you can.

Even if they are aware they often think it’s only for aggressive dogs, which it isn’t. It’s also not just to keep other dogs away, it’s used to keep people away too, although non-dog owners can be forgiven for not realising.

As a professional dog walker, you may wish to consider utilising a yellow lead or jacket to help other walkers know that you’re walking a ‘yellow dog’.
You can find a range of yellow attire both on the Yellow dog scheme website and on Amazon.

Are there any other methods to indicate that my dog needs space?

Yes, there are other methods that you can use to indicate that your dog needs space or should not be approached. While the Yellow Dog Project has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, it is not the only way to communicate your dog’s needs to others. Here are some other methods you can try:

1. “In training” vest or patch: If your dog is still in training or learning to be comfortable around other dogs or people, you can use a vest or patch that says “In Training” or “Please Don’t Pet” to indicate that your dog needs space.
2. “Do not pet” or “Caution” signs: You can place a sign or sticker on your dog’s leash or harness that says “Do Not Pet” or “Caution” to let others know that your dog needs space.
3. Colored leash or harness: You can use a colored leash or harness that is different from the standard black or brown to indicate that your dog needs space. For example, a bright red leash or harness can signal that your dog is not dog-friendly.
4. Muzzle: If your dog is prone to aggressive behavior or has a history of biting, you may want to consider using a muzzle to prevent incidents.

Remember, no matter what method you use to communicate your dog’s needs to others, it’s important to continue training and socializing your dog to become more comfortable around other dogs and people. A qualified dog trainer or behaviorist can provide guidance and support to help you and your dog overcome any issues or challenges.