If you notice a yellow ribbon tied to a dog’s collar or leash while out walking, it is not a decoration and it is not a warning that the dog is aggressive.

The yellow ribbon is the widely recognized signal of the Yellow Dog Project, an awareness effort created so owners can quietly communicate that their dog may need extra space, patience, or distance during public interactions. Every dog is different. Some feel uncomfortable with sudden approaches, crowded sidewalks, unfamiliar people, or other animals. The ribbon allows the owner to share that information without having to stop and explain the situation to every passerby.

There are many reasons a dog might wear a yellow ribbon. Some are still learning new behaviors through training and are not yet ready for close contact. Others are adjusting after adoption or a major change in their home environment and may startle easily. Older dogs can experience age-related stiffness or sensory changes that make unexpected touch uncomfortable.