What's The Yellow Dog Project?



The Yellow Dog Project is a safety and awareness movement that I strongly support.  Many of us have or know a dog that needs more space when walking. Many dogs react with howls and lunges when their personal space is invaded. The Fight Flight or Freeze Response is activated when a dog feels threatened or restrained. These dogs need to be given space and should not be suddenly approached.

Imagine walking on a scary dark street, after seeing a spooky movie. As you walk to your car, a stranger in a hooded sweatshirt walks quickly by, accidently bumping your arm. You react! You may freeze in a panic, you may lash out and land a defensive punch to the stranger's arm, you may sceam, you may accidently step into the street while fleeing the sidewalk. Whether you fight, flee or freeze depends on the situation and your past experiences. People with different emotional makeups may react in ways that come naturally.

One thing that nobody does in a split second is to think rationally and act in a calm manner. Neither do dogs in these situations. Reactions of dogs and humans to threats may be especially over the top when events prior to a frightening encounter have been stressful or frustrating. 

The sympathetic nervous system is activated in times that we are stressed and frightened.

Sometimes very happy events trigger emotions. Crying at a wedding is one example. 

 

When you see a dog with a yellow ribbon on his/her leash: make extra space and please don't approach or move in an erratic manner. This dog may be unable to respond rationally to her surroundings. There are many reasons illness, fearful temperment, history, feeling vulnerable for any reason. The Sympathetic Nervous System is largely hard-wired before birth and in the first few weeks of life.

If you own or know a reactive dog, there is help. Please contact me, or your vet or another certified trainer for help. 

 www.The Yellow Dog Project