Yellow Dog Project: Giving dogs space

Since dogs can't speak for themselves, they have to rely on their owners.

That's why the Yellow Dog Project is trying to give a voice to pups from around the world.

"I think a lot of people have the understanding that dogs are social creatures, and there's a lot of them that don't want to have that interaction," said Kourtni Winischke, who loves taking her English bulldog on long walks, but they usually get a little more attention then they'd like.

"I think she gets overwhelmed with people she just freaks out and doesn't really know what to do," explained Kourtni.

But a new program called the Yellow Dog Project is aims to give dogs and owners who need it more of a buffer.

Whether they're training, recovering from surgery or simply not social.

Veterinarian Bob Marquis said, "If you see a dog with a yellow ribbon or something tied to its leash, you should give that dog a little space."

The project began in Sweden last year, and has quickly expanded to more countries like Norway, Germany, Italy, Canada and the U.S.

"It's a great idea it's a really powerful way of telling people to stay your distance," said Marquis.

The yellow ribbon symbolizes a warning to others.

Marquis said, Places like dog parks where you're going to come into contact with other dogs that may have issues, it just makes it a lot safer and a better understanding amongst dog owners. It's slowly catching on, dog owners are picking up on it, and it's one of those things that as it picks up more and more momentum, more people will realize it."

Kourtni hopes dog owners in Mesa County will hear about the project, and not just for the sake of her dog.

"It's really hard when they don't ask to pet her, they just assume it's okay, and you have to pull them away really quick and it's really scary,” said Kourtni.

A scary situation that may soon be experienced less frequently, all because of a simple yellow ribbon.