By Gail Marsh
There has been a lot of chatter on our RVing with Dogs Facebook group lately concerning dogs in campgrounds. In particular, dog owners are concerned about how other campers approach them as they walk their dogs.
Some examples
Chris lamented, “I keep my dog on a leash. Always. I just wish other RVers would control their kids. I’m not saying kids should be leashed, but … My dog doesn’t appreciate when little ones rush at them, running full speed. They [children] always squeal in excitement and reach out to pet my Yorkie’s head. She’s a good dog, but she really doesn’t like it when approached like this by a person she doesn’t know.”
Art commented, “I know people mean well, but I really do NOT appreciate strangers offering treats to my pup. She’s on a special diet for a health issue. Stop with the treats already!”
“My Macy is blind and almost deaf,” Margo explained. “She relies on her sense of smell but is sometimes spooked by a stranger’s approach. Her life is difficult enough without other people invading her space.”
The issue
The issue seems clear. Not all dogs (or their owners) want other campers (big or small) near their pets. Some dogs can be reactive, shy, or just skittish. They may misinterpret a well-meaning camper’s action as threatening. In response, a dog may bark, lunge, or even snap when approached by strangers. No one wants that to happen!
Simple solution
There is a way to know how a dog might respond to interaction. Dog collars and leashes do more than keep our pets safe—they can also signal how comfortable a dog is with strangers, if they have special needs, or how they might react in social situations, especially with children or other animals.
If you’re a dog owner, using a color-coded collar, bandana, or leash can be a great way to communicate your dog’s temperament to others. On the flip side, knowing what these colors mean can help you avoid potential issues when you come across dogs on your walk.
Good idea
Here is a breakdown of the color code for dogs.
By using this simple idea, both adults and young children know at a glance whether to approach or steer clear of a dog and his owner.
The color code idea is one that very young campers will recognize or can easily learn.
The color system would help owners of reactive or skittish pups, too. Easy-going dogs would still get loved on. It seems like a win-win!
Your thoughts
What do you think about the color code collar idea for dogs? Let me know in the comments below.
##RVT1174
Come on. Non-dog owners are never going to learn this color scheme and what about people with color-deficient vision. Just verbally explain to someone as they approach your dog what is okay or not. Or, maybe your dog will with a good growl.
Larry, I agree. This is never going to be a standard that dog owners would consistently employ, much less one others that approach strange dogs will universally understand.
Here’s an idea…parents, teach your children one simple rule: NEVER approach a dog without first asking permission of the owner! No color coding to remember, just one common sense rule (that adults should also learn.)
99.9% of people will have no idea of the meaning of the colors, unfortunately. We need to speak up and be the advocate for our dogs, even at the risk of sounding rude. Sad, but true…
I don’t agree with this fad. I think it can be misleading and possibly dangerous to dogs and people. One of my dogs has a green leash because I liked the color, but she does NOT like other dogs. I have a Beagle who has a blue leash because that was the only color they had when I needed one.
Dog People should also keep the leash line short when they stake their dogs out. When I walk my dog around the park, I have often had dogs from a campsite run up to me and my dog in the middle of the street. And some of them are being very aggressive because I “invaded” their terrritory. My small dog is also traumatized by the dog and the attack.
We have two Great Pyrenees. The breed must be socialized, but when they are, they are terrific. My 6 year old girl was hiking with me when a teen with Downs came running up, his family yelling at him to stop. I know, her size can be intimidating. But she loves kids, I took care to take her out in our cul-de-sac as a puppy to play with the kids that were out there – noisy, throwing things, playing street hockey. So the teen came up and petted her and she loved it. Our boy is 3, and despite growing up in Covid time, he went to a boarding place that was family run, their kids played with the dogs. He’s even friendlier than our girl. It takes training, but I love that I can take my dogs out.
Has nothing to do with this article.
Hmmm. It’s about dogs and their temperaments. Sounds like what the article is about to me, and I thought it was interesting. Have a good day, Gary. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
I think most dog owners buy the color they like and don’t consider this “color code” which must be a fairly new idea.
I’m active in the dog world, and while a yellow scarf is well known there, I have never seen this many codes and the public will never understand them. Much better to get a vest for your walk, many come with labels: blind dog, do not pet, in training, etc.
Quick, what does purple mean? Yea, you had to go look didn’t you.
Seems people nowadays are all about making rules that they think everybody else should know and obey. Ridiculous. I have three dogs one has a black harness one has a red and black harness and one has a red harness. Sometimes one dog will wear another’s harness just because it was handy. And they have several different colors of leashes some of which (like the black harnesses) aren’t even on this chart. Life happens. Just deal with it.
Thank you, Gail! 🙂 No, never heard of such. DW buys “patriotic” collars and leashes. That is, they are the colors worn by Auburn University’s athletic teams. Dog #3 has daycare tomorrow. I will ask the staff if they have heard of this color-code system. Thanks again, have a great week, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
Auburn? Auburn?? C’mon Neal..bark, bark!😁
That was in regards to the dog column, not about the Tigers.. Roar!
Yes, ’twas Auburn where we met, Bill. She had a class that met right after the one that I was teaching. I just figured you’d gone to Cal and were demonstrating happiness with the outcome of last week’s football game. 😉 Have a great week, Bill, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
I actually thought you might be a Tennessee or Tennessee St. fan. I know you like to tailgate.
I’m a professional dog show handler and this is definitely NOT a thing known nor practiced by the vast majority.
Instead of color coded stuff instead train your pets. If they’re reactive to dog or humans train them to be comfortable in a safe cage muzzle. This keeps everyone safe . Also do be an advocate for your pet always. I Will use my stern dog trainer voice of DO NOT RUN if kids are running up to the dogs. I then kindly explain why a dog may become afraid and lunge or bite if they do run up to the dog. We talk about asking to pet and I always let them pet one of my solid dogs after.
My wife will fight to keep the pink collar, leash and bow on her little princess.