I would say I personally pass about 50 dogs a week while walking. If only ONE of them gives me some breathing room (before I take my own action), why isn't that worth it?

I'm not saying it's a cure-all, I just don't understand the opposition (considering the small amount of effort needed on my part).

In addition, it just seems like it could build some camaraderie. Say I pass a dog with a YR, and we are on opposite sides of the street. We each see the respective ribbons, and give each other a silent nod, understanding and respecting each other. It's simply an easy form of reciprocal altruism.

 Quote: Tammy Moore

There is a very large # of people that ignore
"Service Dog" "Do not Pet," "No", how is this yellow ribbon different?

A very large percentage. Not 100%. Do you think those vests are pointless too?

 Quote: Tresa Hendrix

Funny, people are supposed to pay attention to a yellow ribbon...I mean isn't the actual dog more of a cue for uncommon sense?

No, it isn't. My point is that in many areas, people APPROACH dogs, it's common and acceptable in many circles. In fact, MANY people have doggy play-dates, bring their dog to doggy daycare, and go to dog parks DAILY. These people aren't ignorant (per se), they simply have a different knowledge base and perspective.

The yellow ribbon asks for space that should already be given.

By setting aside "dogs that need space" as a separate group it reinforces that allowing their dog to barrel up to a strange dog without a ribbon is okay. I'd like to see a campaign that is trying to actually educate dog owners rather than giving them permission to let their dogs run amok if the other dog owner hasn't gone out of their way to say otherwise.

Exactly.

I prefer the method where the people walking dogs on my street learn I'm an ******* and stay out of my way.
I've actually had a person walking her dog (flexi-lead) and the dog was coming down the middle of MY front yard. I had my two GSDs and my JRT on a down stay and she actually asked me to leash my dogs.
I simply said "No mam"! "This is my yard and your little dog might get eaten if you don't pull him back".
My GSDs didn't even pay much attention to it but my JRT was chomping at the bit for a release....cause I'm a nice old granpa now!

 Quote: Cathy Goessman

The yellow ribbon asks for space that should already be given.

By setting aside "dogs that need space" as a separate group it reinforces that allowing their dog to barrel up to a strange dog without a ribbon is okay. I'd like to see a campaign that is trying to actually educate dog owners rather than giving them permission to let their dogs run amok if the other dog owner hasn't gone out of their way to say otherwise.

John, I understand what you are saying, but my dogs are not aggressive or reactive. I don't feel I should need to attach something to imply they are to keep the public and off leash dogs away. I like my space.

My friend was sued when a man just bent down to touch her Basset Hound, a very friendly dog. In his own clumsiness and awkwardness, he fell, blamed the dog, he won, anything can happen. I am for what Cathy posted.

If it works for you that's great.

Quote
My friend was sued when a man just bent down to touch her Basset Hound, a very friendly dog. In his own clumsiness and awkwardness, he fell, blamed the dog, he won, anything can happen.

He fell over a dog and successfully sued the owner?? in the spirit of no swearing, What the deuce???

Clearly the default should be to keep a respectful distance from a dog NOT the opposite meet and greet crap. The hell with a gay ribbon...they should ASK if its ok!!!!

 Quote: Tresa Hendrix

Clearly the default should be to keep a respectful distance from a dog NOT the opposite meet and greet crap. The hell with a gay ribbon...they should ASK if its ok!!!!

Can I use a ribbon if I still like Football? What if I just like how it accessorizes the rest of my ensemble? Would that be ok?

Good afternoon John,

Idealistic. I hope so. The trick is not to be overcome by the real world, I think.

One thing I do not engage in is 'wishing people will be responsible' because I view people generally along the lines of 'I don't expect much from people and am seldom disappointed.'

I understand advocacy, and I suppose an outward and visible sign can be helpful, such as a ribbon. But in my narrowly defined universe, I don't care about a ribbon or a sign or a vest or whatever. A dog is a dog is a dog. Experience has reinforced, in me, a belief that people will do the darnedest things, and that no amount of rational thought and expectation will deter an idiot from behaving so.

My common areas are defined by a five or so foot radius, within which I walk with my mutts. Inside that radius, an obnoxious dog could have a bad outcome, though it is up to me to manage my mutts. If I can't cross the street, I simply sit my dogs and position myself between them and a potential problem. I am responsible for my dogs well being.

Then too, I have zero problem communicating my concerns, and not in the spirit of negotiation. My dogs, my responsibilities, my problems. I do not make it a practice of shrinking from dealing with problems directly. I am not looking for new friends. Occasionally one accidentally discovers common interests and acquaintance is achieved. When it comes to dog people, I am picky.

I understand your points John. It is just that I don't care to hang a ribbon, flag, kerchief or whatever outward and visible sign on my mutts to alert another person with a dog to manage their dog.

Idealistic. Yeah, I can live with that. But then, I do not suffer idiots with dogs gladly. Actually, I don't suffer idiots gladly. I see a dog. I look to the person. If the alarm bells go off, I cross the street or sit my mutts. I take control of that which I can control. And I am fully prepared to protect my mutts. It really is that simple. There is no idealism in my intention.