What would you think if you saw this dog?

[Tailbetweenlegs]

I’ve bought my dog a bright yellow harness and lead that say I NEED SPACE and NERVOUS in big letters. I got it because he’s a nervous rescue and doesn’t like strange dogs approaching, and can be nervous of people getting too close/if they startle him (he barked and snapped at a woman the other week who I didn’t see come running behind me which prompted me to buy this).
We’re working with a trainer and he’s improved a bit but I think there will always be a management aspect to his behaviour (fairly sure he’s not bitten anyone in his history, not let off the lead, he’s never around children so I don’t think he’s a danger to anyone).

I walked him in his new outfit today and a man rolled his eyes and dramatically jumped out of the way, a woman stopped me to ask if he was nervous (really!) and a woman with a dog walked right past with her dog staring at mine. I normally walk in quiet places, this was just a quick trip round the block and happened to be busier than normal.

So should I not bother with an I NEED SPACE lead/harness. I’m interested to hear how it comes across and what you’d think if you saw a dog in this/if you’d notice. I just mean it as a warning so people give us a bit of a wide berth so they aren’t startled if they get barked at by quite a big dog. I don’t expect people to go massively out of their way to avoid us (he’s on a short lead anyway) but I’m worried it comes across as passive aggressive or will invite attention which is the opposite of what I want. Dog people and dog haters (I know there’s a lot on here) what would you think?

[MrsFlinch]

Im not a dog owner so never would approach a dog without permission anyway. But wasn’t familiar to the colour code until son and Dil explained it to me. They have a rescue dog, she is nervous and reactive to being approached. They have a coloured harness and lead but people just ignore it.
Like a pp poster stated others will often let their dog approach whilst stating it’s ok its friendly or the just want to say hello. That’s fine if your dog Is happy to be approached, sons dog isn’t!
Some that are familiar with the dog now, show respect and don’t approach but others largely ignore!

Son and Dil now soft muzzle her and try to avoid other dog owners as much as possible. She is an old dog and just wants to walk in peace!

[Bayleaf25]

I think I would also assume service dog until I was pretty close to you, in which case probably assume you would move if you saw someone coming who hadn’t noticed/wasn’t going to move.

I’ve actually got a bright orange lead/collar (not harness) for my dog as it is high vis so useful for nighttime visibility.

[Iwonder08]

You need to muzzle the dog and perhaps avoid crowds rather than expect people to make an effort ofr you

[SleepingStandingUp]

I guess it depends how close I have to get to see it. With DS we'd have spotted you far away and I'd have crossed over already because he's incredibly uncomfortable around even well behaved dogs on leads. With the pushchair I wouldn't think to cross over as they're not scared but if o could see a lead saying they needed lots of space I'd probably stop and let you by if it was too late to cross

[vivainsomnia]

I think it's a great idea.

Much easier to deal with the situation knowing the dog is anxious getting close. Saves the awkwardness.

It makes it a lot easier to owners of 'friendly' dogs to ensure they don't get anywhere close.

[OldTurtleNewShell]

@youngandbroken

I would be more comfortable seeing a dog with a harness like that than I am with the owners who allow their dogs to simply run up to whoever and think shouting "it's OK they're friendly" makes that OK! The harness shows that a) you are being a responsible dog owner and b) means that people can see to give the dog space! I don't think its fair to muzzle a dog that has never bitten anyone and is just nervous..

Yes, this. DS is very nervous of dogs and I can't count the number of dogs who've come barrelling up to him while the owner shouts that its fine.
If I were to see OP, I'd think 'responsible dog owner', keep my distance and not much else.

[Doublestar]

I'd think "that dog should be wearing a muzzle - it is not MY responsibility to have to jump out of the way of YOUR nervous dog". It comes across as a bit passive aggressive ie "MAKE WAY FOR MY NERVOUS DOG - IF HE BITES YOU OR YOUR CHILD I WONT BE HELD RESPONSIBLE!!"

Sorry!

[GlassOnTheLawn]

Mine has a red harness saying ‘in training, dog-reactive’ but people don’t often see the harness (or their dog is too far away!) My dog will bark and lunge if he feels threatened by an off lead dog. It really irritates me that so many people let them off before they’ve been trained not to approach on lead dogs, or they won’t recall, or the owner is 3 fields away oblivious.

Lots of kids like to interact with my dog and I don’t mind as he’s well socialised with kids and loves human attention. I warn them he’s still young and in training and might lick them or be boisterous! But many kids still like to stroke and cuddle him or play tug of war with his toys. I think because he’s so big and fluffy? I’ve had him assessed by behaviouralists, he’s never shown any aggression to humans. But it worries me a bit the parents don’t see the ‘in training’ harness and think maybe that’s not a suitable dog for my kids to pet. Luckily he’s used to being grabbed and startled by children and the worst he does is lick too much. I’ve had a kid grab him unexpectedly from behind then drop an ice cream on his nose and he didn’t react other than greet the child with a slobber and eat the ice cream! Just pointing out kids are very unpredictable around dogs, they do startle them or grab with no warning, so if yours has ANY aggression towards humans you need a muzzle!

But it’s a different story if an off lead dog gets into his face and won’t leave. I’m constantly on high alert for off lead dogs and asking people to keep their dogs away.

[youngandbroken]

@OldTurtleNewShell my 2 year old DD is petrified of dogs (not sure why, the rest of us love animals) and she's been knocked over multiple times by big dogs who are just being friendly - great but my 2 year old doesn't know that and it just increases the fear.

[Doublestar]

Ps. I do agree though I have much more respect for you than irresponsible dog owners who let their pets run/jump up at me and also the twats who have them on extendable leads and dont bother to pull them out of my way in the park when they are stretched right across the pathway. I've also seen 2 dogs nearly ran over this week when running into the road on extendable leads - could've been really nasty, not just for the dog but the people driving.

[TheGenealogist]

I don't think "I need space" is explicit enough.

You need one saying "nervous dog" or "do not approach".

[Fairyflaps]

I would keep it. As a dog owner, my general rule is to keep my dog away from dogs on leads (unless we already know them and it is ok).
I've seen the yellow 'Nervous' harnesses and leads before - it's usually on rescue dogs in the case of dog owners I know - and it would encourage me to give an even wider berth.

[maneandfeathers]

I had a nervous aggressive dog that would have snapped if someone spooked her.

She was always muzzled. We tried a nervous harness but people (wannabe dog whisperers!) still touched her!!!

[muddyford]

I have yellow leads as they are more visible in low light and easy to find if dropped. I would not automatically presume that you had an issue with your dog. I think it is up to you to muzzle him if there is any doubt about his temperament. By trying to warn people off in this way, you would be legally liable if anyone got hurt as it could be shown that you knew there was a problem. It's the same with Beware of the Dog signs.

[Scattyhattie]

Perhaps the lady staring was just trying to read the text, sometimes that is the issue with these dog warning tabards too as it can draw those your wanting to avoid closer as people are nosey and want to read it.


Those recommended soft, fabric muzzles, these aren't kinder and should only be worn very briefly such as a vet or grooming visit. Basket/mesh muzzles such as the Baskerville are better for airflow and should be used for any exercise as dogs need to be able to open their mouths fully in order to pant to regulate temperature.

I've had random kids ambush us and grab dogs head, one ran past and whacked him with a stick and parents didn't even say anything. I would work on your dog accepting a muzzle if have to walk in places that risk people running past closely or idiots trying to stroke her. From my experience with newly retired greyhounds, muzzles have effect of people giving you a wider berth but those with offlead dogs aren't bothered so your best off just trying to walk in places with less dickhead dog owners about to limit the negative dog interactions so they can build up confidence.

[GlassOnTheLawn]

What would I think if I saw your dog with his coat? My first thought ‘I hope she/he can hold him’.

I didn’t know luminous yellow means nervous!

If I was with my dog-reactive dog I’d give you as much space as possible and make mine sit between my legs with his head held to one side. I’d expect you to also pass with as much space as possible.

If I was without dog and with DC I’d still give you a wide berth but I do that for any dog even if we have to detour around you into a quiet road. If the path was narrow or road busy I’d expect you to stop and hold your dog on a short lead while we pass. And I’d put myself between my DC and your dog.

But if DC were running or scootering ahead of me (eg on a path through the park) I’d expect you to keep your dog well away from them. Mine know not to run or scoot or shout near dogs but they’re very young and might not see you nearby or not see you in time.

[Happymum12345]

I would stay away from other dogs as much as possible. If dogs are having a run around off lead, they can’t read ‘nervous dog’ on a harness and may be want to play. Yes, the owner should make sure their dog doesn’t go near yours, but in reality it’s quite hard to manage in an open field of you haven’t yet seen the nervous dog.

[inappropriateraspberry]

I'd steer clear as I would think they could be dangerous.

[inappropriateraspberry]

I would also wonder why someone would take out a dog like this if they are so nervous/edgy/dangerous.

[Chiantina]

Not a dog person, had no idea red/yellow warning leads were a thing. If I saw a dog with the harness you describe I'd think it was a service animal and you were the one who was nervous and needed space. But the effect would be the same, as I'd give you a wide berth!

As PPs have said, a warning on a lead isn't going to help people who pass from behind you and may not even have seen you have a dog. You'll need to monitor your surroundings and take steps to keep others safe too.

[ravenmum]

@andweallsingalong

I think it's a good idea, but think there needs to be more awareness.

Round here I usually get a strange look for giving a wide berthed to dogs with yellow harnesses / leads / accessories only to be told they're perfectly friendly the owner just liked the colour / visibility and hadn't heard yellow = nervous / reactive.

I wish they'd do more luminous / bright colours for those who just like them.

Yes, I randomly had a yellow lead for a while and didn't realise what it meant at first. Joining a FB dog group has been really useful for learning about that sort of thing, but it would be good if it was mentioned on the packaging.

[theemmadilemma]

People are arseholes. But I agree with it being your job to move to the side, stop, redirect yourself - whatever we all the know tricks, not other peoples' job to avoid you as such. It's just letting them know why you're giving them a wide berth and not to approach, lead their dog etc.

A muzzle would garner you a lot more space from people if that's what you want. People will move themselves usually then.

[ladycarlotta]

I'm not a dog person but I know what the yellow harness indicates and I make sure to respect it when I see it. Some dogs are nervous and need some extra space - doesn't mean they don't get to have a walk or go to the park.

I'd also be grateful for the sort of indicator you are providing: my toddler is very interested in dogs and while I'm doing a lot of work with her re not approaching without permission, let dog sniff you first etc etc, a clearly signposted nervous dog would make it easier for me to cut her off at the pass and avoid a stressful situation.

[81Byerley]

I would think you're being sensible, and it's a warning that you can cite if someone's dog does get too close.

[TheHoundsofLove]

I’ve also got a nervous rescue dog. Tbh, I think you need to be prepared for the fact that people will let other dogs run up to you no matter what you do. Which is irritating. My dog’s always on a lead, but we quite regularly have an off lead dog appear almost as if out of nowhere. We’ve even had dogs jump out of gardens. We’re like a magnet!