Dog trainer's 'Yellow campaign'

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS AND VIDEO - If a dog is wearing something yellow, it does not mean it is mellow.

In fact, it is supposed to mean the opposite.

In some countries, it is known that if a dog is wearing a yellow bib, bandanna or ribbon or something yellow on its leash, the dog needs space. People should not rush up to the dog.

Hartenbos animal behaviour specialist, Steven Montgomery, would like to see certain canines wearing yellow in Mossel Bay and the whole of South Africa too. He wishes to make the practice known here.

Dogs could need space for the following reasons: they are untrained puppies; recovering from an operation; nervous or anxious; old, grumpy or senile; sick; or they are on heat.

Breeds such as Weimaraners are large, even as puppies, and extremely energetic and could jump up on people and harm them, especially children, if they are approached.

Warning signs
Montgomery says yellow markers are warning signs people can see from afar. "Often, by the time someone gets to the dog, even if the dog is on a leash, it is too late and the dog jumps at them or bites them."

If people see yellow, they know in advance to keep away.

Montgomery would be extremely happy if owners of puppies in training or dogs with certain conditions, let people know they need space by putting something yellow on their dogs or their leash. Dog owners also can wear something yellow.

PHOTO GALLERY: Dog trainer wants 'yellow campaign'

Montgomery gives dog training classes and informs his clients with puppies in training or dogs with anxiety problems that they should not let people approach them.

He gives his clients "public work" to do with their dogs. This could entail walking in a public space, but a way off from other people and dogs, or sitting on a bench a fair distance from people so the dog can see other people and dogs and become used to them, but not be among them. It is a case of gradual socialisation. Montgomery points out that dogs can be overwhelmed or overexcited if they are forced into social situations too soon.

Law
He complains: "By law you may not walk your dog in a public space without a leash, but in Mossel Bay people think it is acceptable." People should not break the law, because unleashed dogs rush up to other people and dogs and cause problems, he stresses.

He also points out: "People suddenly rush up to dogs which are on leashes and try to touch them and this is when the dog jumps at them or bites them. Sometimes dogs tolerate this several times, but eventually they snap under pressure and bite someone.

"In 75% of cases it is small breeds that bite people." People attracted to the dogs' "cuteness" rush to them, speaking in a high pitch, and touch the dogs and the dogs bite, he says.

Montgomery has trained dogs in the Mossel Bay area for several years. Clients even come from out of town, such as from George, for his classes. Mossel Bay Advertiser has previously reported on his successes, including with rescue dogs and extremely problematic dogs. His clients give rave reviews. See Whispering with Dogs Steven Montgomery on Facebook.