We explain the meanings behind different colour pet bandanas
Have you ever been walking along with your pooch at the park, and then looked around and noticed a few dogs wearing different coloured bandanas? This may have prompted you to wonder, “wait a minute, why do dogs wear bandanas?”
Well, if your little Bruno a little biter when it comes to other people trying to pet him, or maybe your Lily is in training to be a service dog – these bandanas can be a great way for you to let other dog owners in public spaces know this without explicitly having to tell them.
What you might not have known is that there is a colour-coded system in place that dog owners can use to tell other people about certain behavioural issues their precious pooch may have.
Even if your fur baby doesn’t necessarily have any behaviour issues, it is still important to be aware of the different colours so that you can detect any potential issues with other dogs you come across in the park when going for your stroll with your bestie.
Why do dogs wear bandanas?
Basically, the colour-coded collar system gives dogs a voice to let strangers know what their personality is like before getting too close. Making a walk in the park, a walk in the park – if you catch our drift.
Related: Top 5 Dog Parks Johannesburg (for getting out and about this spring!)
The best part is that the colour collar system isn’t only for dogs with behavioural issues. You can also get collars that mean your doggie is blind or that he is really very friendly. It’s a great system and something that all pet owners should make use of in public spaces with their precious pooches.
Owners can either buy a collar for the specific colour suited to their pawfect pet or head over to sites such as Billabone and order collars, leashes and even t-shirts for yourself that have large writing on them that clearly states the temperament of the dog.
The bandana colour system
- Red – caution (this doggie needs some space)
- Orange – no dogs (this doggie only likes people and doesn’t do well with other dogs)
- Green – friendly (this doggie loves meeting new friends)
- White – deaf/blind (this doggie can’t hear you or he can’t see you)
- Bright yellow – adoption (this precious pup is looking for a loving home)
- Light yellow – nervous (this doggie needs some space)
- Blue – training/service (this doggie is not playing games, he is in training)
- Purple – do not feed (please don’t feed this doggie)
You will often find that light yellow collars, leashes, bandanas or ribbons tied to collars are commonly seen in parks – keep in mind that these dogs need some extra space. They are not really angry dogs, just a bit uncomfortable or nervous when they are around strangers.
They might also be recovering from surgery and be in pain, or they are just not fully trained. You might also see a few red ribbons which tells you that the dog is aggressive – so stay clear!
Read this: 7 Ways to Exercise with Your Dog
Keep in mind that you should always ask!
You need to always remember to ask to touch another person’s dog – even if they are wearing a green collar. The colour collar system is a great one for all pet owners to make use of as it ensures that all dogs and owners can play happily together in public spaces.
What to do if things go wrong
Of course, if you precious pooch is ever in any trouble and gets bitten by another dog and needs a visit to the vet, make sure you are covered with pet insurance so great you could cuddle it.
Here’s what makes Oneplan Pet Insurance (that’s us) the pet insurance your pet loves:
- Get paid BEFORE you see the vet on your Oneplan Claim Card in 1 minute
- Visit any vet of your choice (because we know how important that bond is)
- Up to 25% DISCOUNT in the Onepet Online Pet Store for the LIFETIME of your policy
- Pay ZERO excess with our Excess Buster Add on from only R25pm per pet
Discover: The Onepet Store: How Oneplan Pet Parents can get their premium back in savings
Our Oneplan app lets you access your cover and information or chat to one of our friendly staff members all from the palm of your hand. Can we get a woof woof?!
Your Pet Insurance Family,
Oneplan
