It’s important to respect your dog's boundaries, and to communicate these boundaries to others says Animal Control Officer Damian Nunns from the Council’s dog squad.
“Decreased interactions with others during the COVID-19 lockdowns meant that dogs were often separated from other dogs and people.
“This reduced interaction, mixed with an inconsistent routine, has contributed to some dogs feeling anxious and fearful of others, and we know when dogs are scared they can lash out.
“The yellow ribbon doesn’t mean the dog is classed as aggressive, those dogs are already required to wear a muzzle – it’s just giving them some room to breathe.”
Find a ribbon in Wellington Yellow, tie it to your dog’s leash/collar/bandana and lead the way.
If a dog is showing concerning signs of anxiety, seeking out training is a good way to help them feel more secure in stressful situations. Getting your dog trained is another way to ensure that your dog behaves well around their doggy friends and their owners.
For more information about the Yellow Ribbon campaign and for responsible dog owner info, visit wellington.govt.nz/dogs or contact: Dogs@wcc.govt.nz