Never Touch a Dog Wearing a Red Collar in Michigan

We get it; it's nearly impossible to walk by a dog without wanting to shower it with affection and pet it. However, not every dog owner wants you touching their furry friends, and sometimes the dog feels the same way.

Did you know that the color of a dog’s collar can indicate its behavior, mood, or health? If this is new to you, trust me, you're not the only one.

Before we get to the meaning behind color-coded dog leashes and collars, it's important to remember that you should never approach someone's dog without their permission. We should also point out that the following isn't considered official dog law; in fact, many people may not even know that these colors are associated with a dog’s behavior, mood, or health.

The number one dog collar color you should be aware of is red. If you see a dog wearing a red collar, it generally means they want to be left alone and need their space. In short, red means CAUTION.

According to Pet Plus, the following colors are associated with a dog's behavior, mood, or health.

• Red - Caution: "I just want some space"
• Green - Friendly: "I like meeting new friends"
• Bright Yellow - Adoption: "I'm looking for a home"
• Blue - Training/Service: "I'm learning new things / I'm for work, not play"
• Orange - No Dogs: "I like people, just not dogs"
• White - Deaf/Blind: "I can't hear you, I'm deaf / I can't see you, I'm blind"
• Light Yellow - Nervous: "Give me some space, I'm nervous"
• Purple - Do Not Feed: "Please do not feed me"

These color-coded collar rules, which I believe originated in Canada, have been slowly making their way into Michigan. They help you quickly understand what a dog might need or prefer. But remember, these color codes aren’t official rules and can vary from place to place or person to person.