If you see a dog wearing blue gear like a vest or leash, it could indicate that the dog is a service animal or in training, rather than just a fashion choice. Blue is commonly used to signal a working dog, particularly those assisting individuals with disabilities. These dogs should not be distracted, as they are performing important tasks. While there’s no universal color code, blue often suggests a dog has a special role. Therapy dogs and puppies in training may also wear blue, though therapy animals don’t have the same public access rights as service dogs.

Other gear colors can also offer helpful cues. Yellow usually means the dog needs space, red typically signals “Do Not Pet” or denotes a working dog, and green often indicates a friendly service dog or one in training. However, it’s important to note that not all color-coded gear follows official guidelines, and sometimes a color choice is simply the owner’s preference. Understanding these visual cues helps ensure we respect the roles of working dogs and avoid interfering with their duties.