Yellow gear often means a dog needs extra space because it may be anxious, recovering, or still in training, while red usually signals a working dog that should never be distracted, and some organizations also use green, orange, or purple for special training or therapy roles.

Although these colors are not officially standardized everywhere, they have become widely recognized as helpful visual signals, and the safest approach is always to avoid petting, calling, or distracting a working dog unless the handler clearly gives permission.

Respecting these simple color cues helps protect years of training, keeps handlers safe, and reminds us that behind every working dog is a partnership built on trust, responsibility, and life-changing support.