In many dog training and rescue communities, red collars (or red leashes) are often used as a visual signal to others that a dog needs space—typically because the dog may be reactive, aggressive, fearful, or undergoing behavioral training. The idea is to warn people not to approach or allow their dogs to interact without permission.

So when the woman at the store said, “Only dogs that actually need a red collar should buy them,” she was likely referring to this unspoken code. It wasn’t just a color preference—it carried a message.

That’s why your roommate reacted too. In some circles, using a red collar on a friendly or non-reactive dog might cause confusion—or even be seen as disrespectful, especially if someone avoids your dog unnecessarily or misjudges its temperament.
Here’s a breakdown of what different collar/leash colors can imply (though it’s not universal):

So what should you do?

If your dog, Pecan, is friendly and non-reactive, you can still use the red collar—there’s no law against it—but just know it might send the wrong signal to people who recognize that color code. If you just liked the look, maybe consider a similar shade that doesn’t imply a warning