Seeing a dog wearing blue gear like a vest, leash, or bandana might seem like a fashion choice, but it often signals something more important.

Blue is commonly used to identify service dogs or dogs in training, though it’s not legally standardized. Service dogs assist people with disabilities, performing tasks like guiding the blind or detecting medical issues.

If you see a calm, focused dog in blue, it’s best not to pet or distract them. Therapy dogs, who comfort people in places like hospitals, may also wear blue, but they don’t have the same public access rights.

Dogs in training often wear blue gear to signal they’re learning, similar to a “Student Driver” sign.

However, some pet owners simply choose blue for its aesthetic appeal. Understanding gear colors helps promote respectful interaction with working dogs. Other colors can also carry meaning: yellow often means a dog needs space, red might signal “Do Not Pet,” and green may indicate a friendly or in-training dog. So, next time you see a dog in blue, consider the context—it might be on a job, or just looking good.