Abstract:
Method and apparatus for communicating to a person handling a dog the behavioral temperament of an approaching dog using color coded material, each color representing a different temperament of the approaching dog.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a method for a first dog handler to provide a visual warning to a second dog handler regarding the current disposition or temperament of a dog being handled by the first dog handler. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    It is not uncommon for a dog handler walking his/her dog in an area where other dogs may congregate, to have the dog interact with another dog in various ways such as barking, biting, or the like. In this regard, dog handlers typically have no way of inquiring of their fellow dog handlers before the dogs meet as to whether the meeting is appropriate. Instead, the dogs get close and then act in one or more of the ways noted hereinabove. 
         [0005]    What is thus desired is to provide a method and apparatus for communicating to dog handlers whether the disposition of an approaching dog is such that a meeting would be appropriate. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The present invention provides color coded dog markers of various shapes that are designed to provide advance notice to dog handlers about the disposition of an approaching dog. In particular, the present invention is a broadcast system for a dog handler that proactively communicates to another dog handler as to whether the dogs should meet. 
         [0007]    The proactive dog handler secures a color coded material, such as cloth around the neck of the dog, the cloth being sized so that it is visible to oncoming dog handlers. The clothing may be a bandana stretched to spread across the dog&#39;s upper back for purposes of visibility. The material could be worn by a dog all day or secured when the dog is to be taken for a walk or run. 
         [0008]    The material preferably is color coded as follows: 
         [0009]    1. Green: Green means that the dog is generally friendly with others and that this is a good opportunity to let the dogs meet. 
         [0010]    2. Orange: Orange means that the dog might be interested in meeting but the handler&#39;s should talk first and use caution. 
         [0011]    3. Red: Red means that the dog is generally not welcoming of other dogs. 
         [0012]    An alternate technique is to provide matching collars that light up at night (with the appropriate color) and a purple color version for puppies under 4 months who have not yet received their shots. 
     
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]    For a better understanding of the present invention as well as other objects and further features thereof, reference is made to the following description which is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing therein: 
           [0014]      FIGS. 1(   a )- 1 ( f ) show different shapes of a color coded material for illustrating the current disposition of a dog; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  illustrates a first embodiment for attaching a color coded material to a dog collar; 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  illustrates a second embodiment for attaching a color coded material to a dog collar; and 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  illustrates the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3  attached to the neck of a dog. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0018]      FIGS. 1(   a )- 1 ( f ) illustrate various shaped materials that exemplify the type of communicating device attached to dog  10  as contemplated by the present invention. In particular,  FIG. 1(   a ) shows a bandana shaped device  12  attached to dog collar  14 ,  FIG. 1(   b ) shows a square shaped device  16  attached to collar  14 ,  FIG. 1(   c ) shows a triangular shaped device  18  attached to collar  14  (not shown),  FIG. 1(   d ) shows a rectangular shaped device  20  attached to collar  14  (not shown),  FIG. 1(   e ) shows a rectangular shaped device  22  attached to dog  10  via straps  24  and  26 , and  FIG. 1(   f ) shows device  28  formed as a pendant attached to leash  30 , leash  30  in turn being coupled to dog collar  14 . 
         [0019]    The devices are preferably coded as follows: 
         [0020]    1. Green: Green means that the dog is generally friendly with others and that this is a good opportunity to let the dogs meet. 
         [0021]    2. Orange: Orange means that the dog might be interested in meeting but the handlers should talk first and use caution. 
         [0022]    3. Red: Red means that the dog is generally not welcoming of other dogs. 
         [0023]    In order to illustrate how a communication device is coupled to a dog,  FIG. 2  shows one way to couple the device  12  shown in  FIG. 1(   a ) to dog collar  14 . In particular, a Velcro loop and hook connection system  40  is attached to opposite inner surfaces of the device in a manner such that the bandana surrounds collar  14 . 
         [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates an alternate way to connect device  12  to dog collar  14 . In particular, a set of snap button receptacles  42  are formed on the outer surface of dog collar  14  and corresponding snap buttons  44  are formed on the interior surface of device  12 . 
         [0025]      FIG. 4  shows device  12  secured on dog  10  using the connection system shown in  FIG. 3 . 
         [0026]    The method of the present invention works as follows: 
         [0027]    1. The dog handler determines as accurately as possible the temperament of the dog prior to leaving the dog enclosure; 
         [0028]    2. The dog handler selects, from a series of three devices, one of which is in the color green, the second in orange and the third in red, the appropriate color; and 
         [0029]    3. The selected color coded device is then attached to the dog. 
         [0030]    The three color coded devices can be sold as a set; if the device being sold is as shown in  FIG. 3 , the modified dog collar can be included in the set. The packaging for the set provides the dog handler directions for determining what color coded device is appropriate for what temperament/disposition. In addition, graphics can be utilized on the color coded devices themselves which includes the specific use message for that color. 
         [0031]    While the invention has been described with reference to its preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential teachings.