My Anxious Dog UK

My Anxious Dog UK Introducing an award winning range of yellow leads & harnesses for our anxious and reactive dogs. Was this another sign I should have picked up on? Thank you

Creator of the national awareness day on 20th March My experience with my own anxious dog, Bella
I have had dogs all my life and got a beautiful puppy in 2012, a Cocker Spaniel called Bella . I was so proud to take her to the vets for puppy socialisation class but she wasn't very interested, she mainly sat under my chair while a beagle pup caused havoc. She was brilliant at being tra

ined and in our puppy class we even won the award for "Best dog in class". However as we progressed in our class I noticed Bella completely fixating on me, hardly looking around the hall and if we were sat next to a dog that was playful or had no manners Bella would tell them off. "Serves you right" the owners would say "You need to be put in you place." Never once did the instructors say to me that Bella was anxious. I didn't know, I only had 2 other dogs in the past which were opposites to Bella, confident and pleased to be around everyone. However as we progressed in the levels of class Bella struggled with the "Stay" when I walked out of the room from her. Could I have done things differently if I understood my puppy's personality? We tried flyball in the summer of 2013, I saw an advert for lesson to learn the basics of flyball. It sounded fun and she was good, a great way to increase our bonding. Unfortunately Bella was attacked, a dog came flying from across the park and took Bella off her feet from the side. It sounded hurrrendous and this was the start of her becoming fearful to other dogs. I didn't know this at the time but looking back should I have done something different? Could I have helped her? From this her fear of being touched started. Looking back I think she was possibly bruised and when she was touched it was tender and sore. This was the start of her fear of people touching her. Next, Bella started growling at people
I phoned my dog trainer that I had done all my classes with when she first started growling at people, I was in tears I felt awful. She told me about using a yellow ribbon on her lead as it meant that she needed space.but I found people didn't know what this meant, so dogs still came bounding over and upsetting her. So I decided to develop and test my own range of yellow products and created a range of high quality leads and padded harnesses. I wanted a product that would suit Bella's needs and help other dog owners the understand her. When Bella wore the My Anxious Dog products, things started to change
Finally, people were starting to recognise she needed space, the KEEP AWAY on the yellow helped get the message over. I found it such a massive help and it made me feel so much calmer when out in public too. I did go through a stage of embarrassment, it felt like having a naughty child at school! But I don't think I really understood my dog. I didn't understand it was from fear. Seeing her confidence grow made me smile
In time, Bella was able to enjoy classes again
I was lucky that a few years ago I found an agility group that welcomed anxious dogs in their classes. They were small classes which were great and we always had the end chair. Our teacher was fantastic, she also had a reactive dog so we settled in well and really enjoyed it. I think Bella did too as long as she had the space. It really helped finding a group with other dog owners with anxious dogs as I didn't feel like the odd one out. I didn't feel like I was being judged. We even went on to do scent work and group walks which gave Bella confidence around the dogs she met every week. Now more people are aware of My Anxious Dog and what wearing yellow means. It takes time and effort but I have raised awareness in my area, asking for permission to put poo bin stickers on the bins in parks. By giving posters to all our local vets to display in the waiting rooms. By having several videos produced of dogs talking about why they wear yellow. All these videos, poo bin stickers, wheelie bin stickers, car stickers and posters I have designed so owners of reactive dogs can also raise awareness in their own areas too. You can’t re-enforce fear in a dog when you offer them your support. Remember time and patience are you and your dogs friend when it come to over coming or managing anxiety. There is no such thing a quick fix, in some cases managing your dogs anxiety can be a life long commitment. Thankfully, there is more awareness of anxiety in dogs now, and wearing yellow is a way of warning other owners your dog needs space. This is my journey so far with an anxious dog.

03/02/2025

After a training session with Bella, our trusty squeezy treat dispenser needs a good clean. I usually fill it with Primula cheese, so to keep it fresh for next time, here’s how I wash it.

💛 I take it apart by removing the reel, which is attached with a popper.
💛 I soak it in warm, soapy water and use my finger to reach into the corners of the main body, a brush could work too, but where’s the fun in that?
💛 Warning! Every single time, I manage to sq**rt water everywhere when I stick my finger in! Does this happen to anyone else, or is it just me?

A quick rinse and air dry, and it’s good to go for our next adventure!

Do you have any cleaning hacks for treat dispensers? Let me know! ⬇️

01/02/2025

How do you….fit your lead slip onto your double ended lead 💛

We love hearing your feedback, and it truly means the world when you take the time to share your experience. A big thank...
31/01/2025

We love hearing your feedback, and it truly means the world when you take the time to share your experience. A big thank you to one of our lovely customers who said our harnesses are "top quality!"

Buying a quality harness is so important for an owner of a fearful dog. It’s not just about comfort—it’s about security, control, and helping them feel safe on walks. Knowing that our harnesses are making a difference for you and your dog is why we do what we do! 🐾

Thank you for supporting My Anxious Dog and for helping us to spread awareness that a needs space. 💛

Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. I know firsthand how the yellow has made me feel calmer and more confiden...
29/01/2025

Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. I know firsthand how the yellow has made me feel calmer and more confident on walks & it means the world to hear that it’s helping you feel the same way. It’s such a powerful reminder of why we do what we do - knowing that it’s making a positive difference for you and other owners of fearful dogs truly warms my heart. Thank you for sharing this with us 💛

I just own a dog!I’m not a professional—I’m just someone who loves her dog and wants to make life easier for other dog p...
25/01/2025

I just own a dog!
I’m not a professional—I’m just someone who loves her dog and wants to make life easier for other dog parents like me. 💛

Hi, I’m Sarah Jones, founder of My Anxious Dog and the campaign, and I’m so excited to share my story on The Yappy Hour Podcast!

When I started this journey, I wasn’t an expert or a behaviourist—I was just a dog owner trying to help my anxious cocker spaniel, Bella, navigate a world that didn’t always understand her needs.

In this episode, I chat with host Nathan Dunleavy about the highs and lows of owning an anxious dog, the moments that inspired , and the simple, practical tips I’ve learned along the way.

What I’ll Share:

How I’ve handled situations when an off-lead dog ran straight at Bella.
Why the phrase “It’s okay, my dog’s friendly” isn’t always okay.
Tips for managing stressful moments and protecting your dog’s emotional well-being.
The power of raising awareness about dogs like Bella who just need a bit more space.

Tune in to hear how you can help create a kinder, more understanding world for all dogs.

💥TOOT TOOT!💥

Evening Yappers!

Episode 2 of The Yappy Hour with Nathan Dunleavy is live, and this time he's talking with Sarah Jones from My Anxious Dog! 🐾

They're chatting about what it’s really like living with anxious dogs, how to help them feel more secure, and sharing some great tips (and laughs) along the way. If you’ve got a nervous pup or just love hearing about all things dog, you’ll definitely want to check this one out.

Give it a listen and let us know what you think! 🎧 👉https://yappily.co.uk/podcast/

Have you got to train your dog for a muzzle?This is a great way to make it fun and boost confidence!What have been your ...
23/01/2025

Have you got to train your dog for a muzzle?
This is a great way to make it fun and boost confidence!
What have been your struggles with using a muzzle?
Don't forget to subscribe to our channel on YouTube.

Dog trainer Niki French joins us for a series of confidence building exercises for nervous/anxious dogs. Your dog’s nose is their most sensitive sense so tea...

A calmer walk starts in yellow.Say goodbye to stressful walks!Fed up with dogs running over to you when you're out walki...
21/01/2025

A calmer walk starts in yellow.
Say goodbye to stressful walks!
Fed up with dogs running over to you when you're out walking with your anxious dog. I know I certainly am....
I get so frustrated with "it's ok he's friendly!"
That's why when I heard about using yellow to get your dog the space they need I grabbed it with both hands.
Yellow became Bella's voice.

20/01/2025

What is more important to you?

14/01/2025

Let’s talk about our cool dogs in yellow and the gentle reminder that sometimes, they might be feeling a bit anxious or scared.
Just like us, our four legged buddies have their moments of anxiety and can feel vulnerable.
So when you spot a dog in yellow, remember a little distance can go a long way!
Give them some room, let them take a breather and watch as their world becomes a brighter and less frightening place.
Yellow is our super power! Do you have a super dog?

Exciting News! 💛Our Official Partner Packs have been featured in this month’s Edition Dog Professional magazine.Designed...
14/01/2025

Exciting News! 💛

Our Official Partner Packs have been featured in this month’s Edition Dog Professional magazine.

Designed to complement our Affiliate digital partnerships, these packs are a must-have for dog professionals that work with anxious dogs.

Whether you’re a trainer, behaviourist, vet or pet professional, our Partner Packs are the perfect way to show your commitment to supporting anxious & fearful dogs and promoting awareness.

11 years ago today, I posted this on Facebook:"Does anyone know where I can get made something to go on my dog's lead th...
10/01/2025

11 years ago today, I posted this on Facebook:
"Does anyone know where I can get made something to go on my dog's lead that says DO NOT TOUCH ME?"
A friend replied:
"A yellow ribbon is supposed to warn people, but I think lots of people are unaware of it!!"
I responded:
"Yes I agree, I am getting the ribbons, but I don’t think enough people know about it. It is a massive problem that dogs are scared of strangers approaching them, but there is not much product to buy!"
Seeing this memory today was huge, which surprised me. I feel emotional because this is the proof of my journey – the very start of and the inspiration behind My Anxious Dog.
What began as a simple question has grown into a mission to raise awareness and create space for anxious & fearful dogs everywhere. To every dog owner who has felt unseen or struggled to protect their dog’s boundaries, you’re not alone.
Here’s to continuing the journey, spreading awareness, and making the world a brighter, safer place for dogs like Bella.💛

Walking an anxious dog shouldn’t feel like a daily challenge. Yet, without the right tools, misunderstandings can turn a...
29/12/2024

Walking an anxious dog shouldn’t feel like a daily challenge. Yet, without the right tools, misunderstandings can turn a simple stroll into a stressful experience for you and your sensitive dog. That’s where our Yellow Lead Slips come in.

Designed to signal your dog’s unique needs, these lead slips help you:

Communicate with other dog owners without awkward conversations.
Reduce the stress for you and your dog.
Advocate for your dog’s space in a gentle, effective way.

From phrases like "In Training" for dogs working on skills to "Caution in Pain" for elderly dogs needing gentler greetings, we’ve created lead slips tailored to every dog’s story. Plus, features like reflective trim, washable material, and a secure fit make them as practical as they are impactful.

Take the first step toward calmer, stress-free walks today.

In the Yellow Spotlight Saturday 💛What’s Bella like at home?Bella is a happy, confident girl in her safe spaces. She lov...
14/12/2024

In the Yellow Spotlight Saturday 💛

What’s Bella like at home?

Bella is a happy, confident girl in her safe spaces. She loves working, so we do lots of scent work together. Recently, she earned her Bronze certificate with UK Sniffer Dogs. She’s also enjoyed agility and Mantrailing in the past, which boosted her confidence. Bella may be anxious out in the world, but at home, she’s patient, quiet, and absolutely adorable.
What's your big emotional dog like at home?
Share yours to help raise awareness

What is In the Yellow Spotlight Saturday?
Every Saturday, we’re inviting dog owners to post photos of their dogs wearing yellow. Whether it’s a lead, harness, coat, or even a bandana, this is your chance to showcase your dog, share their story, and help raise awareness about space awareness for dogs.
By flooding social media with yellow, we’re helping more people understand what yellow means and why it’s important to give dogs the space they need. 💛

How does your dog communicate when they need space?
13/12/2024

How does your dog communicate when they need space?

Do you work with nervous or reactive dogs? Our "My Anxious Dog Partner Pack" is here to help you make a real difference ...
12/12/2024

Do you work with nervous or reactive dogs? Our "My Anxious Dog Partner Pack" is here to help you make a real difference for our fearful dogs💛

This pack is packed with resources to raise awareness for and support anxious dogs and their owners, helping to bring calm and confidence back to their walks.

What’s inside?

💛 100 leaflets, stickers, posters & more
💛 An "Empowering Anxious Dog Owners" info booklet with insights from our ground breaking survey
💛 Social media graphics, a partner badge & marketing tools
💛 Your business featured on our website

All this is available for just £49.99, giving your business a Unique Selling Point and demonstrating to dog owners that you understand the needs of dogs that require space. 💛

It's time for "In the Yellow Spotlight Saturday" and why My Anxious Dog Bella Wears Yellow 💛Bella, my beautiful cocker s...
07/12/2024

It's time for "In the Yellow Spotlight Saturday" and why My Anxious Dog Bella Wears Yellow 💛

Bella, my beautiful cocker spaniel, has been part of my life for over 10 years. From the start, her journey has been a challenging one. Born into trauma, Bella’s mum required an emergency caesarean, and one of her littermates sadly didn’t survive. By the time she was 10 months old, Bella had been attacked twice by other dogs. These early experiences left her fearful of both strangers and other dogs.
Her anxiety began to manifest in ways that were hard to ignore. She would lunge at dogs that ran up to her and growl when people tried to stroke her. I started to avoid walks and public places altogether, feeling isolated and unsure of how to help her. It was heart breaking to see Bella’s world shrink, and it left me questioning how to give her the quality of life she deserved.

Then I discovered the concept of yellow for dogs who need space. It was like a lightbulb moment. Yellow gave Bella a voice—a way to tell the world, “I’m not ready for close interactions.” I started using yellow gear for Bella, and the transformation was incredible. People began to respect her space, and I finally felt seen and supported as her owner.

Wearing yellow has made such a difference for us. Bella still has her anxious moments, but now we can walk together with confidence, knowing we’re communicating her needs to others. Yellow isn’t just a colour for us; it’s a lifeline that has allowed Bella to explore the world safely and at her own pace.

Bella inspired me to create the campaign, so other dogs like her—and their owners—can feel supported too.

Together, we’re showing that anxious dogs deserve understanding, patience, and most of all, space to shine.

Have you shared your story today on your socials?

04/12/2024

Finish the sentence..."My dog wears yellow because…"

Introducing: In the Yellow Spotlight SaturdayEvery Saturday, we’re turning the spotlight on dogs in yellow—because they ...
04/12/2024

Introducing: In the Yellow Spotlight Saturday
Every Saturday, we’re turning the spotlight on dogs in yellow—because they deserve to be seen, understood, and celebrated! 💛
Yellow isn’t just a colour; it’s a message of space awareness for anxious or reactive dogs. By wearing yellow, these dogs (and their amazing owners) are just asking for understanding.
How to Join the Spotlight:

1️⃣ Post a photo of your dog rocking their yellow gear—harness, lead, coat, or anything that stands out!
2️⃣ Share your story—what makes your dog special and why they wear yellow.
3️⃣ Use the hashtag
Let’s flood social media with yellow every Saturday and keep spreading the word about space awareness for our precious pups. 💛
Are you going to join our Yellow Army this Saturday?

Address

5 Wondesford Dale
Bracknell
RG425TG

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when My Anxious Dog UK posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to My Anxious Dog UK:

Videos

Share

Category

My Anxious Dog Bella

I have had dogs all my life and got a beautiful Cocker Spaniel Bella in 2012. She was brillant in training and in our puppy class we even won the award for “Best dog in class”. However as we progressed in classes Bella struggled with the “Stay” when I walked away and I did not understand this was because she was anxious. Unfortunately Bella was attacked a couple of times (nothing too serious) when she was young and became fearful of other dogs. This also developed into being fearful of strangers and not liking to being touched. My dog trainer told me about using the yellow ribbon as it meant that she needed space but people did not know what this meant so I developed and tested my own range of yellow space awareness products. I found it such a massive help and it made me feel so much calmer. I have used the yellow harness and lead on Bella for over 3 years now and we never leave the house without it, I even put it on her every week at our agility classes because people forget and she looks too pretty. Bella’s levels when out in public improved massively as people did give her space, occasionally we have the odd dog come running up in the park but I explain what the yellow means so next time they see a dog in yellow they will understand what it means.

Raising awareness has also become a passion for me, so I designed a posters and range of stickers which I have given to all our local vets and parish councils. If you also want to raise awareness in your area these can be found on our website www.myanxiousdog.co.uk

Thank you