My Anxious Dog UK

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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.

29/06/2025

Awareness Packs just got even better!

Now featuring our freshly designed posters and your very own Yellow Army badge – this is a must-have for every owner.

Whether your dog is anxious, reactive, or just needs space, this pack helps you spread the message in your community with:
✔️ Wheelie bin & car stickers
✔️ Eye-catching posters
✔️ Poo bin stickers for local walks
✔️ A proud Yellow Army badge to wear or display

It’s never been easier to help others understand your dog’s needs. Let’s make walks calmer, safer, and more respectful — together.

Grab yours now and be part of the change!

18/06/2025

Out in the woods today and had another encounter with an off-lead dog. A big black Labrador came charging up to us—off lead, no owner in sight, just free to run at any dog it fancies.

Bella did so well. She stayed with me, stayed focused, and trusted I’d keep her safe. After a few minutes of being pestered, she gave a growl to say, “No thank you, I don’t want to play.” And luckily, the Lab moved on.

But here’s the thing—when your anxious dog has to growl at a big dog you don’t know, it’s scary. You have no idea how that dog will respond, and when there’s no owner in sight, you feel completely alone.

Today I was so proud of Bella. She showed calm, she looked to me for guidance, and she told that dog what she needed in her own way. A calm walk can be hard to come by—but today, we found a moment of safety together. 💛

09/06/2025

When I shared the video about my difficult walk with Bella, I felt exposed. I didn’t expect it to reach far. I certainly didn’t expect it to resonate with so many.

But what followed was something truly beautiful. A wave of compassion, empathy, and support that felt like a virtual hug from every corner of our yellow community.

📌 Nearly 800 comments and 600 shares on Facebook
📌 Over 3,000 likes and 600 comments on Instagram
📌 And close to 250,000 views across social media — including TikTok

More importantly, it sparked a conversation.
So many of you bravely shared your own stories—your heartbreaks, your daily challenges, and your fierce love for your anxious dogs. It became more than a video. It became a moment of connection.

And that’s what My Anxious Dog is all about.
Connection. Compassion. Community.

To everyone who commented, shared, messaged, or simply watched and nodded along silently—thank you.
You reminded me that we are not alone. That yellow is powerful. And that every time we speak up, we move one step closer to a more understanding world.

This journey isn’t always easy. But with all of you beside us—it’s a little less heavy.

Here’s to every dog who just needs space.
And every human brave enough to advocate for them. 💛

04/06/2025

I’m incredibly proud to be speaking in the Big Top Tent at DogFest at Knebworth House this weekend!
I’ll be sharing my journey into the world of yellow — how it all began with my anxious dog Bella, and why I created the Yellow Space Zones to support dogs who need a little more understanding and space.
These zones are especially for dogs who are anxious or simply get a little overwhelmed in busy environments. 💛
It means so much to be part of an event that celebrates all dogs, and I’m honoured to have the chance to raise awareness and help more people understand what it means when they see a dog in yellow.
If you're coming along, I’d love to see you there!

03/06/2025

What's in our Yellow Space Zone?
Our calm corner at DogFest this weekend is at Knebworth.
It’s more than just a quiet area - it’s a safe space created with anxious dogs in mind.
These zones are specially designed to help your dog pause, decompress and feel safe.
It’s a place where your dog can step away from the noise, the crowds and the unexpected.

Inside, you’ll find:
Snuffle mats for gentle scent exploration
Enrichment toys to soothe and engage
Confidence games to gently rebuild trust

There are no unfamiliar dogs, no sudden interactions—just a peaceful retreat where your dog can relax at their own pace.
Because every dog deserves a moment of calm.
Because yellow means understanding and space.

Look out for the yellow. Look out for each other. 💛

20/05/2025

Anyone going to Dogstival on Saturday 31st May & Sunday 1st June? We will be there with our Yellow Space Zones.
Not heard about our Yellow Space Zone? It's a peaceful retreat designed for dogs who need a break from the hustle and bustle
Meet the wonderful Niki French who can show you Ace Free Work, and you can open a window into your dog’s mind, creating two-way exchanges that help with problem-solving, training, and strengthening your relationship.
Read more about our Yellow Space Zones below 💛

Dog festivals like Dogstival are a fantastic day out, packed with activities to try, shows to watch, and plenty of…

19/05/2025

This morning broke my heart a little!

On our walk today, I did everything right. I saw dogs coming, I gave space, I chose a different path. But instead of being met with empathy or understanding, I overheard cruel comments and was told “If she’s scared, she shouldn’t be in public.”

That’s not just unkind. It’s ignorant.

Bella wears yellow because she’s scared, not dangerous. She’s been through things most of us never will, and I will always advocate for her right to feel safe.

Today, those women didn’t hear Bella’s voice. They ignored the yellow, forced a situation that overwhelmed her, and dismissed us like we didn’t belong. But we do belong. Dogs like Bella deserve walks just like any other dog—they just need a little extra space.
And if you’ve ever felt the sting of being judged, excluded, or blamed for protecting your anxious dog—know this:

You are not alone.
Your dog is not a problem.
And yellow is their superpower.

💛 This is why we walk in yellow.
💛 This is why we educate.
💛 This is why we won’t stop speaking up.

Let’s create a world where everyone understands what yellow means. Because no dog should be forced to shout to be heard—and neither should their humans.

12/05/2025

I couldn’t be prouder to finally unveil my brand-new gazebo—just in time for the first DogFest of the season!

It’s more than just eye-catching—it carries a message. For everyone who walks by and reads “A calmer walk starts in yellow” or “A little distance goes a long way,” it’s a chance to pause, reflect, and understand what anxious dogs really need.

This gazebo stands as a symbol of awareness, compassion, and change. It’s here to start conversations, offer support, and show that anxious dogs deserve to be seen, respected, and given the space they need.

If you’re coming to Paws In the Park I’d love for you to stop by and see it for yourself. 💛

29/04/2025

Not long now until we bring the Yellow Space Zone to DogFest again at Ragley Hall.

Dog festivals are a fantastic day out, packed with activities to try, shows to watch, and plenty of shopping! But for some dogs, the excitement can quickly become overwhelming.

That’s where our Yellow Space Zone comes in. The Calm Corner, a peaceful retreat designed for dogs who need a break from the hustle and bustle. A safe haven for anxious dogs and their owners.
Some dogs find the world a little too much at times. That’s why My Anxious Dog has created the Yellow Space Zone, inspired by ACE Free Work. This carefully designed space allows dogs to relax, explore at their own pace, and reset their nervous system.

Have you got your tickets yet? www.dogfest.co.uk

26/04/2025

29/03/2025

A lovely testimonial today for our Squeezy Reward treat dispenser 💛

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Bracknell
RG425TG

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+447740723524

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http://www.myanxiousdog.co.uk/

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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