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.

25/09/2025
Something can change in a heartbeat. One moment, your puppy is exploring the world with curiosity... the next, they’ve b...
22/09/2025

Something can change in a heartbeat. One moment, your puppy is exploring the world with curiosity... the next, they’ve been bitten, scared, confused and their humans are left shaken, trying to hold it together.

That’s exactly what happened to little Charlie this weekend. After a sudden and frightening incident with another dog, a dachshund Charlie and his family were understandably distressed. But after visiting the vet, they were sent our way — and found solace in our Yellow Space Zone.

For 30 minutes, they had the calm, quiet, safe space they so desperately needed. No barking. No rushing. No questions. Just space to breathe, reconnect, and reset.

By the end of their visit, Charlie had relaxed, was sniffing around, tail wagging again. His family left with smiles and gratitude and most importantly, with hope he had forgotten the drama.

Why do we do this?
Because every dog deserves to feel safe.
Yellow Space Zones exist for moments just like this. For dogs who are anxious, overwhelmed, in recovery, or just need a break from the chaos.

To the family who visited us at Paws in the Park at Detling: thank you for trusting us. We’re so glad Charlie had a chance to feel calm again 💛

Never underestimate the power of space, understanding, and yellow.

Pain and discomfort in dogs often go unnoticed. Our dogs can’t tell us, “My knee hurts,” or “I didn’t sleep well because...
15/09/2025

Pain and discomfort in dogs often go unnoticed. Our dogs can’t tell us, “My knee hurts,” or “I didn’t sleep well because I couldn’t get comfy.” Instead, we rely on our observational skills. But if you’re not sure what to look for – or whether what you’re seeing is “normal” – it can feel overwhelming.

Subtle shifts in your dog’s posture, behaviour, or daily habits can be early signs of pain. Here’s a simple framework to guide you.

The Spotlight on Our Partners page is now LIVE!We’re so excited to share that our Spotlight on Our Partners page is offi...
13/09/2025

The Spotlight on Our Partners page is now LIVE!

We’re so excited to share that our Spotlight on Our Partners page is officially live on the My Anxious Dog website!

This space is dedicated to the amazing pet professionals who have signed up to be partners and purchased the Official Partner Pack. They are amazing people helping us to raise awareness for across the UK.

If you’ve already bought the pack your chance to shine is here.
Your listing will include your logo, website, a short intro and you can even add a YouTube video to tell your story and show how you support our sensitive dogs.

If you haven’t joined yet, here’s how to get involved:

Step 1: Sign up to become an Anxious Dog Partner (it’s free!)
Step 2: Order the Official Partner Pack
Step 3: Get featured on our Spotlight page, seen by thousands of dog owners looking for trusted support

This is perfect for:

🐾 Trainers
🐾 Behaviourists
🐾 Groomers
🐾 Vets
🐾 Pet professionals who care about dogs who need space

When you become an Anxious Dog Partner, you also gain access to our affiliate programme, allowing you to earn commission on every sale made through your unique referral link — whether you share it on your website, social media, in emails, or directly with clients.

Together, we can give and their humans the visibility, understanding, and support they deserve.

Award-winning range of nervous dog harnesses, leads, raincoats, lead covers & more. Help your reactive, nervous or anxious dog get the space they need on walks.

Should   be banned from events? Are you happy with that statement?That’s what the Kennel Club’s new guidance suggests, t...
03/09/2025

Should be banned from events? Are you happy with that statement?

That’s what the Kennel Club’s new guidance suggests, that dogs wearing visible signs like yellow leads or harnesses may not be “suitable” to attend their licensed events.

But here’s the truth:
Yellow isn’t a warning.
It’s not about aggression.
It’s a signal of trust and responsibility.

Some dogs in yellow can and do enjoy events, they just need space. And yellow helps them ask for it in the kindest, calmest way possible.

But now?
Owners may feel shamed.
They’ll still attend but they’ll take off the yellow.
They’ll hide their dog’s needs.
And those dogs lose their voice.

Wearing yellow isn’t the problem.
It’s part of the solution.

Dogs Today Magazine is asking the question in The Great Debate:

Should dogs in yellow be excluded?

📨 Email your view to: [email protected]
📝 Use subject: “Great Debate”

Let’s stand up for dogs who wear yellow and just need space — not shut them out.

02/09/2025
In my open letter published in Dogs Today Magazine this month, I shared the story of Bella, my anxious and gentle cocker...
02/09/2025

In my open letter published in Dogs Today Magazine this month, I shared the story of Bella, my anxious and gentle cocker spaniel. She wears yellow not because she’s dangerous, but because we’re doing the right thing.
Because she needs space.
Because I care about her wellbeing.
Wearing yellow is a responsible choice, made with thought and love — not a label, not an excuse.
Yellow does not mean "aggressive"
One of the most damaging assumptions we’ve seen is that yellow somehow equals “nasty dog.”
It doesn’t.
Yellow is about fear, uncertainty, healing, trauma, pain, and overwhelm — not danger.

It's time for you to speak up too.
Dogs Today Magazine is asking the big question:
“Should anxious dogs in yellow be excluded from events?”
We’re asking you — trainers, owners, professionals, dog lovers — to say NO to exclusion, and YES to education, support, and kindness.
Email your view to: [email protected]
Use subject: “Great Debate”
Tell your story. Speak your truth. Help them understand why this matters.
Let’s remind them:
Yellow is not a problem — it’s a solution.
Wearing yellow is not shameful — it’s responsible.
Inclusion doesn't mean chaos — it means compassion.
Don’t let fear take away your dog’s voice.

Together, we can change the narrative — with empathy, with facts, and with love.

Have you signed up to hear Series 2? Positive Playtime Podcast is back from Tug-E-Nuff and its got some amazing guests! ...
26/08/2025

Have you signed up to hear Series 2?
Positive Playtime Podcast is back from Tug-E-Nuff and its got some amazing guests! 💛

Our open letter to The Kennel Club UK was featured in the Rescue & Animal Care Magazine. Still waiting to hear back........
26/08/2025

Our open letter to The Kennel Club UK was featured in the Rescue & Animal Care Magazine.
Still waiting to hear back.....💛

Are you going to The North East Dog Festival?
16/08/2025

Are you going to The North East Dog Festival?

Specialist harness fittings at The Swallowfield ShowSunday 24th & Bank Holiday MondayFor the first time, we’ll be at The...
14/08/2025

Specialist harness fittings at The Swallowfield Show

Sunday 24th & Bank Holiday Monday

For the first time, we’ll be at The Swallowfield Show in our bright yellow gazebo. Alongside our award-winning space awareness products, we are offering specialist harness fittings for anxious and space-sensitive dogs of all shapes and sizes.
As the owners of a fearful, anxious dog, we understand the importance of a fitting that is calm, unrushed, and respectful of your dog’s space. We use a quiet, gentle approach — and apply our calming spray to every harness fitting — helping your dog feel more relaxed and comfortable throughout the process.
If you’ve been thinking about getting a yellow anxious dog harness for a dog that struggles when out on walks, this is the perfect opportunity to try one in a safe, supportive environment.
Wearing yellow can help others recognise your dog’s need for space — and can give you more confidence when out in public.
We’ll help you find the ideal fit so your dog can walk with comfort, security, and confidence.
The Swallowfield Show

Our Squeezy Reward dispenser is a game changer! Thank you Totem Dogs Scentwork for sharing 💛
02/08/2025

Our Squeezy Reward dispenser is a game changer! Thank you Totem Dogs Scentwork for sharing 💛

My Squeezy Reward Dispenser from My Anxious Dog UK came in super handy the other day, when Hazel got over excited and over whelmed in a new place!

Hazel was having the best time zooming around the woods and splashing in the stream, but she struggles to control those really big feelings and looses her head a bit.

Taking little breaks to stop and lick some homemade turkey paste from our Squeezy dispenser allowed her to stop and refocus. Licking is a calming behaviour and can help reduce feelings of tension.

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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