April 21st 2026
My Anxious Dog is bringing the Yellow Space Zone to the Dogstival
On Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st May 2026 is Dogstival the greatest party for dogs, a weekend full of colour, movement, noise, excitement… and dogs of every shape, size and personality.
And My Anxious Dog will be there too, bringing something a little different.
They are bringing the Yellow Space Zone a calm, supportive area designed especially for dogs who find busy environments overwhelming.
Not every dog finds dog shows easy
Dog shows are wonderful places. They’re full of learning, community and celebration. But they can also be intense. Crowds. Barking. Loudspeakers. Dogs walking past close up. Children running. Strangers wanting to say hello.
For many dogs especially those who are nervous, fearful, sensitive, in pain, or carrying the effects of trauma this can quickly tip from exciting to overwhelming.
And for their humans, it can feel heartbreaking and sometimes isolating. To realise your dog is struggling when everyone else seems to be having a great time. That’s where yellow comes in.
What does yellow mean?
A dog wearing yellow is telling the world: “I need space.”
Yellow is the internationally recognised colour for caution and in the dog world, it has become a gentle way for owners to advocate for their dogs without having to constantly explain, apologise or feel judged. Yellow doesn’t mean a dog is “bad”. It doesn’t mean they’re aggressive. It simply means they feel safer with a little distance.
And for many dogs, that little bit of space changes everything.
Sarah Jones, founder of My Anxious Dog began with her own dog, Bella. Bella is a gentle, sensitive Cocker Spaniel who was born into trauma and attacked as a puppy. She learned early on that the world wasn’t always safe. On walks, she would lunge at dogs who came too close not because she was nasty, but because she was frightened and was saying “please go away.” Before I discovered yellow, every walk felt like a battle. I felt exposed, judged and constantly on edge, trying to protect my dog in a world that didn’t understand her. Yellow gave us a voice. It gave Bella space. And it gave me confidence. From that moment, My Anxious Dog and the #DogsInYellow campaign was born.
What is a Yellow Space Zone?
The Yellow Space Zones are a calm area at busy dog events where anxious dogs and their people can:
- Take a break from the noise and crowds
- Decompress after a scary or overwhelming moment
- Learn how to advocate for their dog using yellow
- Speak to trained, compassionate professionals
- Simply sit, breathe and reset together
What makes our Yellow Space Zones truly special is that we use ACE (Animal Centred Education) Free Work as part of how we support dogs inside the space.
Animal Centred Education (ACE) is an integrated approach to animal welfare and learning, developed by Sarah Fisher at Tilley Farm. It combines ACE Free Work with other animal-led techniques that help us better understand how dogs feel, think and cope with the world around them.
ACE Free Work invites dogs to explore a variety of objects and surfaces at their own pace. There is no pressure, no instructions and no right or wrong way to interact. This gentle, choice-based activity creates a two-way conversation between the dog and their handler, helping with problem-solving, emotional regulation and communication.
In the Yellow Space Zones, Niki French, a Certified ACE Trainer will help dogs decompress, lower their stress levels and build confidence after the challenges of a busy show environment. It gives them a safe way to process what they’ve experienced and to feel more secure before heading back out into the event.
For many dogs, especially those who are anxious,this can make the difference between just coping and actually enjoying their day.
You’ll also be able to shop the yellow range
Alongside the Yellow Space Zone, we’ll also have our My Anxious Dog yellow space awareness range available to buy at the show. This includes their yellow harnesses, leads, lead-slip covers, raincoats and accessories all designed to help dogs communicate their need for space while staying comfortable and supported.
Sarah is also experienced in fitting harnesses onto nervous and sensitive dogs, using the same calm, dog-led approach we use in our Yellow Space Zones. This means owners can get help finding the right fit without overwhelming their dog, ensuring both comfort and confidence from the very first wear.
Why this matters
Dogstival celebrates dogs of every kind and that includes the sensitive ones, the worried ones, the dogs in pain, the dogs in training, and the ones who don’t fit the “happy-go-lucky” mould.
By welcoming a Yellow Space Zone into the heart of the show, this event is sending a powerful message:
Every dog deserves to be included.
Whether you’re attending with a confident social butterfly or a dog who finds life a bit scary, you’ll now have somewhere safe to go if things feel too much.
If you’re coming to Dogstival on 30th or 31st May 2026, look out for the yellow.
Come and meet us. Come and ask questions. Come and give your dog a moment of calm if they need it.
You don’t have to struggle alone. And your dog doesn’t have to cope in silence.
Because sometimes, a calmer walk and a calmer day really does start with yellow.
