In a world where our dogs hold a special place in our hearts, understanding and accommodating their unique needs is paramount. Recognising this, Sarah Jones, the visionary mind behind My Anxious Dog, has introduced a ground breaking initiative for dog events over the summer: Yellow Space Zones. This innovative concept aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for anxious dogs and their owners when they need some time out in a safe space.
READ MORE>>>Bring your anxious pooch to The Yellow Dog at Knebworth.
Dogs visiting DogFest can experience a new ‘chill-out zone’ if they need a break from the festival fun. My Anxious Dog is on tour with DogFest and bringing their Yellow Space Zone.
Dogs who might feel overwhelmed and need some quiet time are invited to snuffle out treats, relax in pop-up tents, try out new enrichment toys and other calming activities.
“It’s brilliant to take your dog to a dedicated festival but it can be a lot for them to cope with, being around hundreds of dogs and people and lots of unfamiliar smells and sounds. Dogs can become over excited and this can sometimes mean they behave differently, which then leads to stress for the owners, and this takes away the enjoyment of being at the event.
“As the owner of an anxious dog, I felt excluded from dog events so I created the zones so other owners could see that they could be included and meet people who understand what life is like with a dog who isn’t confident in everyday situations.
“The zone is a safe, welcoming and quiet space where owners can relax and more sensitive dogs can have some time out on their own and settle themselves.”
Crucially, Yellow Space Zones are more than just physical spaces. They represent a community-driven effort, with industry leaders and experts coming together to support the initiative. Donations from companies specialising in calming solutions and enrichment products ensure that Yellow Space Zones are equipped with the latest tools and resources to benefit anxious dogs and their owners.
Sarah and her team have Pet Remedy Calming Spray to soothe dogs, and just one dog is allowed in the yellow zone at any time. They spend between a few minutes to half an hour there, and the service is completely free, as is the advice provided by leading pet professionals.
Some dogs enjoy snuffling. Among the enriching activities in the zones is the Boredom Buster. This interactive game encourages dogs to engage in playful exploration while uncovering hidden treats, or rummaging in the cardboard chaos pile. For other dogs it’s sniffing the grass where another dog has been or just a fun game of tug. This helps to regulate their nervous system, allowing them to relax a little and reset. The humans also get a chance to take a breath, chill out knowing their dog is in a relaxing environment.
As Yellow Space Zones continue to spread across communities, they offer a beacon of hope for anxious dogs and their owners everywhere. With their emphasis on empathy, enrichment, and expert guidance, these zones are not just spaces — they offer a safe retreat where you can take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee while your dog finds solace away from the hustle and bustle.
