Recently, the Kennel Club published guidance advising that dogs wearing visible identifiers such as yellow leads or harnesses indicating anxiety or space needs — may not be suitable to attend their licensed events. Their statement suggested that while these tools may be useful in other settings, they are not recommended at events, and that dogs wearing such equipment may pose a health and safety concern.
As the founder of My Anxious Dog and creator of #DogsInYellow Awareness Day, I felt the need to respond — not in anger, but with clarity, compassion, and concern.
What Did the Kennel Club Say?
The statement advised that dogs who wear visible indicators suggesting anxiety, fear, or reactivity might not be temperamentally suited to high-energy competitive environments, and that using such equipment wouldn’t protect owners from legal liability. It went further to question whether such dogs should even be entered into events, as their presence might compromise the wellbeing of others.
You can read the full article here but the underlying message was clear: if your dog wears yellow, it may not belong at Kennel Club events.
Why That’s a Problem
To the Kennel Club, this may have seemed like a practical safety message. But to the general public and more importantly, to thousands of responsible dog owners — it reads as exclusion. It reinforces a damaging assumption that anxious or space-sensitive dogs should be kept away, kept quiet, or simply kept out.
After this statement went out, I began receiving messages from worried owners asking whether they should stop using yellow — or even hide their dog’s needs at events for fear of judgement.
That’s the most dangerous outcome of all. Because when dogs are no longer given space, they suffer. And incidents become more likely, not less.
What Yellow Really Means
Let’s be clear - yellow is not a label of shame. It’s not a sign of aggression. And it’s certainly not an admission of liability.
Yellow is a voice. It’s how a dog says, “Please don’t come too close just yet,” in a world that often ignores or misreads body language. It’s used for many reasons: anxiety, trauma, sensory challenges, hearing or vision loss, or simply a need for space due to age, illness, or recovery.
The #DogsInYellow campaign, now recognised nationwide on 20th March, exists to normalise visibility for dogs who need that space — and to show owners that they are not alone.
The Open Letter
In response to the Kennel Club’s statement, I wrote an open letter, which has since been shared widely. In it, I expressed concern that their message would reinforce stigma and discourage the use of yellow — a tool that is proactive, not reactive
An open letter in response to the The Kennel Club UK Guidance on dogs who wear Yellow document relating to management of dogs at Kennel Club events.
To our wonderful community,
You may have seen the recent guidance from The Kennel Club UK regarding dogs attending licensed events who are anxious, reactive, or wear visible indicators — like yellow leads, or harnesses, to signal they need space.
As the founder of My Anxious Dog and the creator of the national awareness day #dogsinyellow campaign, I felt compelled to share my thoughts — not only as an advocate but as someone who lives with and loves an anxious dog every single day.
Bella, my cocker spaniel, wears yellow because she needs space. Not because she’s dangerous.
Not because I’m trying to shift responsibility.
But because I want to keep her safe and happy.
It’s a visual and respectful way of saying “please don’t rush us.”
The Kennel Club suggests that dogs like Bella may not be suitable for events if they wear this equipment.
But I ask — gently and honestly:
When someone wears a sunflower lanyard to indicate a hidden disability, do we tell them they shouldn’t go shopping, travel, or take part in events?
When a child has autism or ADHD, do we say they’re not allowed to join in, to be seen, to enjoy things — just because the world can sometimes feel overwhelming?
Of course we don’t.
We offer kindness.
We make space.
We adapt and support — because inclusion matters.
Because understanding matters.
So why is it different for our dogs?
Anxiety doesn’t make a dog unworthy of joy, of socialisation, of safe participation.
It’s part of a responsible training plan.
It’s prevention, not an excuse.
Many dogs who wear yellow can and do attend events safely — when organisers offer space, thoughtful layouts, and a little bit of empathy.
I’ve seen it work.
I’ve lived it.
I’ve spoken to hundreds of owners who finally feel seen, thanks to this simple colour.
We’d love to see The Kennel Club UK and the wider dog community embrace awareness, not fear.
To choose education over exclusion.
To recognise that dogs in yellow are still dogs.
They still deserve to experience life, with care, with boundaries, and with compassion.
Because awareness isn’t a loophole. It’s a lifeline.
And no one — person or dog — should be shut out for needing a little extra space.
What the Public Had to Say
The response to the Kennel Club’s statement and to my open letter has been emotional, passionate, and overwhelmingly supportive.
Yes, some people raised concerns about legal implications, confusion over colour use, and whether anxious dogs should be at events at all. These are conversations worth having, and I responded to many of those comments directly to offer clarity and reassurance. But what truly stood out were the hundreds of positive, heartfelt messages from owners, trainers, and handlers who feel seen by this campaign and empowered by the yellow their dogs wear.
Here are just a few that moved me deeply:
“What a lovely letter and thank you for sharing your thoughts openly. I am a reactive dog owner and it’s difficult to find events that are safe and inclusive for her. I am also a dog trainer and make every effort to adapt my classes when an owner of a reactive dog books a place. Your products are great and the message to help educate others is really important. Thank you!”
“How beautifully put. Yesterday’s KC post really resonates with me — and not in a good way. My son’s dog is fear-reactive after being attacked TWICE whilst on lead and then chased in a ring at KCI last year when a spectator let go of their dog ringside. None of it was malicious — but it’s left our dog anxious. So to now read that she’s the one considered unsuitable, rather than just deserving a little more space, is devastating. Thank you for your kind approach.”
“My Calla just passed her KC Gold Good Citizen Award while wearing her ‘I need space’ coat.”
“I totally agree with you. I have a one-eyed Frenchie that wears yellow. She is registered with the Kennel Club as the Queen of Northumberland, so they should allow her to join in!”
These are the voices that matter. The people doing everything right, managing, advocating, and supporting their dogs responsibly — and still being made to feel like they don’t belong.
We can — and must — do better for them.
What We Need Now
This isn’t about dividing the dog world into "suitable" and "unsuitable" dogs. It’s about compassion, communication, and giving all dogs a chance to succeed safely. That includes dogs like Bella, my own cocker spaniel, who after years of careful exposure can now walk calmly through public events — in yellow — with confidence.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again:
Dogs in yellow are not broken. They are learning. Healing. Coping. Managing. And they deserve to be seen.
Final Thoughts
I understand that the Kennel Club must take safety seriously. But I believe safety and inclusion can go hand-in-hand. The more we educate, the more we prevent. Yellow gives people a chance to pause, assess, and respond with kindness — rather than surprise or judgment.
I would welcome the opportunity to work with the Kennel Club and other organisations to ensure that dogs who wear yellow are not misunderstood or pushed aside, but recognised for what they are: dogs who need space, and owners who are doing everything right.
Thank you to everyone who’s spoken up, shared their experience, and worn yellow with pride.
Let’s keep moving forward — together.
