Let’s clear something up about dogs who wear yellow
This month, our Open Letter was published in the September 2025 issue of Dogs Today Magazine, responding to recent guidance from The Kennel Club UK.
The guidance suggests that dogs wearing yellow such as leads or harnesses to signal they need space — may not be suitable to attend licensed events.
As the founder of My Anxious Dog and the creator of the national #DogsInYellow campaign, I felt compelled to speak up , not just as an advocate, but as someone who lives with and loves an anxious dog every single day.
Because let’s be clear: This isn’t really about yellow.
It’s about understanding our dogs — and making thoughtful, compassionate choices for them.
What yellow actually means
Yellow isn’t a warning sign. It’s not a badge of aggression. And it’s certainly not a reason to exclude a dog from everyday life.
Yellow is a tool. A signal. A kind way to say:
“I need a little space right now — please don’t rush me.”
Dogs wear yellow for all sorts of reasons:
- They may have experienced trauma, whether from another dog or human
- They may be rescues struggling to trust again
- They may be just nervous in crowds
- They may be learning to cope with the world at their own pace
- Or they might simply be anxious and prefer not to be approached
- They may be in recovery
- Sensitive to noise or crowds
Yellow allows owners to advocate for their dogs without confrontation. It lets others know how to respect a dog’s space — calmly and clearly.
This isn’t about the colour. It’s about the dog.
The most responsible thing any owner can do is ask:
Can my dog cope with this event?
If the answer is no, the kindest choice is to stay home.
But if the answer is yes — and the dog is ready, supported, and well managed — then yellow is a way to advocate for that dog’s needs.
Because not all dogs in yellow are the same. Yellow is a communication tool. Not a warning sign.
But here’s the danger: silence
When guidance like this comes from a major organisation, it risks sending the wrong message.
We’re already hearing from owners who are now too embarrassed to use yellow.
They still go to events — but they leave the yellow at home.
They feel judged.
And their dog’s needs go unseen.
That’s not safer. That’s not more responsible. That’s just silencing.
The real issue? Misunderstanding.
One of the most damaging myths we face is that yellow means “aggressive dog.”
It doesn’t.
Yellow means:
- Healing
- Fear
- Trauma
- Uncertainty
- Sensory overwhelm
- Nervousness
- Training
- Trust
It means the dog is being supported, not avoided.
It means the owner is being thoughtful, not irresponsible.
It means they are trying to do the right thing — not make excuses.
The Great Debate: Why your voice matters
Right now, Dogs Today Magazine is hosting The Great Debate asking:
“Should anxious dogs in yellow be excluded from dog events?”
We believe it’s time for our community the Yellow Army to speak up.
Because dogs in yellow aren’t problems. They’re dogs who are working through things with care, training, and respect.
If yellow has helped you or your dog, please take a moment to share your voice.
Send your thoughts to: editorial@dogstodaymagazine.co.uk
Use the subject line: Great Debate
💛 Tell them why you use yellow.
💛 Tell them what it means to you.
💛 Help change the narrative with empathy, facts, and lived experience.
Let’s be clear:
💛 Yellow is not a loophole.
💛 Yellow is not a danger sign.
💛 Yellow is a lifeline — and no one should feel ashamed to use it.
Let’s not allow shame to erase the needs of anxious dogs.
Let’s stand for visibility, education, and kind, responsible ownership.
Don’t let fear take away your dog’s voice.
Together, we can change the narrative — one walk, one event, one yellow lead at a time.
Anxiety doesn’t make a dog unworthy of joy, of socialisation, of safe participation.
It’s part of a responsible training plan.
