Dog owner hosts first-ever walk for anxious dogs at Cliveden Estate

A dog lover is celebrating anxious dogs who need extra space by hosting the first-ever dedicated walk for them at the Cliveden Estate later this month.

The event, taking place on March 20 to mark the annual Dogs in Yellow Day, aims to highlight the meaning behind yellow leads, coats and ribbons worn by some dogs.

Organiser Sarah Jones, who lives in Binfield and founded the campaign through her organisation My Anxious Dog, hopes the walk will help owners feel less isolated.

This is the first “#DogsInYellow awareness walk, and she hopes these walks take place around the country.

Sarah said: "There are so many dog walks and group meet-ups advertised, but when you have a dog who is anxious and doesn’t feel happy around lots of dogs and people, you often feel like you just can't join in.

"People might not know what the yellow means, or you worry you'll be judged. I know what it feels like to think you can't be part of something because of your dog.

“#DogsInYellow started as an awareness day so more people knew what it meant, and this year, I wanted to create a walk where everyone is welcome, where you won't be judged, and where your dog will be treated with kindness."

Owners often use yellow gear to signal that a dog may be nervous, recovering from illness or injury, or needs more distance from people or other animals.

Dogs wear yellow for many reasons – rescues learning to trust again, dogs who have experienced trauma or a dog attack, older dogs living with arthritis or pain who don't want to be touched, or shy animals.

The awareness walk is designed as a relaxed, self-guided event rather than a group gathering and is open to anyone whose dog needs extra space, as well as people who want to learn more about the campaign.

Participants can arrive between 11am and 3pm and walk the grounds at their own pace.

A #DogsinYellow gazebo area will be set up where visitors can ask questions, collect information leaflets and meet volunteers.

A designated “Yellow Space Zone” will also be available to help dogs settle before heading out using ACE free work.

Dog trainers, including the author of Stop Walking Your Dog, Niki French and Sarah Hawkins from Barkshire Dog Training, will be on hand to offer advice to owners of nervous dogs.

Sarah said the aim is to create a ‘sea of yellow’ across the estate as a visual reminder for people to give dogs space.

"It is also about education," she added.

"Not everyone knows what yellow means. Events like this help other dog owners understand how to give dogs the space they need - and why that matters. You will be walking alongside people who get it, and that makes all the difference."

A small number of “borrow bags” with yellow leads and lead slips printed with messages such as ‘do not touch’ will be available on the day for owners who do not yet have yellow equipment.

A limited number of goody bags are available while stocks last, including a bag of Forthglade’s dual protein National Trust treats, natural ‘calming’ dental sticks, a dog calming spray, a pulse roller and yellow awareness goodies.

Parking is free for National Trust members. Non-members can attend with standard admission to Cliveden. Dogs must remain on leads throughout the visit.

Cliveden also offers dog-on-leash walking routes, with downloadable maps available.

If you’d like to learn more or register, visit www.tinyurl.com/be6p2c4c