Mantrailing with an Anxious Dog

We had the chance to chat with Sarah from My Anxious Dog UK about her journey in mantrailing with her sweet but anxious Cocker Spaniel, Bella. Bella was once a dog who loved her training classes and did wonderfully in them. However, after being attacked by a few dogs, she became fearful around other dogs and, later, wary of strangers touching her, especially after a few tough visits to the vet.

Sarah’s trainer suggested using a yellow ribbon to signal to others that Bella needed space, which made a huge difference in how calm Sarah felt on their walks. Inspired by this, Sarah created her own line of harnesses marked with phrases like “Anxious,” “Do Not Touch,” and “Keep Away” to visually communicate that Bella needed her space. Sarah’s goal is to raise awareness about anxious dogs, so she uses her products and social media to educate and empower owners to help their dogs feel more comfortable on walks.

Sarah also started the hashtag #yellowarmy and #dogsinyellow, even organizing an awareness day in March 2022, to spread the message about the needs of anxious dogs. At Mantrailing UK, we’re all about making life more enjoyable for every dog, whether that’s through Mantrailing or spreading awareness about giving anxious or reactive dogs the space they need.

Why yellow? Yellow is widely recognized as a colour for caution, and it’s eye-catching and easy to spot, making it a great way to get the message across to others. By wearing bright yellow, anxious dogs like Bella are more likely to be given the space they need. Other dogs might not always pick up on these signals, but people certainly can—and it helps avoid any unnecessary stress or setbacks for the dogs.

When we asked Sarah what Bella loved most about Mantrailing, she shared how much Bella enjoys following her nose to find someone. Bella isn’t usually one to approach strangers due to her fear of being touched, but with Mantrailing, she can approach a “trail layer” (the person hiding) without worry. Sarah knows that the person won’t try to touch Bella and instead will reward her with treats, which has been fantastic for Bella’s confidence. Mantrailing is easily tailored to each dog’s needs, so it’s a great fit for dogs with specific sensitivities.

Another wonderful thing about Mantrailing is that dogs work individually and are on a lead at all times. So, even though it’s a group activity, Bella isn’t exposed to other dogs off-lead, and she can relax in the car between trails. Sarah also gets to connect with other owners who share similar challenges, which is rare for those with anxious dogs, who often feel isolated in training groups. Mantrailing groups are made up of supportive, like-minded people who cheer each other on and celebrate every success, creating a real sense of community.

We’re excited to support Sarah’s work at My Anxious Dog UK by educating our Mantrailers about the Yellow Dog Project, which could help both their dogs and others in the future. Mantrailing is all about creating a fun, rewarding experience for every dog, including those with anxiety or other behavioural challenges.

The rewards in Mantrailing go beyond just finding the trail layer—licking treats from pots releases feel-good endorphins, and the structured game gives dogs a natural outlet for hunting instincts. Each trail ends with a predictable reward, followed by a bonus on the intensity trail, reinforcing the fun and making the dogs feel fantastic about their achievement.

You can learn more about Sarah’s mission at My Anxious Dog or follow her on social media at @myanxiousdog, where thousands of dog owners are joining the #yellowarmy to give dogs a voice.

Want to give Mantrailing a try? Find your nearest instructor at www.mantrailingglobal.com