Dogs in Yellow: Understanding Anxious Dogs and Why Memories Matter
Some dogs need a little extra space and understanding in our busy world. A simple yellow accessory can make all the difference between stress and comfort for these special companions. This visual signal represents more than just a colour choice; it's a communication tool that helps these dogs navigate a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming.
What Does "Dogs in Yellow" Mean?
Have you ever seen a dog wearing a yellow bandana, harness, or leash? It's not just a fashion statement. It's a message. The Yellow Dog Project is an initiative designed to inform the public that some dogs need space. Whether due to anxiety, reactivity, health issues, or past trauma, these dogs might not appreciate strangers approaching them or other dogs invading their personal bubble.
Unexpected interactions can be stressful, even frightening, for anxious or reactive dogs. Yet many people still don't recognize the significance of the yellow signal, often assuming all dogs are friendly and eager for interaction. Understanding and respecting this simple cue can make a world of difference to the well-being of these dogs and their owners.
About The Yellow Dog Project
The Yellow Dog Project began in 2012 and has become a global movement. The premise is simple: yellow accessories on a dog indicate "give me space." This international initiative helps create awareness about dogs who need extra space while training, recovering from surgery, or managing anxiety. Dog owners can participate simply by using yellow accessories and spreading awareness in their communities.
How to Respond to Yellow Dogs
If you spot a dog wearing yellow:
Maintain distance and do not approach
Keep your own dog away, even if they're friendly
Respect the owner's efforts to create a safe space
Educate others about what the yellow signal means
Oscar's Story: My Regret and What I've Learned
Oscar was my beloved dachshund, and he was fear-reactive. Life with Oscar was a journey filled with patience, learning, and deep love. He was a beautiful soul, but the world often felt like too much for him. His reactivity wasn't a sign of aggression; it was his way of coping with stress. He needed space, understanding, and trust, but those things were not always easy to find in a world that assumes all dogs are social. Oscar taught me, and later Theo, so much about the world and existing in it. Though I have had a dog every single day of my life, Oscar set me on a path of understanding them like no other dog had ever before.
One of my biggest regrets is not having professional photos of Oscar. At the time, I wasn't a photographer, and it pains me that I don't have the kind of timeless, high-quality images that truly capture his essence. I only have phone pictures, which are precious but not the same. If I could turn back time, I would have documented his journey properly, with portraits that reflected his unique personality and the love we shared.
Recognizing Signs of Anxiety in Dogs
Understanding when a dog is anxious can help owners provide better support. I could write thousands of words on dog behaviour, and reading their body language, but common signs include:
Excessive panting or drooling when not hot or physically active
Tucked tail and lowered body posture
Whale eye (showing the whites of their eyes)
Freezing or stiffening when approached
Excessive yawning or lip licking in non-food situations
Attempting to hide or escape situations
The Importance of Capturing Every Dog's Story
Every dog is unique, but anxious dogs often go unnoticed or misunderstood. Because they shy away from attention, they are less likely to be celebrated in the same way as outgoing, confident dogs. But they deserve to be remembered just as much.
My professional pet photography is about more than just beautiful images; it's about storytelling. It captures their quirks, expressions, and the unique bond they share with their humans. Their stories, struggles, and victories deserve to be seen.
Working with Anxious Dogs as a Photographer
I understand the challenges as someone who has loved and lived with a reactive dog. I was also a successful dog walker before going full-time with my pet photography business. I began that after I lost Oscar, as I wanted to share the love inside me with other senior, sick, reactive, or “problematic” dogs. I have worked with many rescues and nervous dogs and completed a course in canine reactivity. I ensure that every dog, especially those with anxiety, feels safe and comfortable during a session with me. I take the time to observe their body language, adjust my approach, and create a stress-free environment for them.
My Approach to Photographing Anxious Dogs
Patience first: I never rush the process, allowing dogs to acclimate to my presence
Reading subtle body language cues that indicate comfort or discomfort
Using long lenses when needed to maintain a comfortable distance
Working with natural light to avoid startling flash photography
Adapting the session based on the dog's needs
Advocating for every dog as if they are my own
Here is what some of my past clients have said about their experiences:
"Photoshoot day was fun - the dogs were totally not prepared for the experience and got overly anxious and reactive. Amie was just superb - she was super calm and took control of the entire situation and got the dogs and us working the way she wanted. The photos are just beyond stunning - they capture our dogs beautifully and really are quite something. The service and advice from Amie is just excellent and the print quality for the photos is amazing."
- Nan, owner of Rufus and Wilma, two territorial dogs.
"He's a very reactive boy and Amie was amazing, she kept him completely calm throughout the shoot and the results are stunning. They are more than just beautiful photos, they are a work of art."
— Michelle, owner of Logan the Weimaraner.
Their words mean the world to me because they reflect my mission: to create an experience where anxious dogs can be themselves, and where their humans can feel at ease. Because no dog should be left behind.
Creating a Comfortable Photoshoot for Your Anxious Dog
If you have an anxious or reactive dog and are considering a photoshoot, here are some key tips to ensure their comfort:
Choose a quiet, familiar location. Whether it's your home, a secluded park, or a peaceful studio setting, the environment should feel safe.
Bring familiar items. Their favourite toy, blanket, or treats can help them feel more at ease.
Give them space and time. I work at their pace, allowing them to sniff, explore, and settle in before starting the session.
Respect their limits. I never force them if they're uncomfortable with certain poses or interactions. Their well-being always comes first.
A Legacy for Every Dog
The Yellow Dog Project reminds us that every dog deserves understanding and respect for their unique needs. Just as we honour these needs by recognizing their yellow signals, we should also honour their stories through lasting memories.
If you have an anxious dog, you're not alone. Reactive dogs often struggle in a world that doesn't fully understand them, but they are just as deserving of love, respect, and beautiful memories.
My experience with Oscar taught me the importance of capturing moments with our beloved companions, regardless of their temperament. That phone photos, while precious, sometimes cannot fully preserve the depth of our connection or the essence of their being.
Do you have a nervous or reactive dog you would like to celebrate?
If you'd like to create lasting memories of them with stress-free, beautiful photography, I would love to hear their story and help you celebrate them.
Because every dog—no matter their past, fears, or quirks—deserves to be remembered.
