Chill-out-zone new addition for festival

PUPS visiting the NEDF at Kirkley Hall in Newcastle on Saturday 31st August & 1st September 2024 can experience a new ‘chill-out zone’ if they need a break from the festival fun. My Anxious Dog is on tour and coming to Newcastle again and bringing the new revolutionary Yellow Space Zones. All dogs can become overexcited and this can sometimes mean they behave differently, which then leads to stress for the owners, and this takes away the enjoyment of being at the event.

The ‘Yellow Space Zone’ has been created by Sarah Jones, 57, founder of myanxiousdog.co.uk, who raises awareness for nervous and reactive dogs and their owners. Dogs who might feel overwhelmed and need some quiet time are invited to snuffle out treats, relax in pop-up tents, try out new enrichment toys and other calming activities.

“It’s brilliant to take your dog to a dedicated festival but it can be a lot for them to cope with, being around hundreds of dogs and people and lots of unfamiliar smells and sounds.

“As the owner of an anxious dog, I felt excluded from dog events so I created the zones so other owners could see that they could be included and meet people who understand what life is like with a dog who isn’t confident in everyday situations.

“The zone is a safe, welcoming and quiet space where owners can relax and more sensitive dogs can have some time out on their own and settle themselves.”

Sarah and her team have Calming Spray to soothe dogs, and just one dog is allowed in the yellow zone at any time. They spend between a few minutes to half an hour there, and the service is completely free, as is the advice provided by leading pet professionals.

Some dogs enjoy finding treats in the snuffle mats or cardboard pile or licking or eating from one of the enrichment toys. For other dogs it's sniffing the grass where another dog has been or just a fun game of tug.

This helps to regulate their nervous system, allowing them to relax a little and reset. The humans also get a chance to take a breath, knowing their dog is in a relaxing environment.

The Wellness Tipi provides visitors with a weekend packed with expert speakers covering a range of amazing topics. Sarah will also be doing a talk in the Tipi on The Emotional Experience of Caring for a Reactive Dog.

Find the Yellow Space Zone behind the My Anxious Dog stand at the North East Dog Festival (just look for the logo on the map) and for more information, visit www.myanxiousdog.co.uk

Get your tickets for this years dog festival at https://www.northeastdogfestival.com/northeastdogfestivaltickets