Dog Trainers Urge People To Listen To Professionals After Pandemic Puppy Boom

Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions has seen a splurge in people desperate to secure themselves a pandemic puppy companion. Which has had a huge impact on dogs around the world, from suffering with behavioural issues to owners having improper knowledge of breeds. Dog trainers are looking for ways to educate the public regarding the responsibilities and difficulties that owning a dog can bring.

New research from The Kennel Club shows that one in four people admitted to impulsive buying or rescuing a pandemic puppy with little to no research. We spoke to Gencon, the UK’s leading solution to stop your dog from pulling on their lead, and their trusted dog trainers to help guide dog owners through the ease in lockdown restrictions. To help build a better bond between you and your pet.

Bringing a dog into your home during COVID-19 may seem like a good idea, with more people spending time indoors and work from home becoming the norm. However, consider how living in isolation can affect your perfect pooch.

After speaking with professional dog trainers we can gain a better understanding of what affect the pandemic has had on our pups.

What are the most common issues you have seen for our pets during the lockdowns?

“Separation issues are without doubt the main issue – people have simply never left their dogs alone and alas they cannot cope. Another issue for some dogs is that they have never experienced a visitor to the home; which with some types of dog will cause problems onwards.” – Ross McCarthy, Dog Trainer.

How do you think these pandemic puppies are going to cope when coming out of the pandemic?

“I do believe we will have a boom in separation and anxiety issues, together with dogs being overwhelmed when taken to busy parks, towns, etc. Dogs that have not previously experienced this stimulation may find it hard to adjust and problems can occur if not approached correctly.” – Vicky J Lawes, Dog Trainer.

What would you recommend dog owners do to help combat these issues and guide these dogs into life after Covid?

“Seek professional advice – if you have a problem with your car, you see an expert; if your boiler stops working, you employ an expert – you don’t go on Social Media and ask for suggestions and with a living, sentient, amazing being you should do the same and work to create the life that your dog deserves.” – Ross McCarthy, Dog Trainer.

The rise in dog ownership is not all doom and gloom. Many are seeing the benefits of bringing a dog into their lives. Having a pet is good for your mental health, it gives you a reason to go outside and exercise, and it creates a meaningful bond after a year of social isolation.