A study conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) suggests that dogs acquired during the pandemic are displaying elevated levels of problem behaviors. The research estimates a notable increase in issues such as separation anxiety and aggression towards other dogs among these pandemic-acquired pets.
New owners, it indicates, are more inclined to resort to punitive training methods, posing a risk of exacerbating problematic behavior, as cautioned by the study’s author.
Battersea, a rescue charity, notes a surge in dogs exhibiting behavioral problems linked to the pandemic. The RVC study, funded by Battersea, received 1,007 valid responses through an online survey of UK residents who acquired a dog during the first nine months of the pandemic.
Denise Mariner-Chappell, a dog owner near Wakefield, West Yorkshire, shared her experience with her Labrador, Ted, acquired in 2020. Lockdown measures hindered Ted’s training and socialization, resulting in challenges when he interacted with humans and other dogs.
Dr. Rowena Packer, an author of the RVC study, emphasized the importance of introducing puppies to various experiences, stating that early socialization is crucial for their long-term mental and emotional well-being.
The surge in dog ownership during the pandemic has raised concerns, with the RVC warning about an increase in illegal puppy purchasing practices. A previous BBC investigation revealed a rise in cases where out-of-control dogs caused injuries.
Robert Bays, Battersea’s senior animal behavior manager, highlighted the rise in dogs with behavioral issues coming to their centers, including separation anxiety, potentially linked to the unique challenges of training during the pandemic.
The RVC study reveals that, on average, new owners reported five problematic behaviors in their dogs, with one in five reporting eight or more. Common issues included pulling on the lead (67%), jumping up at people (57%), and not coming back when called (52%).
The study estimates that nearly a third of these pandemic-acquired dogs exhibit separation anxiety at 21 months.
Dr. Packer expressed concern that owners, grappling with behavioral problems and the cost of living crisis, might reach a breaking point, leading to potential rehoming of their dogs. She emphasized that punishment-based training techniques, frequently employed by owners, could worsen behavioral issues and called for a shift toward positive training and support.
The study noted that four in five owners reported using aversive training methods, such as shouting, which veterinarians warn can increase fear and anxiety in dogs. Battersea’s Mr. Bays underscored the need for appropriate training and support, emphasizing that a small behavior problem, if not addressed positively, could escalate into a serious issue, impacting the owner-pet relationship.
