A recent survey conducted by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) in the UK has shed light on the ongoing behavioral challenges faced by individuals who acquired puppies during the Covid-19 pandemic. The research indicates that many owners are struggling with their dogs’ behavior as they reach 21 months of age.
Key findings from the survey, which included over 1,000 UK dog owners, reveal that 97% reported at least one problem behavior from a list of 24, with an average of five problems reported per owner. Among the challenges, pulling on the lead was the most common issue, reported by about two-thirds of participants, followed by jumping up and poor recall.
The study highlighted that a fifth of owners reported their dogs exhibiting eight or more problem behaviors at 21 months, including behaviors such as pulling on the lead, clinginess, or aggression. Additionally, 33% of owners found dog training to be more challenging than expected, a difficulty more commonly experienced by first-time owners.
Dr. Rowena Packer, a lecturer in companion animal behavior and welfare science at the RVC, emphasized the importance of adequate research and understanding the responsibility involved in training dogs. She pointed out that unrealistic expectations about a dog’s behavior often lead to struggles among new owners.
One significant challenge identified in the survey is the tendency for owners to project human thoughts and feelings onto dogs, labeling certain behaviors as naughty without recognizing the need for proper training and socialization.
While the study did not directly compare the prevalence of problem behaviors among pandemic puppies with those acquired before or after the pandemic, the results suggest a general elevation of issues within the pandemic puppy cohort.
Concerningly, the survey noted that 82% of owners used punishment-based methods, such as choke chains, shouting, or pushing, alongside positive reinforcement. The study emphasized the potential negative consequences of such methods on a dog’s behavior.
Dr. Packer urged struggling owners to seek professional help and advised consulting a vet for potential health-related issues caused by behavior difficulties. The RVC recommends seeking assistance from experts registered with the Animal Behaviour Training Council for behavior concerns.
While challenges persist, dog owners, like Phil Wright from Southport, express their commitment to their pets despite the behavioral struggles. Wright, who owns labradors, acknowledged the difficulties stemming from lockdown-related issues but emphasized the joy and companionship his dogs bring despite their challenges.
