COVID - The impact on dogs, two and a half years later
On 23rd March 2020, I grabbed three of my dogs and left my marital home - coincidentally, the first day of the first lockdown. Now, two and a half years later, COVID has finally caught up with me, giving me plenty of time to reflect on its impact on our furry friends.
Personally, I’ve been lucky. I could still walk my dogs and say hello to fellow dog walkers, but I know many people suffered far more during the pandemic. Dog ownership in the UK surged during lockdown. Between 2010/11 and 2021/22, households with dogs rose from 22% to 34%, with puppy prices doubling in some cases. Many new owners missed crucial socialisation periods for their puppies, while others struggled to safely introduce their dogs to other people and pets. Some dogs even ended up in rescues or shelters due to mismatched expectations or unsuitable environments.
Lockdown disrupted training too. Puppy classes and one-to-one sessions went online, which was a big adjustment at first, but it opened up new ways to support owners remotely. Once in-person training resumed, demand for services was huge. Unfortunately, this also meant some dogs were exposed to outdated or harsh training methods. My approach focuses on building trust and strong bonds, helping dogs and their owners with patience and consistency.
Other challenges included separation anxiety, disrupted socialisation, and arranging dog boarding after restrictions eased. While some dogs faced difficulties, most adapted well, especially when owners stayed calm and consistent. Stress in owners often has a bigger impact on dogs than isolation itself, so supporting owner confidence became a key part of my work.
On a personal note, I lost my little rescue Frazzle in April. He kept me on my toes for thirteen years and inspired my journey into dog behaviour. My other dogs - Cloud and Shannon - have continued to thrive, even with COVID-related setbacks.
Despite everything, I feel incredibly fortunate. Dogs provide companionship, comfort, and unconditional love. If you’re thinking of getting a dog now, consider adopting a ‘lockdown orphan’ first - they have so much love to give and will reward your patience with loyalty and joy.