Navigating Post-Covid Canine Behaviour Challenges

A study by the RVC highlighted concerning trends in post-covid ‘pandemic puppies’  revealing that canine owners reported an average of five challenging behaviours, with 82% resorting to aversive training methods.

The study, part of the RVC Pandemic Puppies project, focused on dogs purchased during the pandemic, identifying control behaviours, attention-seeking, fear, avoidance, and aggression as common issues. Aversive methods, including shouting and leash corrections, were reported by 80% of owners.

More than 3 million UK households acquired a pet during the pandemic. A combination of owner inexperience, over-zealous breeding and lack of socialisation has created a population of dogs displaying aggression in response to other dogs and humans, many struggling when left home alone, and an increased prevalence of dogs suffering with high arousal levels, poor basic training, and generalised anxiety.

As veterinary professionals, we often find ourselves on the frontline when it comes to dealing with challenging pet behaviour – as well as having the unique opportunity to guide and assist owners in navigating their pet’s behavioural journey.

Our new learning series – Canine Behaviour: Dealing with Post-COVID Problems, explores some of these behaviours, including separation anxiety, reactivity, fear and aggression. Lectured by experienced veterinary behaviourist and co-founder of the Pet Behaviour Company, Miri Prior, we discuss how to manage the patients both in and out of practice and how best to advise owners.