AN ongoing ‘dog census’ has revealed the challenges faced by millions of pet owners who purchased puppies during the pandemic – and are now living life with boisterous four-legged ‘teenagers’.
It is estimated that two million Brits welcomed a pup into their homes during lockdown – many for the first time.
Early findings from Dogs Trust’s National Dog Survey, which has covered 231,000 owners and their 308,000 pets so far, revealed four in 10 found their new pet required more patience than they expected, and 30 per cent found training them took longer than they thought it would.
More than a quarter (27 per cent) also weren’t prepared for the amount of damage their garden would suffer.
Analysis of thousands of tweets has also revealed conversations around purchasing a dog were seven times higher during the second lockdown.
However, the change from the adorable puppy they first brought home into rowdy teen is hitting hard.
Conversations around ‘ditching dogs’ when returning to the office increased by eight times this summer, and discussions around rehoming dogs were two times higher.
Dogs Trust’s Contact Centre data also highlighted a 12 per cent increase in owners reporting their pet’s behaviour being a cause of giving them up for adoption, when compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Dr Jenna Kiddie, head of canine behaviour at Dogs Trust, said: “As puppies grow into adults, its completely normal for their behaviour to become more challenging – like any adolescent’s.
“We want to reassure dog owners that it’s completely normal for their four-legged friends to go through a stage like this between the ages of six and eighteen months.
“With the right training and support, it’s something that can be overcome.”
It also emerged less than half of teenage dogs (47 per cent) remain calm around other dogs when out walking and four in 10 (38 per cent) jump up uninvited.
And just 56 per cent walk calmly on the lead.
To help Dogs Trust better understand the UK’s 12.5 million strong pooch population and support dog owners, the charity is calling on more dog owners to complete the National Dog Survey by October 24.
Following the findings, the charity has also created a quiz that allows dog owners to test their knowledge on their dog behaviour.
Dr Jenna Kiddie added: “It’s heart-breaking to see the recent increase in people giving up their dogs due to behavioural issues.
“But Dogs Trust is on hand to offer tips and advice to help all dog owners – from the novice to the experienced – and we encourage anyone struggling with their pets’ behaviour to seek further support.”
