Who will let the dogs out? One in ten pandemic puppy owners worry about being able to care for their dog after lockdown.

One in ten (10 per cent) owners who bought a dog during the ‘pandemic puppy boom’ are now worried about whether they can care for them when restrictions end and life returns to normal, according to new data released by The Kennel Club. More than a fifth (22 per cent) said that they are particularly worried about behavioural problems resulting from lack of training and socialisation, and almost one in three (31 per cent) admitted they hadn’t made a plan for their pet for when they return to normal life and work.

While almost two thirds (63 per cent) of new dog owners said that they believe lockdown is the perfect time to get a dog, both new and seasoned dog owners continue to face various challenges as Covid-19 restrictions remain stringent. The statistics, collected by the UK's biggest organisation dedicated to dog health and welfare show:

A quarter (25 per cent) of new owners are worried about the range of problematic behaviours their dog might have adopted during lockdown, such as shyness, aggression and separation anxiety.

Nearly a fifth (18 per cent) worry that their dog won’t fit their lifestyle once they return to work.

Over a quarter (27 per cent) are concerned about getting their dog used to ‘normal life’ once lockdown ends.

More than one in three (37 per cent) admit they didn’t research any puppy classes or training schools in their area beforebuying their dog, and are now worried how their dog will cope with the outside world and meeting other dogs and humans.

Worryingly, it also seems some new owners may have made short-sighted decisions and didn’t realise the commitment that comes with getting a puppy, which could exacerbate behavioural issues and have a further negative impact for these dogs in the future. Over a third (38 per cent) of pandemic puppy buyers said their main motivation for getting their dog was because they were spending more time at home and one in five (20 per cent) admit they hadn’t fully considered the long-term commitment or responsibility that comes with having a dog.

Full article HERE

Not only are these impulse buyers 'worried' but they are now advertising their mistakes for sale, at around 6 - 8 months, if that AND at the highly inflated prices paid for them as 8 - 10 week old puppies.

" may have made short-sighted decisions " ...... you bet.   And the breeders were only too happy to sell their puppies too!

I dread to think what will happen to these puppies when the market is flooded with unwanted pups. The vultures will be circling that is for sure. God help them.

Poor pups. It was only a matter of time

I had the feeling this would happen when the mass buying started.

It must have been so frustrating for those people who have been planning to buy a puppy for over a year and suddenly find there’s no puppies or so expensive you need to be working full time at a fantastic job in order to afford them.
There seems to have been several stories of good buyers having got themselves in the list for the next litter from an ethical breeder only to find the breeder wasn’t so ethical after all when the price is suddenly raised by several thousand.

All those poor young dogs suddenly losing their homes or getting dumped in rescues. Just hope they have had the foresight to neuter them as you know what will be happening next

Agree about neutering in this context but poor dogs having the effects of early neuter as well as going to rescue
The whole situation is so sad

> Just hope they have had the foresight to neuter them as you know what will be happening next

You must be joking!!   I have remonstrated with a few about this, citing the risk of their bitch youngsters ending up as breeding machines, but for the most part, none of these post-lockdown reject owners are remotely interested.   They just want almost the same amount of money they paid initially, back.   I've also suggested they take them back to their breeder ....... some hope!

I'd love to think I can offer a 5* home for one of these youngsters (even if I really want an oldie) and have been tempted to offer say £850 of the £2,850 being asked.

I would appear to have just missed out on another rescue (11 year old Jackie/Beagle mix) with our local Dogs Trust - at least they've not been back to me and said if I don't hear within 5 days, I've not been successful.  Hey ho, that one might be as well as he's said to be a noisy dog.   I'd have loved to have been able to visit but it seems I don't get past first base.   And I DID NOT mention I was a retired breeder

we were referring to rescues neutering before  rehoming.
I am sorry you keep missing out MB

The problems will start when foreign holidays are allowed again. Either people won't want to pay to put their dogs in kennels, or boarding kennels will be busy and have no spaces.

I saw an advert for a 8 month old terrier. The owner had bought it as company because they were shielding and the pup had not been vaccinated or out of the garden. Now it was too lively for the owner to handle. I can't remember the price now, but it was just below £1000

malwhit:  > The problems will start when foreign holidays are allowed again

So so true and I believe many will abandon these dogs in rescue centres as their 'selfish' holiday without considering the responsibility of owning a young dog will take presidence.

I offer a very small boarding kennel service (only 2 places at a time).
Now preparing for the onslought of enquiries (the possibility discussed recently within my local Breed Club)
and will be refusing young boarders other than my regulars. 

I know it sounds awful and refusing young dogs under the age of 12 months could possibly mean permanent rescue
centres as a last resort but I feel they could have a better future with a new owner rather than the ones they have that view holidays as more important...

> The owner had bought it as company because they were shielding and the pup had not been vaccinated or out of the garden. Now it was too lively for the owner to handle.

Sickening!