Dogs need help after having company 24/7
ANDY JACKSON/STUFF
While we’ve socially distanced ourselves from other humans, pets have become constant companions for many Kiwis in lockdown.
That closeness to our furry friends has been a highlight of being stuck in lockdown.
On Wednesday, RNZ host Corin Dann’s dog Stanley interrupted an interview with Finance Minister Grant Robertson on Morning Report. The animal later appeared looking contrite to ‘‘apologise’’ in a tweet by Dann’s wife, Lotta, on Twitter.
But a canine behaviour expert is warning the end of lockdown could trigger a mental health crisis for the dogs who have loved being with us in our bubbles 24/7.
Animal trainer and behaviourist Mark Vette is concerned about a ‘‘Covid generation’’ of mal-socialised and distressed dogs. He is spending the lockdown producing online training courses from his Coromandel home for dog owners to help their pooches navigate the transition to post-lockdown life.
‘‘Dogs are highly sensitive to postural changes and changes in our habits. As they see us avoiding other people and they don’t understand why, some dogs will become fearful and demonstrate aggression as they see other people as threats.’’
Others will display separation distress, with some developing a serious phobia about being left alone.
‘‘Your dog was probably used to spending some time away from you most days, but when you’re suddenly home 24/7 . . . they get used to this constant contact.’’
Taranaki dog trainer Nick Wilson, New Plymouth, said separation distress was a common issue.
In milder cases, dogs barked and howled when left alone, but this could prompt calls from neighbours to animal control, while in severe cases dogs could be shaking from fear.
‘‘They get into a highly panicked state, some dogs will injure themselves chewing their way out of steel crates, cutting themselves and breaking teeth, others jump through windows, they’ll do anything they can to get out of there and find some company, it can be horrible.’’
To give the dog practise at being alone, both trainers recommend owners confine the dog in another room or the garden, for periods up to two hours each day.
‘‘Don’t let your dog follow you around the house all day. These are the dogs that really suffer when they are alone,’’ Wilson said.
For further information visit markvette.com or dogs4life.co.nz.