A dog is for life not just for lockdown

Dog trainers are warning that separation anxiety could become a problem this month, when puppies have to be left alone for the first time as their owners start returning to work.

There was a surge in demand for puppies during lockdown. “People have gone crazy buying pups but are not thinking about the training,” said dog training advisor Marcus Denoon.

Weimaraners and German shepherds are most likely to experience problems, he warns.

“We can understand why many would want to get a puppy now – they have such a positive impact on our wellbeing and mental health, and provide invaluable companionship,” said Bill Lambert, a spokesman for the Kennel Club. However, new owners “need to make sure they can care for a dog properly for its life, including when we go back to ‘normal’.”

Careful research is needed into finding the right breed and understanding what a responsible breeder looks like, reminds Lambert.

Tim Bonner of the Countryside Alliance is warning that the demand for puppies will lead to a rise in unlicensed puppy farming and the import of puppies from farms in Eastern Europe and Ireland.

With puppies of some fashionable breeds being sold for £2,000 or more, the financial incentives “are considerable”, he warns. There is also a concern that working dogs could end up in unsuitable homes, without sufficient exercise or stimulation.

According to Action Fraud, during March and April people were scammed out of £282,686 after seeing non-existent pets advertised online.