Dogs Adopted In Pandemic Feel Stressed When Owners Leave Them Alone At Home

Puppies that were adopted by lonely individuals during the pandemic lockdown are now experiencing stress and anxiety when left at home alone as people start getting back to work.

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According to a team of researchers at Auburn University, these pandemic puppies are scared when they meet other dogs and humans, as they¡¯ve spent most of their formative months indoors.

With the lockdown restrictions now lifting, puppies have started to get outside and they¡¯re not comfortable about this. And one such pooch is a mixed-breed puppy named Gabby.

Researchers studied Gabby and discovered that she reacts with fear and uncertainty whenever she comes across new people or dogs. Moreover, researchers saw that she panicked as soon as she encountered new people or other dogs. This in turn made trips to the vet stressful not just for Gabby but also for her owner.

Dr Christopher Lea, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences in Auburn University's College of Veterinary Medicine explains, ¡°Primary socialization occurs during the first three to six weeks with a puppy's littermates. Then there is a secondary period of development from six to 12 weeks. This is when a puppy learns to interact with humans.¡±

According to the researchers, these pandemic pooches were not only secluded from the world as their owners but most of them were also adopted by first-time owners, who often made mistakes while raising a young pet.

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This developed ¡° a perfect storm of bad circumstances¡± at an important time in the development stage of the pups.

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One William Brawner, owner of PetVet Animal Healthcare centre in Auburn, Alabama said how he has been witnessing a rise in pets having issues with separation as owners return to their regular schedules.

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He says, ¡°These are dogs that have never been left alone all day. They've been fine up to this point. But as a lot of owners return to normal routines, we are seeing more dogs that have trouble adjusting to that. This is an area where I think the pandemic has highlighted an already existing problem.¡±

What¡¯s worse is that some owners have even considered giving their pups back to the store or for re-adoption. As per estimates by the American Kennel Club, 73 percent of first-time dog owners who got a puppy during the pandemic are expected to have reconsidered rehoming them or returning to the shelter.

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Cat Clutton, a certified dog trainer and founder at ReKalibratedK9 Dog Training Services in Opelika, Alabama, added, ¡°Getting a puppy that¡¯s a blank slate and needs a lot of help learning routines and expectations is always a daunting task. The pandemic made it even more difficult. But owners need to realize that their choice to take on a puppy as a source of companionship and entertainment while stuck at home should not become the dog¡¯s lifelong problem.¡±

Clutton added, ¡°Learning to live with and work around the needs of the dog you have, whether you feel your puppy was socialized as well as you wanted them to be or not, is important. And if you¡¯re not sure how to do this, be sure to seek professional help.¡±