Lockdown Coping Mechanisms
Lockdown Coping Mechanisms for You and Your Dog Marie Yates Director of Canine Perspective CIC November 13, 2025 5 min read
The article emphasizes the importance of establishing coping mechanisms during stressful times by adopting routines similar to those we provide for our dogs, such as ensuring proper hydration, nutrition, exercise, and rest. It highlights that while dogs offer companionship, individuals must take proactive steps to improve their own well-being.
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A recent study from the Royal Veterinary College suggests that 'pandemic-puppies' are encountering higher rates of problem behaviours, such as separation anxiety and aggression towards other dogs.The study also found behavioural challenges are further exacerbated by new owners, who, in their attempts to address these issues, often resort to punitive training methods, potentially worsening ...
Pandemic Puppies
Pandemic Puppies Show Higher Fear and Aggression Rates, Study Finds Study of 160 young dogs reveals that those raised during COVID-19 lockdowns developed significantly more behavioral problems, highlighting the critical importance of early socialization.
Following the first Covid-19 lockdown in 2020, various sources reported increases in unwanted behaviours with associated increases in pet relinquishment and abandonment rates as owners struggled with new pets or their pets' new behavioural problems. This article considers behaviour problems in both puppies and adult dogs following the pandemic.
Lasting lockdown love RVC research identifies that problem behaviours ...
Reducing or preventing unwanted behaviours in dogs could improve owner-dog relationships, enhance dog welfare and even prevent relinquishment or euthanasia. The boom in acquiring puppies during the COVID-19 pandemic (the so-called Pandemic Puppy phenomenon) led to welfare concerns for this cohort of dogs.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns provided an opportunity to assess what factors, including changes in an owner's routine and time spent at home, were associated with changes in dog behaviour. We undertook a longitudinal survey over a period of 8 months during which we asked about people's work patterns, dog management, and their dogs' behaviour. Generalized linear models revealed ...
Changes in the health and behaviour of pet dogs during the COVID
We hypothesized that dog owners who underwent lockdown or quarantine would indicate more behavioural changes in their dogs and experience support in having a dog during the pandemic. An international online survey asked dog owners questions regarding their household, the dog, and dog-related changes during the pandemic.
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New research from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed how problem behaviours in young adult dogs are weakening the owner-dog bond, particularly among so-called "pandemic puppies" as they reach maturity. The findings underscore a crucial need for dedicated support to help owners navigating the heartbreak of behavioural challenges. By tackling these issues early, owners can ...