"Many puppies, and even older dogs, will have lost vital socialisation and training opportunities due to lockdown restrictions." Bill Lambert.

Organisation offers dog-friendly tips on socialisation and travel.

The Kennel Club is offering advice to new and existing dog owners as COVID-19 restrictions continue to lift, through its recently released ‘Paw-by-Paw Guide out of Lockdown.'

The guide, published earlier this year after the roadmap out of lockdown was announced by the government, provides information and advice on navigating certain situations and environments, travel and staycations, and ways to ensure dogs are comfortable around new people and animals.

It aims to help dog owners re-adjust to the wider world after spending months at home with their pets and includes tips on walking in the countryside, warm weather advice – both for the summer and for trips away – and guidance on navigating dog-friendly establishments.

Bill Lambert, head of health and welfare at The Kennel Club, said: “Whether you have a well-balanced dog or a new puppy, a year of pandemic restrictions means that our pets have missed out on lots of socialisation opportunities, walks to new or further afield places, trips away and generally life as we knew it.

“In fact, many puppies may have only experienced life in lockdown, and we can’t expect them to immediately adapt to what ‘normal’ life is like; we need to ease them in and help them to learn about the wider world.

“Many puppies, and even older dogs, will have lost vital socialisation and training opportunities due to lockdown restrictions and need their owners to lead the way, recognising their responsibilities and preparing them as the world continues to open up.”

The Kennel Club's 'Paw-by-Paw Guide' is available on the Kennel Club website.