Study raises concerns about ‘pandemic puppy’ training methods
Ninety-seven per cent of owners reported at least one behavioural problem.
The majority of ‘pandemic puppy’ owners taking part in ongoing research by the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) have reported using aversive training methods, raising concerns that they might be exacerbating behavioural problems.
Just over four in five (82 per cent) of owners reported using training methods such as shouting at their dog, physically moving the dog, and leash corrections. The use of rattle bottles, spray bottles and choke chains was also reported.
The researchers are concerned that these methods may be making behavioural issues worse. Nearly all the owners (97 per cent) reported that their dog had displayed at least one problem behaviour, with 20 per cent of owners reporting eight or more.
Animal welfare charities and veterinary professionals have also reported seeing behavioural issues in dogs who were puppies during the pandemic.
However, the study did find that majority of owners were using positive training methods, with 96 per cent reporting that they verbally praised their dog. Owners who had attended online puppy classes while their dog was under 16 weeks old were less likely to use aversive training techniques.
The study, funded by Battersea, is part of the RCV’s ongoing pandemic puppies project involving more than 1,000 owners from the UK who acquired a puppy during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. The researchers will continue to investigate the health, behaviour and dog-owner bond of the participants as the dogs grow older.
Rowena Packer, lead author of the study, said: “Problem behaviours in dogs are a major welfare challenge, not just for affected dogs but also for their caregivers, causing stress and lifestyle changes for many owners.
“Our findings indicate that problem behaviours are extremely common in pandemic puppies, and in many cases, are potentially being exacerbated by owners using punishment-based training techniques.”
Robert Bays, Battersea’s senior animal behaviour manager, said: “At Battersea we have seen a significant increase in the number of dogs coming to our centres with certain behavioural issues, such as separation anxiety, which can often be linked to the pandemic and the training challenges this unusual time presented.
“Without the right kind of positive training and support, a small behaviour problem in a puppy or dog can quickly escalate into a serious issue, so we are deeply concerned by this study’s findings that so many owners are using aversive training methods.”
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Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
