Life after Lockdown - for Dogs!

It has been quite a year for dogs and their owners; I have been kept very busy indeed.

I thought it would be useful to give you a quick update on what I’m seeing and working with out there.

I’m sure you will have heard, the cost of buying a puppy has risen by up to 300% with the asking price as high as £4000. With a shortage of puppies and long waiting lists I cannot see that prices will fall any time soon.

Demand is such that dog theft has increased and I’ve had two clients go through this awful experience. Fortunately, both dogs were returned. There is an article on my Blog on how to protect your dog if you are interested.

Some charities are reporting that dogs that are handed over are those that their owners cannot sell.  They may be aggressive or have severe Separation Anxiety where they cannot be left on their own. Others say that some dogs are being re-homed but then immediately sold on for profit so they are having to be really careful with their pre applications and home checks.

Unfortunately, where demands exceeds supply there will always be an element that capitalises on it.

My advice is to really get to know a dog before you commit.  Ask to see Vet details, speak to the Vet if necessary. Foster before adopting if you can. It takes a dog two weeks or so to really settle in and show their true colours. Avoid the online pet sites - there is no backup for you if you find the dog is not as described. You can’t be too careful, bearing in mind you may have this dog for up to 12 years plus.  

I’ve also been particularly busy helping Lockdown puppies who need to experience life in a safe way as they’ve missed out on meeting people and other dogs. Plus, helping dogs with Separation Anxiety as they struggle with their owners going back to work.

It’s not all doom and gloom but there is a lot of mopping up to do for sure.  It may be a while before we get back to normal but hang in there and meanwhile, please do contact me if you need any help.