Has Lockdown created a generation of fearful dogs

Many people have taken advantage of being at home during Lockdown to buy a puppy.

Strange as it may seem though, I’m being called out to see puppy after puppy showing signs of being scared of the outside world and this includes a fear of people.  This is unprecedented and I can see that sadly there is going to be an increase of pups being handed into rescues. Talking to rescue charities around the country this has already started.

Why would this be happening?

During a puppy’s first 16 weeks they learn about the world they live in without fear.   After this time the window of opportunity closes and puppies start to show fear towards new experiences.   Most puppies bought during Lockdown spent their first 16 weeks living inside with limited exposure to new people or socialisation to the outside world.

What does socialisation mean?  A common misconception is that socialisation is just allowing your puppy to meet other dogs. In fact it’s much wider than that. A puppy needs to associate everything it experiences with a pleasurable outcome time and time again.  Deep routed impressions are made at this age which can stay with a dog for life.

Lockdown for most has interrupted this normal process.  The 2 metre rule, whilst absolutely vital for our health and well-being has prevented puppies meeting enough new people. More than that, as we have deliberately avoided humans outside, some puppies have picked up on this and become scared.

The good news is that it is not too late! 

 Your puppy may have missed out on the full socialisation experience but you can still make all the difference.  Depending on where you live, make a list of common sights in your neighbourhood – it may be the postman, tractors and horses or lorries, shops and people. Start here and give plenty of treats as a reward.  Keep calm and try not to be anxious as your puppy will pick up on this.

Ask friends and neighbours to quietly throw treats towards your puppy so they start to associate people with good things happening.  Take treats out with you on walks and as people pass, throw a couple of treats on the ground or offer them to your puppy.

If you can, find a friend with an calm, older dog that you can walk with.  You can still keep socially distanced by having the dogs on the inside of you as you walk.  This can really boost your puppy’s confidence as they pick up on the calm, confident energy of their new friend.

Finally, if you have any concerns please do contact me; I can work with you to help your puppy catch up. As always, if you put the work in now you will have a great dog for life.