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Kate's Dog School Blog

Kate Stallworthy | 2025

Pandemic pooches

The pandemic has brought about many changes in people's daily routines, including their interactions with their dogs. With people spending more time at home, dogs have become accustomed to constant companionship. However, with the resumption of regular work schedules and activities, some dogs have now experienced separation anxiety and other behavioural problems.


Additionally, the pandemic has led to an influx of puppies who then had limited socialisation and obedience training opportunities due to social distancing measures. This has resulted in an increase in training and behavioural problems such as reactiveness as dogs have not had the opportunity to learn how to behave in various social situations.


To address these issues, dog owners can consider several tips to help their furry pals adjust to post-pandemic life.

Socialisation: Puppies need to be socialised to a variety of people, animals and environments to become well-adjusted dogs. With limited socialisation opportunities during the pandemic, you might now see that your dog has become fearful of certain situations. Training them to adapt to different situations and environments will help them develop confidence and feel more comfortable.  

Separation anxiety: With many people working from home during the pandemic,  puppies as well as existing family dogs became dependent on their owners. This means that many are now experiencing separation anxiety after things have returned to normal. With the help of professional training, your dog can be comfortable and confident spending time alone.

Basic training: Basic obedience training is essential for every dog. It teaches them the basic commands, such as ‘sit,’ ‘engagement’ and ‘recall.’ It is never too late for positive reinforcement training even if your puppy missed out on it during lockdown. Training will make them more confident and also help keep them safe outside.

Mental stimulation and enrichment: Dogs who are bored and not mentally stimulated can develop behavioural problems such as chewing and excessive barking. Providing mental stimulation that help them use their sense of smell as well as their tongue, can help keep dogs feel calm and prevent boredom.

Behavioural help

The pandemic has led to significant changes in the schedule of both people and their dogs. As you return to your everyday lives, it is essential to take steps to help dogs adjust to these changes and work on any behavioural problems.


If you need help with your dog’s behaviour now life has returned to normal, Kate’s Dog dog can provide professional and tailored dog training to help owners and their dog thrive in post-pandemic life.

Book your free consultation today to talk about your dog training needs

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