An extra million were added to the dog population from around 2020, rising to an estimated 11 million in total, with many owning a pet for the first time.
The Royal Veterinary College says dogs bought then appear to display high rates of behaviour issues, such as separation anxiety and aggression towards other animals.
Dr Rowena Packer, an author of the RVC study, warned that owners struggling to cope could “reach the end of their tether” and look to rehome their dog. She said bad behaviours “are, in many cases, potentially being exacerbated by owners using punishment-based training techniques”.
Four in five owners in the survey, funded by rescue charity Battersea, and who bought their pet in 2019 and 2020, reported using aversive training, such as shouting which can increase fear and anxiety.
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Only 18% used less abrasive techniques, such as toys and treats to encourage good behaviour. Battersea also says it has seen a rise in dogs with problem behaviours linked to the pandemic. This followed a reported boom in the illegal puppy trade .
Denise Mariner-Chappell, 53, from near Wakefield, West Yorks, got her Labrador Ted in 2020. Due to lockdown she struggled with “training and the socialising”.
She said: “He’s a crazy dog when he’s out. He’s just manic. He just wants to play and sniff, and everything, but not with humans.”
Ted was not able to attend puppy classes during the pandemic but had a trainer later.
Injuries caused by dogs rose by just over a third from 2018 to 2022, it was reported.
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