Pandemic Pups & How They’re Doing
The pandemic caused major changes in everyone’s lives in 2020. While spending more time at home, many people took the opportunity to take in a new pet! There were various reasons for doing so: whether you’re living alone and looking for some comfort during the isolation or a family of 5 looking to add a new furry family member, pets were getting adopted at a surprising speed. Being at home doesn’t necessarily mean the process is going to be easy. House-training, basic obedience, and separation training are still important to a dog’s ability to be happy and healthy after the pandemic is over.
Pandemic Pup Issues
One issue that pandemic pup owners are running into is separation anxiety. Many dogs that were adopted when their family was home were not properly trained in how to be alone. Without proper isolation training, a dog doesn’t know how to be alone for long and can lead to destruction.
Adding a new pet to your home is a major decision and some pet parents don’t realize the responsibility of everything it entails, including both time and finances. When bringing home a dog, most of us envision the playtime, the snuggles, and the laughs he will bring. We don’t necessarily consider how much it’s going to cost us (in many ways). Some pet parents have found it to be too much and ended up returning or rehoming. This can be upsetting and even traumatizing to household members, particularly children.
Benefits of Pandemic Puppies
The benefits of adopting a dog add lot of positives. Comfort during isolation, increased activity levels, and of course, unconditional love are just a few of the joys. With kids in the mix, it has been found to be beneficial to their social-emotional health, development, and well-being, especially during these odd times. It can even add unprecedented family time!
It’s important to have realistic expectations and think the whole process of adopting through in detail. If you’re considering adding a new pet to your home, ask yourself the following questions to ensure it is a proper fit.
- Do we have the space?
- Do I have enough time to dedicate to my new pet’s needs on a daily basis?
- Will this pet get along with everyone in the home?
- Do I travel too much? Who would take care of the pet when I’m away?
- How much will the pet cost yearly? Consider vaccinations, training, food and treats, accessories (beds, toys, etc) and possibly daycare or dog-sitting costs.
- Does the pet’s activity levels work with my lifestyle?
A new pet is a huge responsibility, whether it’s your first or fiftieth. Pets of all sizes and ages have different needs. Do your research and be sure to choose a breed that fits your budget and lifestyle. If you need help with training, contact us and we will see how we can help!