London is the hotspot for ‘pandemic puppies’

By Alice Neil

The trend of ‘Pandemic Puppies’ highlights London as the biggest hotspot across the UK for increasing dog ownership.

Dog ownership has risen by an average of 84% across the capital since the start of lockdown, with Southwark seeing the highest rise of 140%.

The price of puppies has also surged, with some breeds now costing more than £3,000.

Many people have been furloughed or been working from home since lockdown, so a dog has seemed like the perfect companion- after all a dog is a man’s best friend.

Project manager Ashley from Rotherhithe said: “My husband and I have wanted to get a dog for years, and when lockdown hit and work from home proved to be a success, we immediately knew now was the time.

“I checked the work from home policy with my manager who confirmed that even post-Covid, I would be able to keep flexible working patterns.

“This was not a rushed decision; it was just that the timing was finally right!

“We had looked at rescues, but small breeds are so hard to come by that avenue didn’t work.

“Now we have Chewie, our miniature Schnauzer and he is a better addition to our lives than we ever could have imagined!

“He makes days of lockdown bearable just by waggling his little tail and staring at us with love in his eyes.

“Training him has been a nice distraction where social plans were cancelled, and we’ve met more friends and neighbours in our local park than ever before (we’ve lived here over 5 years).

“Even when life gets back to normal, we’ll continue to enjoy his company and couldn’t ever imagine a life without him and his cheeky character.”

Lockdown has been tough on people’s mental health, so many have bought dogs as they have been shown to reduce stress, depression and loneliness.

Francesca Benton-Stace from Bermondsey got her new puppy Rupert during lockdown and said: “Getting Rupert was not a spur of the moment or a lockdown decision.

“I have wanted a dog ever since I can remember.

“I’ve suffered with mental health since I was 16 years old and since getting Rupert he’s helped tremendously with my anxiety and depression.

“He gets me out of the house, he brings positive energy and happiness.

“He’s my world and can bring me out of any dark place.

“I never imagined how much joy and love he could and would bring for me and I can’t believe how lucky I am to have him by my side each and every day.”

There has been growing concern that the increase in puppies will lead to an increase in abandoned dogs, as one in four new owners admit to ‘impulse buying’ their puppy in the first months of the pandemic.

Adopting dogs from rescue centres involve a lot of strict checks and can take a long time, as a result, many have opted for a puppy.

The checks in place for adopting a rescue dog ensure that people are able to take on the long-term commitment of a dog, but buying puppies are not always subject to such strict checks.

New data revealed that The Dog’s Trust has received over 1,800 calls over the past three months from people looking to give up dogs under the age of nine-months-old.

There are many things to consider before getting a puppy, they need a lot of time and attention, and can be expensive

Greg Wilson, founder of pet insurance comparison website Quotezone.co.uk said: “Research suggests a dog can cost up to £30,000 over its lifetime.”

One in five owners who bought a puppy during the pandemic had not fully considered the long-term responsibilities of having a dog, according to research by the Kennel Club.

Kay Warnes, Head dog trainer and founder of Wanderdog on Tanner Street, Bermondsey said: “Before getting a puppy, people should seriously consider what breed would fit their lifestyle.

“Some crossbreeds, such as cockapoos for example, may look like cuddly teddy bears but when you mix two intelligent working breeds such as a cocker spaniel with a poodle, you are likely to get a high energy dog that requires more than just a lot of exercise, but also a lot of mental stimulation!

“Can this be provided daily?

“I would stress the importance of not rushing to get a puppy.

“Take your time, research, and find a breeder who has a reputation for being a caring breeder who loves what they do.

“Lucy’s Law came into effect in April 2020, which means that it is now a legal requirement to see the puppy with their mother and littermates in the home environment at the breeders.

“Covid-19 restrictions have made this difficult, but you should be able to meet the mother and litter, even if it is just outside the house to adhere to social distancing.

“The breeder should have a lot of questions for you, as well as expecting and accepting a lot of questions from you.

“Ask questions like have their parents been health checked, what experiences are they being exposed to early on, have they been socialised and will you be provided with food and information on their vaccinations.

“Avoid anyone who offers to meet you halfway or will drop the puppy off at your home – this is a red flag!

“Puppies are not easy.

“They’re cute and they will bring you so much joy and love, but there will be times when raising a puppy will be hard.

“Puppies also turn into adolescent dogs, and just like humans this can be a tricky developmental stage.

“So have an understanding that your pup may go through a tricky period with their training and behaviour.”

Other issues have arisen as the trend for pandemic puppies soar.

Samantha Downey, who breeds dogs and runs the dog day-care centre Canine Cottage on Shooter Hill Road, Greenwich said: “Many issues are already appearing as a result of people’s demand for ‘pandemic puppies’.

“Puppy mills have started to appear where dogs are being bred badly to keep up with high demand, as a result we are seeing a generation of anxious and badly behaved dogs.

“Lockdown has not only affected puppies, many of the dogs I have looked after for years are now showing behavioural problems from a lack of socialisation and the new lifestyle lockdown has brought.

“Dogs sit with their owners all day and get lazy, but by the evening they are well rested and full of energy.

“They start barking during the night, and dogs that have been house trained for years are now showing behavioural issues.

“Knowing they are going back to work; owners need to make sure their dogs are used to them not being around all of the time.

“They can start doing this by putting them in another room for a couple of hours a day.

“I can see the effects of lockdown already taking their toll, dogs are becoming more anxious and less well behaved, and while we all hope for lockdown to end, things won’t magically go back to normal for our canine friends.”