Animal behaviourists and charities are warning of a surge in lockdown pet regret as owners struggle to cope with pets bought during the last year. She said Wood Green’s free pet behaviour helpline now receives 66% more calls each month, on average, than it did last June. But the reality is it can be difficult.”A survey of more than 2,000 pet owners by insurer Petplan found that nearly half (46%) of people aged 18 to 34 regret their decision to get a pet during lockdown, and a third (32%) of people aged 35 to 54 feel the same. During lockdown, demand for the charity’s training classes, free workshops and tailored one-on-one advice sessions about pet behaviour issues all increased substantially, particularly for animals exhibiting anxious or aggressive behaviour. “During the pandemic, there has definitely been an increase in territorial behaviour from dogs, lots more barking if someone comes to the house.”Many dog owners are also seeking help about their pet’s aggressive behaviour towards other dogs.

Source: The Guardian July 11, 2021 06:46 UTC