With people spending more time at home this past year, many decided to adopt a puppy. However, raising a puppy in the era of social distancing comes with some unique challenges.

So many Canadians have chosen to adopt a dog during the COVID-19 pandemic that they have been termed “pandemic puppies.” While these furry friends have provided much-needed comfort and companionship during difficult times, they’ll also need a lot of care, attention, and training to grow into happy and well-adjusted pets.

Raise your pandemic puppy right by paying special attention to training, socialization, and separation anxiety.

Training

Working with a professional dog trainer can be incredibly helpful, especially if you don’t have much experience raising and training dogs. Thankfully, there are still ways to work with a professional while practicing social distancing. Depending on where you live and what sorts of restrictions are in place, you may be able to go for modified, in-person classes. For example, some trainers are only offering classes outdoors.

Another option is to work with trainers online. While less hands-on, virtual training sessions can still have many benefits. Plus, they are easier to schedule and allow you to stay at home, where you and your dog are most comfortable.

Socialization

Socializing a puppy is crucial to making sure they grow up well-equipped to deal with the world around them. Socialization means introducing a dog to new experiences in a safe and positive manner. Done properly, it builds confidence and helps them adjust to new situations.

Social distancing has made puppy socialization more difficult but not impossible. While it may be harder for your puppy to meet new people, you can still expose them to many experiences. Going on walks around the neighbourhood, for example, will expose your puppy to new sights, sounds, and smells. You will likely come into contact with cars, as well as with other people and dogs. Plus, being outdoors makes it easy to maintain distance while allowing dogs to say “hi” to each other.

Taking your puppy on car rides, sitting with them in your front yard, or even letting them look out the windows are also helpful strategies for socialization.

Separation Anxiety

If you have been spending much more time at home due to the pandemic, then your puppy may experience separation anxiety when you go back to work or resume other activities out of the house. After such constant connection, your absence can cause distress and provoke destructive behaviours.

To help prevent separation anxiety, gradually increase the amount of time your puppy spends alone. Start by spending time apart in different parts of your home, perhaps using a pet gate to keep them from following you around. Over time, graduate to leaving your puppy alone in the house on occasion, even if it’s just to get the mail or run to a nearby convenience store. Increase their alone time until you establish a routine that resembles how your daily schedule will look without pandemic restrictions.

Give your pandemic pal a great start by setting them up for success. The time and effort you put into raising a properly trained, socialized, and well-adjusted puppy now will come back to you exponentially in a loyal, obedient and happy dog.