New research reveals how early pandemic puppy ownership affects long-term dog behavior and owner satisfaction, raising welfare concerns.
The rush to acquire puppies during the COVID-19 lockdowns created a unique population of dogs raised under unusual circumstances. This study explores the effects of that context on the long-term emotional bonds between owners and their pets. Using data from the UK-based Pandemic Puppies project, researchers evaluated the strength of the owner-dog relationship in a cohort of 794 dogs at 21 months of age.
Behavioral issues—including fear, aggression, separation anxiety, and poor recall—were found to increase the perceived costs of dog ownership, as reported through the Monash Dog-Owner Relationship Scale (MDORS). Interestingly, many of these issues did not reduce emotional closeness, except in the case of aggression. This suggests a complicated emotional experience for owners, who may feel deep affection for their dogs while simultaneously experiencing frustration or stress.
Puppy purchases explicitly linked to the pandemic were also associated with increased perceived costs. The findings suggest that emotional conflict and stress may emerge even in close relationships if behavioral problems persist. The authors recommend targeted support strategies to help owners manage difficult behaviors and sustain positive long-term relationships with their dogs.
