It all started with toilet paper and antibacterial gel. Then, stuck at home, the apprentice bakers ran out of flour stocks. Then there was panic due to the shortage of ventilators and intensive care beds, and finally the lack of vaccines.
And now the dogs.
Eh yes. A canine shortage. And yet, they are everywhere. The parks are full of them, the kennels empty. There has been a 30-40% increase in adoptions, and animal welfare organizations are struggling to keep up with demand.
Waiting lists with breeders stretch for years, and overwhelmed vets book appointments months in advance. In Britain there is an epidemic of dog kidnappings led by a “canine mafia”. Already widespread, puppy mills and scams are on the rise as the world rushes on puppies.
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Dogs are a big part of my life. As an associate professor in anthropozoology, I attend annual conferences on this subject, presented by the world’s leading scholars. Early in my career, I trained in dog training with Huckleberry, my baby Labrador, at a time when award-based training was booming. I also teach a course on human-canine relationships. I even met my husband while walking my dog!
The Rush for the Dogs
This frenzy is understandable. Those who had decided not to have a dog because they were away from home for long hours suddenly found themselves without a school or an office to go to. And for many of them, this may be a permanent change.
It may be a blessing to work alongside your dog. Research shows us improved productivity and a better work-life balance, areas in which my colleagues and I collect research data. At the very least, many new owners now have time to bond and train the new family member – a ray of light during this pandemic.
But, as appealing as adopting a puppy may seem during this pandemic, it’s not always a good idea.
Dogs bring a breath of fresh air and are a great excuse to get away from home. At the start of the pandemic, we had a good laugh with the stories of desperate people walking stuffed dogs, fake dogs and even their spouses on a leash. And now, borrowed or even rented dogs are raging.
Unfortunately, the majority of these new puppies will not get enough walks, and some dog behavior problems can lead to frustration and even abandonment of the animal by their owners.
Having a dog is a huge responsibility
Since I know a little bit about dogs, I tend to spot problems quickly and it stresses me out. Sometimes I can’t help but approach strangers to tell them that their unvaccinated dog shouldn’t be around other animals. I scowl at the sight of exasperated owners pulling on their pet’s choke collar, punishing them or using old-fashioned training techniques while their dogs beg to run and play.