WE’VE had the pandemic, the ‘pingdemic’, could we be facing a ‘puppydemic’?

The lockdowns due to coronavirus meant more people were buying pets and puppies.

In March, it was announced that a total of 3.2 million households in the UK have acquired a pet since the start of the pandemic, according to the Pet Food Manufacturers' Association.

But many are now being sold. Within a five-mile radius of Warrington, 242 pets are up for sale on Pets4Homes, and that upsets Rebeckah Vaughan, owner of No More Kennels on Riverside Trading Estate.

“Many people thought that the lockdown period was a good time to get a puppy as they thought it would be the perfect time to train a puppy,” she said.

“What they didn’t realise is that they now have a dog who’s not used to strangers, has separation anxiety because their owners have been at home with them 24/7 and now they are causing chaos when their owners have to return to work.”

Rebeckah is a canine behaviourist and is booked up seven months in advance with a growing waiting list.

“Requests for training have gone up 300 per cent as dogs who had never had behavioural problems before, are now being destructive as their whole world was turned upside down,” she continued.

“Unfortunately, people need help with their dogs now and aren’t prepared to wait seven months. This is resulting in people becoming frustrated and giving up on their dog, it’s heart-breaking.

Rebeckah added: “No More Kennels remained open for day care during the pandemic. Lots of our regular customers brought their dogs to us even though they were working from home as they knew the importance of routine and socialising your dog.

“It’s such a shame to see how people are struggling with their new pets, my advice is to try day-care and training to relieve some of the pressure. Ask family members to help and research separation anxiety in dogs so you can further understand your dog’s behaviour.”