Dogs Trust: A dog is for life, not just for lockdown

A charity fearing a puppy crisis is urging the public to remember that “a dog is for life, not just for lockdown”.

Dogs Trust is asking people to weigh up if they are ready for the responsibilities of dog ownership, with online searches about getting a puppy surging by 120%.

The dog welfare charity is concerned there may be a spike in people giving up their dog when normality resumes, adding this is the reality that often follows Christmas when people also get dogs on a whim.

Dogs Trust is temporarily tweaking its famous slogan to “a dog is for life, not just for lockdown” to get everyone to think twice before going ahead with a puppy purchase.

The charity said Google searches for “buy a puppy” increased by 120% in the month after lockdown was announced, adding that “adopt a puppy” saw an even bigger rise of 133% in online searches, according to data from Propellernet.

Chief executive Owen Sharp said: “Dog ownership can be so rewarding, but it’s also a huge responsibility which is why we are reminding people today that ‘a dog is for life, not just for lockdown’.

“Like Christmas, when people are at home more, they might think now is the perfect time to get a dog.

“For some people this will be the case, but we’re asking people to consider when the lockdown lifts how your life will need to change to accommodate your four-legged friend.

“We’re encouraging potential dog owners to carry out our new test to see if you’re dog ready.

“Are you ready to be chief pooper scooper? Are you ready to forego a lie-in ever again? As well as more serious questions around vet treatment and preparing for emergencies.”

TV presenter Graham Norton, who owns a labradoodle called Bailey, said: “Don’t forget that you still have to walk a dog on a rainy evening, and pick up their poo in the dark!

“Please remember that life will go back to ‘normal’ at some point with people returning to work and school, and when this happens you need to think about whether you can still fit a dog into your life.”

Meanwhile, the Scottish Terrier, more famously known as the “Scottie dog”, has experienced a surge of popularity in the first three months of this year and is no longer at risk of dying out, according to the Kennel Club.

Statistics released by the dog welfare organisation indicate a boost for the Scottish terrier, with puppy registrations increasing by 92% in the first few months of 2020 compared to the same period last year, making it the “top riser” so far in the new decade.

Til Tovey, chairman of the Scottish Terrier Club of England, said: “Scottish terriers are affectionate, loyal and intelligent, so we are delighted that this heritage breed seems to be bouncing back from historically low puppy numbers.”

Kennel Club spokesman Bill Lambert said there seems to be a shift as owners shun bigger breeds for small, adding: “This could be partly driven by lifestyle changes, where people living in urban environments with busy lifestyles are looking for smaller dogs that require less space, and partly by the dictates of fashion, driven by celebrity, advertising and social media.”