Dog ownership has changed dramatically following the pandemic lockdown . Before 2020 there were around nine million dogs in the UK, now there are roughly 14.5 million.
This is believed to be due to a change in people's working life where they previously had to be in an office, were suddenly able to work from home and have a dog for the first time. However, a lot of people realised it actually wasn't for them. Speaking exclusively to the Mirror , dog behaviour and training consultant, Carolyn Menteith , says : “After things changed, I think a lot of people realised their lives weren’t set up to include a dog and be dog owners.
They tried really hard and did everything right but things didn’t work out. “As a result, an awful lot of dogs have found themselves in rescue without any issues or problems, they’re just a product of lockdown.” 'I'm a dog trainer - simple trick to keep pets calm in front of visitors is game-changer' If you’re considering getting a rescue dog, Carolyn, says there is a ‘golden rule’ people should consider before doing so.
She said: “People should always think ‘what you see is what you get’. The majority of rescue centres are very good at assessing dogs and finding out what they’re like and if they’re comfortable around other dogs, cats or children. “If you get a rescue thinking you can change it or train it out of doing something then you’re in for disappointment.
If you can’t handle the way is right now then that’s not.