WITH many people set to return to work as Covid-19 restrictions ease, dog behavioural experts are predicting many nervous pups out there if they aren’t prepared for the change.

Tina Barry runs Bella Paws, a doggy day care centre and puppy crèche, based in Fobbing.

She says owners might want to take steps now to tackle separation anxiety.

Tina said: “Sadly we are seeing many of what we refer to as ‘lockdown puppies’ with separation related anxiety and a lack of socialisation in the key early stages of a puppy’s development.

“Many puppies and dogs bought or rescued through lockdown have got used to having their owners at home and have never experienced being by themselves and sadly many will struggle to adapt once lockdown measures are eased and people begin to return to work.”

Tina is an expert in dog behaviour and she says that most dogs will be affected by the change in working dynamics at home.

“Many puppies and dogs will find themselves suddenly alone for long periods and being sociable animals many if not most will struggle with this.

“When working from home we would suggest being in another room, maybe upstairs when the dog is downstairs, and have them get used to being in the house but separate.”

Tina has helped nurture many dogs from puppies to adulthood in her puppy creche and onto the doggy day care service.

“When I work with a client, I am looking at the puppy or dog I have in front of me regardless of age, breed and size, and what subtle signs they are showing about how they feel, their emotional state of mind, what their body language is telling me.

“Dogs talk to us and other dogs all the time, we just need to learn to know how to listen.

“Once we understand how to listen to those subtle signs we can then help the dog make better choices.”

Tina launched Bella Paws pet services in 2007, and used her experience and background of dog training and behaviour work. Now they run doggy day care, puppy creche and luxury dog boarding rooms complete with under floor heating, TVs and chandeliers as well as dog training and behaviour and agility classes.

Visit www.bella-paws.co.uk for details.