All the time we’ve spent at home with dogs isn’t as beneficial as we initially thought. Trainer Dale Buchanan is seeing an increase in adult dogs that are suddenly developing serious behavior issues related to stress and anxiety. He suggests these changes are likely coming from the stress and anxieties of their WFH owners. The dogs are most likely over-stimulated and under-exercised, he shared.
Author Kelly Lindenau suggests now is the time for pet retailers to offer training services. The two main options are group-learning classes and one-on-one lessons, a setting that is becoming more common due to pandemic-related restrictions. Training is an area of pet care forecast to reach $41 million by 2025, she says.
Lindenau also wrote an article on calming aids for dogs. We’re sharing both of these retailer-focused articles for review and consideration by animal health pros.
Source: Why dog training services are more important than ever, Pet Business, September 22, 2020. Link.
Source: Calming aids for dogs, Pet Business, September 1, 2020. Link.
INSIGHTS: Veterinary teams are often fourth or fifth in line when animal owners try to solve behavior issues. It is important to know about training programs in your area, including popular online and televised methods when dealing with pet owners. Again, taking the time to do a thorough history is critical to best care, including listening for clues to the rest of the story owners are reluctant to share.