Pandemic Pups: Research into the Impact of Early Socialisation Restrictions on Dogs (2019–2022)
Between 2019 and 2022, global events caused widespread disruption to how puppies were socialised during their most formative stages. This research paper explores the long-term behavioural effects seen in dogs raised during this period and combines insights from over 130 dog owners with professional experience in training and behaviour.
Whether you’re a dog owner, trainer, behaviourist, or simply curious about how lockdown may have influenced your dog’s development, this paper offers evidence-based insight and practical reflection on what we’ve learned.
What’s Inside
This research paper explores the behavioural development of dogs acquired between 2019 and 2022, focusing on how early socialisation restrictions, particularly during COVID-19 lockdowns, impacted behaviour. The paper includes:
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A review of relevant literature on early development and socialisation
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Thematic and quantitative analysis of over 130 responses from dog owners
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A detailed discussion of findings and practical recommendations for trainers, owners and behaviour professionals
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Insights into the unique challenges faced by ‘pandemic puppies’
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Considerations for future support in the event of global disruptions
This study offers valuable insight for anyone interested in dog behaviour, early life experience, and the lasting effects of interrupted development.
Licensing
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). This means you may download and share the paper for non-commercial purposes, provided appropriate credit is given. No modifications or derivative works may be made.
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© Renee Patience, 2025. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
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Summary of Findings and Conclusions
This research examined the behavioural impact of early socialisation restrictions on dogs acquired between 2019 and 2022. Using a mixed-methods approach, over 130 responses were collected through an online questionnaire, with the majority of participants based in Ireland and the United Kingdom. The study aimed to understand the challenges faced by dog owners during this unique period and to identify what support or interventions might be most beneficial for dogs whose early development was affected by the pandemic.
Findings indicated that many dogs missed out on vital early-life experiences due to lockdowns and social distancing restrictions. This lack of structured and informal socialisation was linked to higher incidences of fear-based behaviours, difficulty around strangers or unfamiliar dogs, and increased reactivity. Owners reported issues with lead walking, recall, and anxiety-related behaviours. It was also clear that breeds more commonly used in sports or working disciplines were overrepresented in the data due to the social media channels used for outreach. However, a wide variety of breeds were included, allowing for broader conclusions.
The study revealed a strong demand for more accessible support, including early puppy classes, behavioural guidance, and advice tailored to individual dog temperaments. Thematic analysis of open responses showed that many owners struggled with understanding the impact of missed experiences until later stages, suggesting a need for more preventative education. Owners also noted difficulties in finding experienced professionals who could distinguish between behavioural and medical causes, such as pain-related issues.
The conclusion of this research emphasises the need for flexible, science-based support for both dogs and their owners. It highlights the importance of early intervention, consistent training guidance, and awareness of regional differences in dog-keeping practices. The research also suggests the importance of being better prepared in case of future global disruptions that may affect canine development and behaviour again.
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