Lockdown timebomb: In-demand puppies taken too young could turn violent

VETS are warning that increased demand for “lockdown” puppies could lead to an increase in dangerous dogs more prone to biting and attacking other animals.

- Andy Jones

In order to cope with the demand for young dogs, some unscrupulous breeders are snatching pups from their litters before the legal eight-week weaning period.

The early removal of puppies from the litter means they miss a crucial part of their social conditioning.

This means that as adult dogs they can develop behavioural problems such as biting.

Dr Jessica May, lead veterinarian for FirstVet – an online referral service with 75 registered professionals – says her company has seen a rise in unweaned dogs being presented for care since the first lockdown, a figure predicted to increase after more puppies were bought for Christmas.

Dr May says: “Problems that can arise as a result of early weaning include high reactivity, anxiety and inter-dog aggression.

“Some of these may not manifest until the animal is older.

“Behaviours such as social hierarchy and bite inhibition are learnt during this period and cannot be taught at a later stage.”