More than 23 million American households — nearly 1 in 5 nationwide — adopted a pet during the pandemic, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal (ASPCA).
Young, old, single, coupled and everyone in between – we all experienced our ‘normal’ going out the window and feeling trapped in a life that felt unexpected, unfamiliar and uncomfortable. We were sharing this among our friends, our family, our neighbors and even with millions around the world – and yet, we found ourselves overwhelmed with loneliness, sadness and even boredom. And so… many of us turned to the companionship of man’s best friend. We rescued dogs. We went on breeder’s waitlists. We drove hours to pick them up from strangers. We even figured out how to have virtual vet appointments.
All of a sudden, we had the time to take a dog out for daily walks and spend time playing with and teaching them.
All of a sudden, we could fulfill our childhood dream of owning a dog or being able to fulfil that dream for our own kids.
All of a sudden, we were forced to be home alone all day with no roommates or friends to see and yearned for companionship. We wanted something warm and fuzzy to cuddle up with to ease our fears, anxieties and loneliness.
Fast forward one year, two years and for some – even more. We are starting to find the new normal which means leaving our home offices and couches and heading back to into the corporate office setting. We are canceling our home food delivery apps and picking out our own groceries. We are enjoying sporting events, music concerts and searching expedia.com again. We are making plans to send our kids to camp and back online finding summer rentals.
But where does that leave us with that pandemic puppy – who is now an adolescent of course?
It leaves us wondering!
Can I bring him to all of the fun family things we are starting to do again?
Is he trustworthy to bring to the neighborhood barbeque – to the park with the kids and to the little league and soccer games? Will he stay near us or will he jump on those who come over to chat or even perhaps chase after the out of bounds ball and try to keep it as his own?
What about home behavior?
How will she behave now that we have visitors in our homes again? Will I be forced to lock her in the cage or find baby gates on Amazon? Can I have babies and kids play freely around her without fearing she will trample, nip or roughhouse with them?
What about travel?
How do I take him to that dog friendly beach rental without worry? Will he stay around us on the beach blanket or stay home without destruction?
And of course, there is the natural sense of guilt and wonder surrounding the new routines at home. Play time is less now that you are commuting to and from the office. Lap time and together time is less now that your home office is empty most days. Daily walks and yard fetch is now a weekend only thing. Kids at school and adults at work means a newly empty house.
It is an incredible transition for both dog and owner. We truly understand this.
Rest assured, it is possible to transition both you and your dog into whatever you have created as your new normal. Yes, your dog can carefully and appropriately receive visitors and sit beside you on your picnic blanket. No need to purchase baby gates or turn down the summer rental or block party invite.
Stein-Way Dog Training teaches you the tools to train your dog to fit the needs of you and your family. With one, 2-3 hour personalized training session, we empower you to make the changes you had hoped for but didn’t know where to start – and to finally be able to enjoy your dog for all the reasons that you bought one in the first place.
Fulfilling the hopes and wishes you had for you and your dog.