Dogs have struggled during lockdown with owners reporting an increase in barking and biting. Charity the Dogs Trust carried out a study to explore the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Britain’s pooches, and have warned of an impending behaviour crisis in pets. More than 25% of owners say their dog has developed at least one new problem since the start of lockdown. This is combined with a staggering 82% of owners reporting an increase in barking, or whining when they are busy.
狗在疫情期间很受折磨，狗主人都说吠叫和咬人的情况增多。慈善机构“狗狗信托会”开展了一项研究，证实新冠疫情对英国狗狗的影响，并警告说宠物将出现行为危机。有超过四分之一的狗主人说开始居家隔离以后，狗狗至少出现了一种新问题。此外，多达82%的狗主人说吠声增多，或者他们在忙的时候狗乱叫的情况有所增加。
The study also found online searches for ‘dog bark’ increased by around 48% – and searches for ‘dog bite’ increased by around 40%. Rachel Casey, from the charity, said: ‘These are challenging times as millions of us across the country have had our daily lives turned upside down. ‘While some dogs have been happy to have their human family at home more, others have been stressed by reduced exercise, inability to find a quiet place to rest or no contact with other dogs. ‘Our research shows some early warning signs that lockdown is having a negative impact on some dogs’ behaviour.
研究也发现网上对“狗叫”的搜索量增加了约48%，“狗咬人”的搜索量增加了约40%。该慈善机构的Rachel Casey说：“现在我们正处于困难时期，全国有数百万人的日常生活都发生了彻底改变。虽然有些狗狗觉得主人在家的时间多了很开心，但其他狗狗因为锻炼减少、没有安静的休息地方或者不能和其他狗狗玩而变得焦躁。我们的研究发现了隔离对狗狗行为产生消极影响的早期征兆。”
‘A big worry for us is what the long-term impact of lockdown will have on dogs’ ability to cope when left home alone. ‘Dogs that had separation anxiety before the lockdown are likely to get worse when left again as owners head back to work – but we also expect to see new cases developing, because other dogs, and particularly puppies, have learnt to expect company all day.’ People have also seen a 20% increase in their dogs frequently seeking attention, and there has been a 54% rise in the number of people saying their dog has hidden or moved away when approached. The Dogs Trust said it is now worries that if these behavioural problems aren’t identified and treated early on that the country could see an increase in dog abandonment in the future – or even euthanasia. The charity, which said the single biggest reason why dogs are abandoned is because of behaviour-related issues, predicts that up to 40,000 dogs could be at risk of abandonment as a result of the pandemic.
我们很大的一个担忧就是隔离对独自在家的狗狗会产生什么长期影响。主人复工，狗狗又要被独自留在家了，疫情前就有分离焦虑的狗狗在疫情之后情况会变得更糟，但也可能出现新情况，因为其他狗狗，尤其是小狗崽，已经习惯了期待一整天都有人陪。人们发现狗狗频繁吸引注意力的情况增加了20%，说接近狗狗时狗狗躲起来或跑掉的人数增加了54%。狗狗信托会表示，现在大家普遍有个担忧的问题，如果这些行为问题没有被早期认定并治疗的话，那未来全国范围内会有更多狗狗被抛弃，甚至安乐死。该慈善机构说宠物狗被抛弃最主要的原因是宠物狗行为相关的问题，意味着受疫情影响，有多达40,000只狗狗将有被遗弃的风险。