In 2020, millions of families welcomed dogs into their homes for the first time. With remote work, lockdowns, and extra time at home, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to raise a puppy. But fast forward to 2025, and many of those “pandemic puppies” are now adult dogs struggling with reactivity, anxiety, or poor social skills.

At Trident Dog Training, we’re still seeing the long-term effects of that unusual period, and helping dog owners rebuild what was missed during those early months.

The Pandemic Puppy Problem

According to the American Pet Products Association, over 23 million U.S. households welcomed a new pet during the pandemic. But while the intention was heartwarming, the reality is that these dogs grew up in a bubble. They missed out on:

• Regular walks in busy environments
• Socialisation with strangers and other dogs
• Basic exposure to common sights, sounds, and situations

With no visitors coming over, limited outings, and no puppy classes, many dogs didn’t get the foundation they needed to thrive in the real world.

What Happens When That Window Closes?

Puppies have a critical socialisation window, usually before 16 weeks of age, where positive experiences shape how they see the world. When that window is missed or underutilised, dogs can become:

• Fearful of new people, places, or sounds
• Reactive on the lead or in social settings
• Overwhelmed by normal stimuli
• Hyper-attached due to 24/7 company during lockdown

Now, those puppies are 4 or 5 years old, and their behaviour hasn’t just stayed the same, it’s often gotten worse. Without the right intervention, these patterns don’t just “go away.” They harden into daily stress, for the dog and the owner.

Is It Too Late to Fix?

Not at all.

We work with dogs of all ages and backgrounds. While it’s easier to shape good habits from the start, adult dogs are absolutely capable of learning new behaviours, developing confidence, and building resilience, with the right approach.

Our Board and Train Program is designed to give dogs structure, socialisation, and real-world exposure in a safe, expertly guided setting. Whether your dog is leash-reactive, anxious around strangers, or struggles with focus outside the home, we create a plan tailored to their exact needs.

What You Can Do Today

If your dog:

• Overreacts to people, dogs, or noises
• Can’t settle when you leave the room
• Seems overwhelmed in public spaces
• Hasn’t experienced much outside the home

…it’s not too late to help them. But it does take structured training, repetition, and professional support.

At Trident Dog Training, we specialise in turning setbacks into success stories. Our board and train programs offer full-time care, expert guidance, and real results, no matter how delayed your dog’s socialisation has been.