Coronavirus a perfect opportunity for dedicating time to the family dog, says trainer

Debi Coleman said many of the breeders she knew were receiving more inquiries for puppies.

"Which is nice if they want a family pet," she said.

But she said potential owners needed to consider all the usual criteria, including breed, exercise needs and temperament, as well as training and socialisation during the crucial 16-week window when dogs learned most of their core behaviours.

"With COVID, people might not do socialisation with their pets," she said.

"It's important to do things like leave the radio on, leave the TV on and expose them to different textures."

She said it was also important to consider how the dog would cope once coronavirus restrictions lifted and the owners returned to work and school and enrichment toys were a good way to keep them occupied.

"They need to start learning to be on their own to avoid separation issues down the line," she said.

During the stay-at-home period, Ms Coleman said ensuring socialisation occurred was important and she n has started running one-on-one and group courses online via video conference so dog owners could still talk to others.

"The other day I had a group of five families - they went online and showed their puppies and we ran through different questions," she said.

"That's the way things are headed and the good thing is location isn't an issue."

But for those who have owned pets for awhile, she said being home more might prove beneficial as owners became more aware of behaviours needing a little more work.

She said clients also sent her videos of their dogs if they were unsure.

"People might notice their dog barking at a neighbour - probably they've been doing it for awhile but we haven't been at home," she said.

"It may well we're seeing something we need to address."

With dog walking a popular excuse to leave the house for a little, Ms Coleman said changing their routine should be done with care.

"If you haven't exercised your dog previously, try not to overdo it," she said.

"You might have to do some lead training."