Dogs get major TLC and toys during social isolation
Dogs get major TLC and toys during social isolation
Don’t be offended if your dog wants a bit of space from you
When my parents went out of town for a cousin’s wedding, I happily handed over my car keys (so they didn’t have to buy a rental) and agreed to dogsit for three days. Considering my own apartment at the time didn’t allow dogs, I was ecstatic to have the attention of a German Shepherd for three days. I wanted to play with her so much and walk her so often that she got tired of me. I grabbed the leash to go sit on our front porch on Day 2, and she took off under the porch. She was convinced I was going to take her for a long walk again.
Although that wasn’t my goal this time around, I took her behavior as a hint that I was overdoing it. After a considerable amount of time of her watching me mime like an idiot, she realized I just wanted to sit on the porch and crept closer. I chilled out on the longer walks after that, and she went right back to gluing herself to my hips again. Unfortunately, she passed away several years ago. But I still laugh about how I went from having a dog who was ecstatic to see me whenever my car pulled up (I walked her every single time I saw her, including in three-inch heels on a snowy, windy day) to a dog running away from me.
Dogs love to have tender loving care — at least every single dog I’ve encountered, give or take a couple who had pretty rocky puppy years — but there does come a point where they want you to just leave them alone. While we’re in our socially isolating days and unable to do all of our everyday activities, don’t be surprised if your dog is a bit confused by why you’re home so much. (S)he may have grown used to whining when you leave for work or to run errands. Now you’re all up in her face day in and day out, and sometimes she just wants to take a nap.
Pet supplies in top 7 most popular supplies for socially isolated consumers
In the latest results from a consumer report by L.E.K. Consulting, “COVID-19 in the U.S.: Consumer Insights for Businesses,” pet supply purchases have increased by 10–15 percent. Furniture, apparel, electronics, takeout/delivery, beauty products and gym membership have done a considerable nosedive. Meanwhile, groceries (dry goods and perishables), medicine/medical supplies, at-home entertainment, at-home fitness and pet supplies are getting a major boost.
Recommended Read: “Man’s Best Friend Becomes Retail’s Best Customer”
Obviously your dog needs toys, food and necessary pet supplies, but they’re not the pickiest bunch. So what made pet inventory get a boost when the routine is usually the same (i.e. pee break, feed, pee break again, feed second time, pee break before bed, fight over covers)? According to this report, “Consumers are embracing the chance to spend more time with pets.”
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And it makes sense. Dogs have taken over the usual face-to-face interaction with friends and non-immediate family. Dog owners cannot really hang out in public parks for extended periods of time (especially if you live in Chicago and have Mayor Lori Lightfoot on your tail). The gym, movie theaters, concerts, bars and/or restaurants are out of the question. So the furry entertainment in your life who has been waiting for her moment to shine now has it.