Why Your Pandemic Dog Is Suddenly Acting Out - And What You Can Do About It
Why Your Pandemic Dog Is Suddenly Acting Out - And What You Can Do About It
If your once-sweet pandemic pup is now three or four years old and suddenly acting out, you're not alone.
At Bullys Behaven, we’re hearing from dog owners all across New Jersey, from Montclair to Marlboro, Westfield to Toms River, who are experiencing new behavior problems with the dogs they adopted during COVID. It’s a trend we’ve seen grow in the last year.
The story is familiar:
“He was such a good puppy... now he’s barking at people, growling on walks, and ignoring commands.”
These dogs missed out on a critical window during their early development. In 2020 and 2021, life was anything but normal. Dogs weren't exposed to everyday routines like meeting new people, socializing with other dogs, being left home alone, or even walking in busy environments. Now that they’ve reached adolescence or adulthood, those missing experiences are starting to show up, in the form of behavior issues.
Common Behavior Problems in Pandemic Dogs
We’re seeing a consistent pattern across the dogs we work with:
Leash reactivity (lunging, barking at people or other dogs)
Separation anxiety or destructive behavior when left alone
Resource guarding (food, toys, space)
Hyperactivity or inability to settle down at home
These issues are popping up everywhere — in places like Princeton, Holmdel, Livingston, and Chatham — where dog owners are dedicated to their pets but often feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next.
Is It Too Late to Train My Dog?
Absolutely not!
Just because your dog is no longer a puppy doesn’t mean training won’t work. In fact, adult dogs often benefit even more from structured training, especially when the root of the issue is fear, confusion, or lack of consistency.
At Bullys Behaven, we specialize in helping dogs with serious behavior concerns, including reactivity, aggression, and general disobedience. Many of our clients in towns like Manalapan, Summit, Colts Neck, and Red Bank come to us after trying other methods that didn’t work. That’s when our structured, immersive training plans make all the difference.
Our Training Programs for Pandemic Dogs
Depending on your dog’s needs and your lifestyle, we offer several options:
Board and Train
This 2–4 week immersive program gives your dog structure, boundaries, and daily reinforcement. They live and train with us in a calm, structured environment, ideal for more serious behavior issues.
Private In-Home Training
We come to your home to work with you and your dog in the environment where issues are most likely to occur. This is especially helpful for clients in areas like Spring Lake or Point Pleasant, where behavior is often tied to the home or neighborhood.
Day Training
Perfect for families located near Jackson, including Toms River, Freehold, Howell, and Manalapan, our day training program allows you to drop your dog off in the morning and pick them up in the evening. Your dog receives focused training throughout the day but sleeps at home at night. It’s a great option for busy owners who want results without committing to a full board and train.
Don’t Wait Until It Gets Worse
Behavior issues rarely resolve on their own. In most cases, they get worse over time, but they’re also incredibly treatable with the right approach. If your dog is showing signs of reactivity, anxiety, aggression, or just not listening anymore, now is the time to step in.
We offer free consultations to help you understand what’s going on and recommend a plan that works for your dog and your household.
Serving dog owners across Jackson, NJ and surrounding areas including Montclair, Westfield, Summit, Colts Neck, Holmdel, Manalapan, Toms River, Staten Island, and Brooklyn.
Ready to get your dog back on track?
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward lasting change.
