The first joint human and dog counselling service has been launched after new research that indicates a third (33%) of pet owners are concerned about their dog suffering from post-lockdown anxiety.
The new service has been devised by Naturo Natural Pet food to help ease the transition back into post-lockdown life for pet owners concerned about their dogs adjusting to the ‘new normal’ in 2021.
Dubbed ‘hound-selling’, the unique classes will combine both canine and human therapy practices and specialist content to address ‘pet parent’ problems from both sides, with a series of solutions-focused group sessions.
Naturo has launched the service after conducting research with pet owners across the country revealed that three in 10 (29%) share concerns about how their pooch will adjust to the ‘new normal’, with two in five (39%) worried about leaving their dog alone more often and a third (33%) concerned about their dog suffering from separation anxiety.
Three in five (59%) admit they have found spending more time with their pet challenging due to them wanting more attention (38%) and daily interruptions such as barking on video calls (24%).
As a result of the findings, Naturo is working with dog behaviourist and television personality Leon Towers, alongside psychotherapist Jax Beatty, on a series of bespoke relationship counselling sessions. The sessions are designed for pet owners facing challenges post-lockdown and will help strengthen and harmonise this unique relationship.
The three key topics that will be covered across the sessions will be separation anxiety, new relationships, and renewed expectations of pet parenthood.
Lauren Toal, brand manager from Naturo, said: “At Naturo we know how important the relationship between pet and pet parent is. To many it is just as, or even more important than their relationship with family and friends.
“We hope that by launching the first ever joint human and pet counselling service, we can not only shine a light on the incredible bond between dogs and their pet parents, but also give pet parents the opportunity to work on their canine relationships, after what has been an incredibly tough year.”
The Relationship Hound-selling sessions are being offered by Naturo free of charge via a competition on its website (www.naturopetfoods.com) and are available to all UK and Ireland dog owners.
