Since Alert Level 4 implementation, physical human-to-human interactions beyond bubbles have been advised against. However, four-legged companions are not exempt to the standard, worrying some owners with puppy socialisation challenges.
Dog behaviourist and trainer Julie Donovan says exposure to the outside world and situations is critical between the age of eight and 16 weeks.
"If you've got a dog that hasn't been lucky enough to have a lot of work done in that critical period, they [will] generally lack confidence - they're an insecure dog, an unsure dog... the majority of aggression comes from a fear base."
Ella Falkner says for four-and-half-month-old golden retriever Indi walks to the local river are a frequent activity seeing animals and children, "wanting to meet them and play with them, but can't."
