A delay to Covid-19 restriction easing could give dogs a chance to learn new tricks, a charity has said.

Dogs Trust said 'pandemic puppies' have missed out on vital early-life experiences, but a change to the restriction easing date from June 21 to July 19 gives dogs a chance to adjust to life at home alone.

Dr Rachel Casey, Dogs Trust's Director of Canine Behaviour and Research, said: "The delay will be frustrating news for many of us.

"For dog owners, it provides an extra opportunity to prepare dogs for the resumption of normal life."

Dunmow Broadcast: Nevile. Picture: Clive TaggNevile. Picture: Clive Tagg (Image: Clive Tagg/Supplied by Dogs Trust)

Before returning to the office or workplace, Rachel recommends factoring in time apart from your dog every day to prevent separation anxiety.

"Stay calm and build up really slowly," she said.

According to Google, searches for "buy a puppy" increased by 190 percent in the UK between the first week of February and the first week of lockdown (March 24 to March 30, 2020).