Does your dog behave differently after a kennel stay?

[MaryAnnDVC]

Our dog has been so...likeable...since he got home.

Simon's a 1 1/2 year old German Shepherd, and altho we adore him and he adores us, he can be quite a handful...very active "puppy" behavior, loves attention (particularly by stealing sox followed by "the chase"), barks at everything that moves outside, tears through the house, initiates wrestling with DS (a willing participant)...and he's NOT good with strangers.

He spent last weekend at a kennel while we were away; he had stayed there last November for 10 days while we were at WDW and apparently was a challenge...took him days to realize he was NOT the boss (luckily, the kennel is owned by one of DH's best friends DW) and was his feisty old self when he came home. We were hesitant to leave him this weekend (they weren't overly thrilled to hear he was coming again ), but he was FINE when DH dropped him off Friday. And much to our surprise, they said yesterday when DH picked him up that he had been great...GREAT! Simon was excited to see DH, but since he's been home, he's so different...much calmer and just all around an absolute sweetheart.

He's eating ok, he quietly welcomes affection (rather than trying to leap into our laps), is playful outside when we throw a ball, runs to greet us without barking, follows commands really well rather than just "good". I don't think I've heard him bark once since he's been home, but DD said he did bark at a cat in the yard today.

BTW, even tho the kennel is owned by someone we know and trust, I did ask around and found out it has an excellent reputation, so I believe he was treated well.

We've all been commenting since yesterday about how loveable he's been...and so well behaved. But...is this overnight change normal? Is he just "recovering" from his "vacation" like we do? Is he depressed?? Is he having abandonment issues??? Should I worry? Right now I'm just enjoying him so much...kind of like when the kids were little and they were sick...I hated to see them sick, but I sure did treasure cozying up with a sweet little affectionate loving child! But I'm bracing myself for when he "recovers"!

 

[janette]

Maybe they had a dog mix up ?

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Originally posted by janette
Maybe they had a dog mix up ?

Believe me janette, the comment "but he LOOKS like Simon" has been spoken once or twice! LOL

 

[C.Ann]

I'd suspect a dog switch too.. If not, let me know where this place is - my DD's dog could really use an overhaul.. LOL

 

[Pin Wizard]

Max usually gives me the cold shoulder for a day when I pick him up. The last time we picked him up, he came out and went over to a lady picking up her dog to be pet, then to DS, and completely ignored me!

 

[adamak]

We put our Sheltie in a doggie daycare for 6 days. He came home slightly differently. The first day I left him there, I saw him barking non stop. He is very shy and doesn't like other dogs at all. I saw all these dogs mobbed him in the run, and it just broke my heart. But I have to go to Disneyworld, so I can't cancel at the last minute.

When I picked him up, he's all quiet sitting with all the other dogs. At first he didn't recognise me, but after 2 seconds, he's licking me all over. He ran home as fast as he could, and since then he's been very friendly with all the other dogs he met on the street. I think the doggie spa makes him a better dog. Much more sociable.

It's really a good thing. Like sending your kid to school.

 

[dianeschlicht]

It sounds to me like you need an obedience class to get control of the dog. I have people tell me that after their dogs have stayed at our kennel too. In all likelyhood, the kennel doesn't let them get away with bad behavior.

 

[Kallison]

We have the opposite problem, he usually forgets all his manners. He is three now and has mellowed considerably. When we bring him home he won't let me out of his sight and freaks out every time we leave the house for about a week. He also has to sleep in our bedroom at night.

 

[Poohstyx]

Mare, just wanted to pop in and say hi to a very nice family! Hope things are great with y'all.
Hi to "Just Dave" and the kids!


Poohstyx

 

[cotye]

Wow, maybe I should take my dog to a kennel. He's very shy of other dogs... He's yappy, but not so bad as he barks at everything... Just children and strange noises... Usually he takes advantage of my mom and aunt when they take him for walks. He loves to bark at anything then. But when I take him out, he's quite well behaved.

Perhaps the kennel will calm him down! LOL...

 

[MosMom]

We have a German Shepherd mix and he was the same way at 1 1/2. It DOES get better. I never believed it but around 3 years old it was like magic.

Yes, he does act differently after a kennel stay, I don't think he sleeps well while he is in the kennel because of all the dogs barking etc. When he gets home he is T-I-R-E-D and extremely calm. He snoozes for about 24 hours and is calm for another day. Doesn't take long for him to be back to himself though. Enjoy it while it lasts. Makes you want to do weekend kennel trips eh? LOL

 

[nativetxn]

I found a new kennel for our Sassy girl and she loves it there. She was not nearly as hysterical when we retrieve her from this kennel, and I'm so glad