Dog missing former dogsitter

[V.E.M.Fontaine]

Hello,

My 5 months old puppy stays 3 days a week with a dog sitter and recently, we had to find a new one because the previous one had a new job.

But it's been a week that we started with the new dog sitter and Milo seems to be very sad even at home... He eats but he doesn't seem very interested in food and most of the time, doesn't feel like playing. We think that he misses the dog sitter but we don't know if seeing her again is good or bad. What should we do?

 

Best,

Victoria

[Adrienne Farricelli]

Hello Victoria,

 

Sounds like Milo was very attached to the previous dog sitter!

Dogs, as you may already know, are very routine-oriented animals and don't fare too well with changes. It takes an adjustment period for things to settle and this can be stressful for them. However, to the point of not wanting to eat much or play when he comes home, sounds a bit odd. Puppies should be full of energy and happy and eager to eat their meals.

 

I would investigate a bit what happens when he is with this sitter. Perhaps he is eating already during his stays there? Perhaps she plays a lot with him? Or has other dogs that play with him? Many dogs are exhausted when they are picked up from daycare. You may be just seeing a tired pup. Perhaps, you can casually ask this sitter what his day is like and what (if anything) he is fed during his stays with her. Perhaps ask as well if he acts mopey in her home or if he is actually having lots of fun and playing a lot.

 

A vet visit may also be warranted if he is not acting like himself. Perhaps he has tummy troubles or is just not feeling too well. Sure dogs can be sad when they miss people, but it's always a good idea to rule health ailments out.

 

Seeing the previous sitter may make him extra happy, but if there are little chances that she will watch him again in the future, there may be no point. I think this may confuse things a bit. However, I can see how watching his reaction if she would watch him one day may prove some benefit in ruling or confirming whether missing her is playing a role in his recent behavior change.

 

Adrienne

Edited May 9, 2018 by Adrienne Farricelli