Lost and found Dog - behaviour

Lost and found Dog - behaviour
Hi I have a 6 month old puppy that went missing for some 5 weeks before he was found and repatriated. In his former surroundings he had another dog for company too. I had meanwhile got another puppy of 9 weeks and introduced them to each other on neutral ground before bringing them both home. I also washed the floors to try and minimise any scent remnants from my younger puppy so that there would be no territorial issues with the retrieved dog. The lost dog was formerly very active and friendly and had taken well to training but is now a totally different dog and hardly acknowledges me... nor is he responding to my former commands, though this is understandable. He also seems withdrawn, scared and has a low appetite. What further behaviour may I expect and how can I s
Posted: 18/01/2007

Answer: Lost and found Dog - behaviour
This is a sad post. It's hard to know exactly what he went through while he was away from home, and this is the problem. At the least, I guess he had a awful time. As he was only young this may have left permanent scars. It may take a long time to get him back to his original 'state', but I am sure it will happen eventually. Maybe with the help of a short term course of drug therapy from the vet? I can't predict what his future has install, so all I can suggest it lots of patience, love and attention.
Posted: 25/01/2007