I need help with my Jack Russell Terrier

[Wee Frankie]

I placed my 2 year old Jack Russell in boarding kennels for 2 weeks when I went on holiday. This is the first time he has been in kennels. Since he has been back home his nature has changed so much, before he was energetic and really bouncy and had lots of fun. Now he has calmed down so much this might be a good thing but I loved his bouncy ways always wanting to play. Now he just lies around and sleeps, never barks at anyone all the neighbours have been wondering why he is so quite. He was never a greedy dog and now he gobbles down his food and stealing food from my daughter which is also out of characture. I have taken him to the vet for a full MOT and was given a clean bill of health. He has also been snapping at us I am very worried I think that maybe the Kennels were somewhat cruel to him. He is my baby I hope someone can give me some advice.

[HAnn521]

Wee Frankie, this is so very sad! Your little one seems to be in a bit of shock after having lived the kennel life for some time...to a dog two weeks away from home is a fairly long time!

I think that your little Jackie just needs some time to get back into the swing of things and to pout at you a bit for leaving him...can I ask you, Did you know anything about the kennel's reputation before placing him there??

I do hope that his change in behavior is not the result of bad treatment! But I believe he has just gotten somehwat used to having to be defensive around other dogs and gotten used to being alone....give him a little more time with you and he should perk back up to usual self!

Be sure to give him lots of attention...I know my Corgi (which are a lot like a Jack Russell in attitude) would just get mad at me for leaving her for two weeks and she would demand an apology...haha...Best of wishes!

[FP]

I agree with HAnn.  Your little dog has been traumatised by being put in kennels and it will take a while for him to get back to his normal jolly self.  The snapping is worrying though and makes me think that someone at the kennels has not treated him very kindly. 

I think lots of attention and encouragement to play and some long walks will help him to 'recover'.  It is a shame that we cannot explain to dogs about kennels before they go and tell them it is only for a short time.  They obviously don't understand what is happening to them.

There are some excellent organisations around nowadays where people will come and look after your dog in their own home whilst you are on holiday and will either live in your home or walk and feed the dog while you are away.   This might be a better option for him next time.

Good luck and try not to worry.

[mydogsandme]

I'm pretty sure he'll get back to his old ways soon. It's really upsetting when this happens. I let a "friend" take my dog for a week when we went on holiday. When we got him back she was telling us how she never had to put him on a lead-at the time we hadn't had him long and I didn't take him off then- and I realized why when I went to walk him. He walked timidly close to my side and kept giving me terrified glances every few seconds. It's my thinking that she was sharply telling him off every time he moved from her side. This went on for a couple of weeks after we brought him home but did stop. Do you have anyone you can trust to leave him with in future or maybe a registered dog-sitter? I'd only leave mine with my mum and dad now. Keep us informed on how he goes.