Dog acting weird after vacation?

Question

I have a 3 year old Chihuahua. I adopted him about a year ago. He has grown quite attached to me after our time together, just as Chihuahuas typically do. I went on a vacation for one week and left him with dog sitters in their home. These sitters used to foster him for several months, so I felt he'd be more comfortable there as opposed to at the vet. When I went to go pick him up, he acted like he didn't know me! He shied away, sniffed me a little, but then would retreat. He did not run to greet me or act excited at all. I suppose my ego is a bit scorn haha, but I also have never experienced this behavior before with any dog.

Is it because my scent was different? Did he attach himself to the sitters and forget about me? It's been a day and he is acting more normal, just a little less cuddly. Any insight would be appreciated.

Is it because my scent was different? Did he attach himself to the sitters and forget about me? It's been a day and he is acting more normal, just a little less cuddly. Any insight would be appreciated.

Verulam 1 · Accepted Answer

Perhaps he did remember them from the time he was fostered there and settled back in with them happily.   Just give it time - hopefully, provided he's not sick (?) he'll be able to settle back in with you again.   Perhaps he's just confused about who he does 'belong to'?   It might have been better to have had the sitters be with him in your home, not their's?

? · Answer

Its strange that the dog did not recognise you, but dogs are not as loyal as some owners seem to think and most will  put their own best interests first, and they do live in the moment. If his foster cares treated him more to his liking than you did when he was with them , including a strong leadership attitude, then he would naturally gravitate towards them, rather then you.
As soon as he settles into YOUR routine again he will look towards you first again.
Dogs are very adaptable and most accept what is happening in their lives in that moment and do not dwell on the past, but certain events can bring back memories for them. 
Dogs think like dogs and not like humans do, so act accordingly.
And do remember he has past history, which may have an influence on the way he acts now.

? · Answer

Maybe he thinks you're the sitter and they're the home,,, now he's confused as to why he's going back to the sitter.

L. E. Gant · Answer

Some dogs have short-term memories only.

Dog acting weird after vacation?

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