My young lad witnessed an attack on his best doggy friend on Saturday, all the dogs were playing when his friend was attacked by a greyhound. Friend didn't fight back just made the most awful screaming noise as the greyhound owner tried to get his dog off her. It probably only lasted a minute or less but it seemed to go forever. The attacked dog bolted and it took us a few minutes to catch her. I wasn't aware of my young dog at this time I'm afraid being more concerned with catching the friend to see what damage had been done. We had to take her straight to the vets and she was kept in for stitches. My lot were quite subdued that night but seemed fine the next day. I took the youngster up to visit his friend yesterday morning, friend was bright and cheerful despite 24 stitches but youngster was terrified if her. Every time she made friendly advances he bolted to the opposite end of the room.

I assumed this fear was because of the smell of blood and the vets so we took them out into the garden hoping she would pee and he would realise this was his pal. She duly obliged but young lad was still terrified. We ignored him for over an hour, all in the same room but he continually kept as far as possible from the bitch.

I'm looking after the injured dog this week and when she arrived this morning my other dogs greeted her normally, happy to see her, but youngster ran upstairs and hasn't came down since. That's been almost 4 hours now. My inclination is to leave him and let him come down in his own time but I'm very open to suggestions.

Normally I would walk dogs together on lead to let them bond but the injured girl can't go out at the moment. I started all the dogs on zylkene on Saturday evening as a precaution and to help alleviate stress and this morning youngster has also had some valerian tincture.

Youngster is quite a sensitive chap but not normally timid at all, he loves all dogs he meets outside and has very good canine manners.

Could anyone offer any ideas on helping the young chap relax and get back on talking terms with his friend please?

I'm sorry that you've had such a frightening experience. I imagine your youngster has now come down, but I think you're on the right track letting him take things at his own pace. It's probably a good idea to just treat him normally without making too much fuss - otherwise he'll pick up your concerns and it will take even longer to get back to his usual self. :-)
Has the greyhound owner offered to pay the vet's bills?

How are things going now?