Puppies are a lot of work for everyone

While it's very important that people consider how much work a puppy is and what a big responsibility they are taking on, it's also important to consider the other pets in the home and whether they are up to the work that having a puppy around is for them.

Puppies can be really stressful for the other dog (and cat!) members of a home. Right now Zuni is proving this to be true and she is keeping all the dogs in the house on their toes.

Hobbs is such a gentle sweet boy that for the most part he won't tell her off. At least no more than a little snark and then he'll try to get away from her. I have to watch when they are loose together so that Hobbs doesn't get bugged by her too much.

Hobbs tells Zuni to back the heck off!

And Langley? Well at first he found Zuni completely overwhelming and was somewhat reactive when she was around. He's quickly gotten past that now that he's used to her, and just last night she took a flying leap off the couch onto his back and he just shrugged her off without even breaking stride.

Langley was having a leisurely stretch before Zuni pounced

With all of the adult dogs, Zuni and the dogs are closely supervised to watch for any signs of stress and to intercede to give occasional time outs so dogs can have a breather from the wild rumpus.

Zuni likes to grab a hold of Langley's leash and attempt to "take him for a walk". Langley rarely even notices, thankfully.

I'm not saying that Zuni is a bad dog. She's actually a pretty amazing puppy and learns very quickly. But she's pretty much the stereotypical terrier puppy and that means she will be an investment in time. However, if puppy parents are dedicated, they get themselves trained, and they supervise their pup closely, they can end up with an amazing dog who's happy and an enjoyable member of their family to spend time with. It's the up front investment of time and energy with a puppy that sets them up for a lifetime of success. Zuni will always be a spirited, independent gal. It's who she is and she should be loved for that spirit and not tolerated because of it. But she also has lots of lessons ahead of her on how to be polite when playing with other dogs and my dogs are doing their best to start her down that path.