When working with multiple dogs, we sometimes have to run interference and help to prevent dogs from escalating into a conflict or fight. But once in a while, a dog comes along who performs that job better than we humans ever could. That was our Zuzu.

Zuzu was our Greyhound mix, who joined us at just 6 weeks old in December 2013 and who we lost much to early in June 2019. She grew up with Romeo, the Vizsla, as her big brother. She had to learn how to adapt quickly and put up with a lot of. . . well, just put up with a lot!

From the very beginning, even before she met her big brother, she was a Girl With Opinions! She was pretty clear she was not going to put up with garbage from anyone. She was a feisty girl. And she was amazing.

But there was a skill she had that I have not had in any of my other dogs. She could prevent conflict among dogs like no other dog I have known in person. I have heard stories about these dogs. But I had never known one in my life.

Zuzu grew up with boarding dogs coming and going. That was normal life for Zuzu from the very start. Dogs would come for a few days or a week or even a few weeks. Then they would go home. Then new ones would come. Then dogs would return. She was accustomed to the dynamics of the household constantly changing.

I am not sure when it even started, to be honest. But one day, I noticed that when two of the boarding dogs would get a little riled up and somebody was looking ready to escalate things with another dog, Zuzu would insert herself.

It's often referred to as splitting. She would step between the dogs and split them up. It would immediately de-escalate the situation.

Zuzu became very good at instructing all of our boarding dogs about the Rules At Our House. We do not pick on others, unless it's very clearly just in fun. We do not pick fights. We do not bully the other dogs. We behave ourselves. Again, unless you are clearly joking around. But if you are Serious, then Zuzu will step in and remind you what the Rules At Our House are.

One of our clients had a Border Collie who was politely asked not to return to day care. He was beginning to be a bit of a bully with some of the other dogs and not making good decisions in that group environment. We were also seeing him being a bit naughty with other dogs in class, especially an Australian Shepherd who was also a good friend of his outside of class. At first, he would turn and snarl at the other dog when he thought we were not looking. Then he would turn and smile at us. He was not as subtle as he thought he was.

So our client asked if we could help. I suggested we set up a play date with the Border Collie, his Aussie friend, and Zuzu. When they first arrived, the BC immediately started snarling at the Aussie. Zuzu immediately inserted herself between the two and had a brief conversation with the BC. The BC was not quite sure what to think at first. Wait, someone is telling ME what to do?!

Fortunately, the BC was smart enough to realize that this was Zuzu's home turf. And Zuzu was the one establishing the Rules At Our House. She stepped in far faster than I ever could have.

The BC realized that he was most definitely not in charge in this situation. We proceeded with the play date, and each time he would think about making a poor decision with the Aussie, Zuzu would be right there to remind him what the Rules At Our House were. And he would immediately apologize and course correct.

It was amazing to watch. And I saw it over and over again.

We had two dogs from the same household stay with us for boarding once. The bully in that situation was a Newfoundland. The housemate was a Sheltie. The Newfie was picking on the Sheltie at home and not being a good sibling. Zuzu established the Rules At Our House very quickly. In the entire time that they stayed with us, the Newfie NEVER misbehaved with the other household dog. Perfectly behaved because Zuzu was there to step in if the Newfie got out of line. And the Newfie never did. Wow. If I had been the one stepping in and helping diffuse things, I would not have been able to be THAT effective.

Zuzu was a true Peacemaker. And she was amazing.

Our goal is to positively impact the lives of as many dogs and their families as we can, in part through our extensive library of video, infographics and text articles. If you like our work, please consider supporting us through a donation!