Dogs behavior around a new puppy

Question
Hello, I had my shih tzu for about a year and half now, and she's been the only dog in the household and has gotten everyone's attention, however just a couple of days ago we bought in a new puppy which is a chihuahua. The problem is, my shih tzu would distances herself from the chihuahua and observed from a distance to what others are doing/playing with the new puppy. Also she doesn't want to be near the puppy, the only thing she ever did was sniff the new puppy, when I first bought the puppy home. I think I'm at fault for babying the puppy and somewhat putting the puppy first and my shih tzu second but I'm juggling, at times I would put my shih tzu first and at other times the chihuahua first. Is there anyway to fix my shih tzu behavior? or somehow get her to be comfortable around the chihuahua?

Thank You.

Mary

Answer
It is NORMAL for an adult dog to ignore a puppy (or even another adult dog) for the first two weeks, at least.  This is a behavior that makes a "statement" to the new addition.  However, it is NOT okay for you to spend time with the new puppy to the exclusion of your Shih Tzu.  This will raise the puppy's rank (in his mind and in the Shih Tzu's) and cause a lot of trouble in the future.  I realize puppies are cute and the attraction of a new puppy is great; however, you need to pet the Shih Tzu FIRST, feed her FIRST, and interact with her as regularly as you used to.  Make a strong statement to the Chi puppy that the Shih Tzu  is the "higher ranking".  Be certain to also be sure the puppy doesn't bond to the adult dog (they should begin to develop a relationship soon) instead of to you.  If you observe any behaviors in either dog that concern you, repost.