Poodle and Chihuhua relationship

Question
I have had my female toy parti-poodle, Kaili, for over 13 years & my female chihuahua, Bella, for one year. I also have a 2 year old toy poodle named Kirbi.

My pets have always been great, but about a month ago, my female poodle and my female chihuahua stay mad at each other, growling and even physically fighting each other.

Kaili was the aggressor when we first brought Bella home, but has since been fine with her. But for a month now, the chihuahua always growls if Kaili is in her sight! Bella, the chihuahua,only comes out from under my bed if I "trick" her with cheese or just has to eat. And sometimes comes out, it seems, just to start growling at Kaili. Kaili immediately runs after her and chases Bella back underneath the bed. It is never-ending! They are always fighting now.

My male poodle and the chihuahua are the best of friends and sleep together, so Bella is only like this with Kaili. Kaili also gets along with most dogs but is getting old and doesn't play much anymore. She lost her "husband" in 2008 and was the only dog for about a year.
If there is anything I can do, please tell me.  I give the dogs specific attention but nothing seems to work. Thank you!

Answer
Hello Carrie,
You will need to dominate Kaili when she does this to Bella.  To do this, you will need to hold Kaili down (down on her side with her head on the floor) and make her submit to you.  You will know she is submitting when you feel her relax.  Once she relaxes, Bella can come over and sniff Kaili when she is laying there.  Get on to Kaili if she growls or shows any meanness.  
Bella growls at Kaili to warn her to keep her distance from her, but Kaili knows that she can intimidate Bella, so she keeps chasing her.  You need to be the one to intervene on Bella's behalf.  
You didn't mention who the dominate dog is (after yourself of course), but you need to let the dominate dog get the attention first, petting first, treats first etc.  Even if its Kaili, the other dogs need to see that you respect her dominate position, so that they will do the same.  If there is conflict for order or dominance, there will never be peace in the house.  
That doesn't mean however that Kaili can be mean or abusive with her "power".  Running Bella off is no way for a dominate dog to act.  When you dominate Kaili when she does this, you are letting her know that even if she is boss of the other 2 dogs, that you are the ultimate boss and therefore need to be respected above all.

Do this and see if this helps your situation.  Also, keep giving each dog their special time with you.  This helps build an individual bond with you and all 3 dogs, plus helps estabolish that dominance between you and them.

I hope this helps you some.  If you have other questions about this, or other Poodle questions in general, please feel free to ask.

Thanks for using AllExperts.com,
Kim