new poodle joins only poodle

Question
Hi Kathryn,
Thanks for availing yourself to questions.  I adopted a 3/4 yr old schnoodle two years ago...she had a year by herself w/ me, then we moved and she was with 2 yorkies--she bonded with one yorkie quite well...I recently moved again, 2 mos now, and thought it would be good to get another dog for her companion.  She's doing okay with the new toy poodle, but not bonding.  The toy is 4yrs old and she wants lots of attention. Now my schoodle has become quite needy...probably some rivalry going on.  I try to give each one attention, but it's hard to do it separately.  My new toy poodle hates being left alone and has never been crated---tried gates to restricted her in bathroom and she chewed her way through the plastic wire on gates.  How can I calm my schoodle so she doesn't feel ignored and how can I ease my toy's separation anxiety?  Thanks.  

Answer
I'll give you several suggestions and hope they help.  I'm not sure how much time they're alone during the day or night so it's just a shot in the dark here.

If you have something (as we do) like a doggie day care around and can swing the expense that would be my first choice - simply because it gives the dogs a chance to learn to get along with others and they have activities that keep the dogs active in mind and body.  Secondarily, you may want to do something like get an old fashioned ticking clock and put it in a crate with your poodle (covering it in a fluffy towel or blanket.  It mimics heartbeat and she may then be okay.  Another suggestion is (you'll think I'm nuts) prozac.  I had a dog who was just overall nerved up most of the time - it was so bad he'd puke frequently.  My vet had me take just a few grains a day of prozac out of a capsule and wrap it in cheese or another treat - it actually helped calm him down.

I'd try and do as much with both of them together as you can - snuggle both and love both lots and lots :)
Some of the problems are new house AND new 'roommate' - it's a lot for anyone and may just take some time.

Failing all this, I'd seek out an animal behaviorist and try having him/her work with your dogs.

That's the best I can suggest with what you have told me - except hugs to you and your furry friends.  Good luck.