shih tzu woes :(

Question
Hello Deanna~  Similarly to you, i have a 1 1/2 year old shih tzu that's the resident dog (Penny) and a 3 month old shih tzu that's the new dog (Lily).  Both are females and my resident dog, Penny isn't responding to me the way she normally does- with sweet affection. It's been 3 days now that we have introduced the new dog, Lily and we do pay special attention to acknowledge Penny first before the Lily.  They both get along well, but my concern is very similar to yours in that Penny isn't her old self & that she has dramatically changed by ignoring our commands and not playing with us when we engage her, but she will play with the new dog, Lily.  I've seen a slight improvement with the use of more treats for Penny.  I'm frightened that i may have lost Penny. How are you handling your situation with your shih tzu's and is your resident dog semi-back-to-normal?

Answer
I try to set aside at least 5-10 minutes of "special" time just for (Tink) the resident dog.  I take her to our own place in the house away from the others and I groom her, or cuddle with her, I give her a special treat, etc.  Right now Penny is bonding with Lily and at the same time teaching Lily who is boss of the house and how things work, in a week or two she will have Lily all settled in a be bored with the newness of her and be back to her normal self.  Trust me you have not lost her.  It is good that she has taken to Lily and I would be happy for that.  As for her not listening to commands, you need to not reward her with extra treats or affection when she does not listen to you.  One way is to call Lily to you and when she listens reward her, if Penny comes when you call reward her (if she just pouts in the corner or ignores you then give her nothing).  Once she sees that Lily is getting the rewards and treats for listening and she is getting nothing, she will get the hint and start behaving (maybe).  Hope this helps..