Upset Shih Tzu

Question
My 2 year old Shih Tzu (Daisy) has always been very active and playful. She loved the company of other dogs. I thought she would be ready for a new addition, so we got a Mini Daschund (Jannelle) who is now about 3 months old.

We brought Jannelle home at the beginning of February, and it is now the end. Daisy still won't have anything to do with her. She won't play with my boyfriend or I either, even when it's just her. We leave her outside to have her time, and we leave the puppy inside during the day while we are at work. We both make sure to give her tons of attention, while still playing and spending time with the new puppy.

But she is just acting like a different dog. She seems sad and depressed. Especially when the little dog is around. We try not to let Jannelle be too crazy with Daisy, but we also make sure to let Daisy tell Jannelle who is boss. Jannelle is also very submissive to her, but she still won't play with her or anything.

What can I do to help my Daisy stop being so sad and loosen up?  

Answer
Maybe better leadership and bonding would help.  The key to most behavior problems is approaching things using the dog's natural instincts. Dogs see all the people and dogs in the household as a pack with each having their own rank in the pack and a top dog. Life is much easier if the 2 legged pack members outrank the 4 legged ones. You can learn to play the role of top dog by reading some books or going to a good obedience class. A good obedience class or book is about you being top dog, not about rewarding standard commands with a treat. Start at http://www.dogsbestfriend.com/ For more on being top dog, see http://www.dogbreedinfo.com./topdogrules.htm

''Elevation for small puppies: Sit on the floor and gently put your hands around your pup's middle, below his front legs, and lift him up. He is facing you. Hold him for 15 seconds. Repeat until he no longer struggles. If he is past 10-12 weeks, lift his front feet off the ground, but don't pick him up.

Cradling for small puppies: Hold your puppy gently on his back, as you would cradle a small baby. If he struggles, hold him firmly until he quiets for 10-15 seconds. With larger pups, you can do this as your sit on the floor, with your pup between your legs.

Quiet lying down: Place your pup on the floor on his side, with all 4 legs pointing away from you. Use your hands on his neck/shoulder area and middle, to hold him in this position. When he is quiet, praise him. Lengthen the time that you keep him quietly in this position. When he accepts this position well, handle his paws and muzzle, while keeping him quiet.''

The quotes mean this isn't my original work. It is copied from my Puppy Raising Manual. I have long used these or minor variations of them, and they are very effective. You may want to give him a belly rub while he is on his back too. Helps bonding. There is a big difference between him rolling over and demanding a belly rub, and you choosing a time to roll him over and rub his belly. The latter cements your place as pack leader.