Dog acting out

Question
I have a 2 year old hound mix (she's fixed)  that I got from a shelter about six
months ago.  She has progressed a great deal since I got her, but she seems
to be regressing.  This is due to a puppy in the home.  Although I was against
it, my husband decided to get a wolfhound puppy several months ago.  My
dog Nita adjusted to the change and things were going great, but recently I
have been the primary caregiver to the two dogs instead of just her.  She is
now soiling in the house and not listening to me when I take her out.  I make
sure we have time alone and I give her treats for the right behaviour but
nothing is working.  I want her to have a happy and loving home and ensure
she flourishes! What should I do???

Answer
She is letting you know she is in charge and didn't want the puppy.  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