socialing two dogs together

Question
Hi,
I recently moved into a house with two new roommates.  We all have pets and are having some difficulty with the pets liking one another.  We have one small dog (a daschund), a large dog (a lab mix) and a cat.  The small dog is scared of the cat, but is attacking the big dog.  The big dog doesn't seem to care about either of the animals, but will attack back at the little dog when attacked.  The cat is scared of both animals and is hiding in the closet and won't come out.  Please any suggestions that you can give me so that we can teach these animals to live together in harmony would be great.  Right now, we have to keep the dogs on leashes when they are in the house together.  Thanks so much.
Danielle

Answer
Thanks for your question.  First thing is first.  Get there food dishes in the same room.  If they want to eat they will have to come out of hiding or stop fighting or they wont get to eat.  Make it clear to the dogs along with the cat they cant get fed if they are like that.  Dont leave there foods together if you dont want the dogs eating the cat food.  Put it down when its time to eat then take it away... Depending on how old the cat is its VERY hard for cats to adjust to dogs if they have never been around them.  Same with dogs who have never been around cats.  It will be a very long and slow process but just besure there is someone there with the cat and the other 2 dogs when it is feeding time.  If this doesnt work there always treats.  Bring them in the room together on leashes (not the cat hahah) and start off witht he dogs.  Let them sniff noses.  Say good and give a treat. If they snap at each other then you will have to say NO in a firm tone.  DONT let they get by with anything you dont want them too.  You will want to bring the cat in last.  Stratch her where she likes to be stratched while holding her.  Sorry to say but your biggest challenge is going to her the cat.  Your going to get scratched bit and yowled at but you cant let your gaurd down.  Socialize the 3 in the same room at the same time.  Spend about 30 minutes a day doing this for about a week (7 days) and then let me know if anything has changed.  Hope this helped.  Kati