The mother's "depression" is being tired of being a mom, but she hasn't figured out how to stop. That is also why she is submitting to the puppy instead of being the alpa dog. Let them sleep in separate crates beside each other. Keep them separated but always together for a week or two. I mean one loose in the house while the other is in a crate. The pup on a leash outside while mom is loose. Soon you will see mom enjoying her freedom, and she may start disciplining the puppy (which it needs). Fed so they can't get into each other's bowls. You can encourage the natural pecking order by letting mom sleep on the bed with you and having the pup sleep in a crate on the floor beside the bed. Feed mom first, give her treats 1st, talk to her first when you come home, pet her first, take her outside first, everything first for the alpha, make the pup watch and wait. Obedience classes for each one will help both of them feel better.
Answered by wywildfire - 1/28/2012 11:13:35 PM