dominance

Question
We just adopted a wonderful bulldog puppy, now 13 weeks old.  Tulip is very well socialized, charming and friendly.  She is also amazingly tolerant with our 4 year old, whom she allows to carry her, roll her onto her back, etc.  However, she is mouthy at times and nips at clothing and hands.  I understand this is normal puppy behavior but we have been trying to be very firm with her about this (saying no, taking her by the scruff of the neck and making eye contact, walking away and using bitter apple spray on clothes.)  She seems to be responding.  We had a pit bull for 13 years who had been a stray and mistreated and had dominance issues.  Tulip is definitely a dominant dog.  (She is assertive with other adult dogs said by their owners to be dominant and does not roll over in the submissive pose with them.)  My question is, would it be ill-advised to allow Tulip to sleep on my daughter's bed?  They are so sweet together.  I know some dog trainers think dogs should not be on the same level with humans.  Also- unrelated- at approximately what age can they get through the night without having to relieve themselves? Thank you for your time. -Becca.  

Answer
Your puppy is treating your child like a sibling/littermate because you're allowing it. You want them to be together yet you dont' want the puppy to display normal pack behavior.

It's perfectly fine to let the two play together.  They should have play time and that's it until the puppy is trained and knows manners and proper behavior with children. They should NOT sleep together.  The puppy should be crate trained. I strongly suggest taking her to obedience classes simply for the socialization with other dogs.

May I also suggest that you don't allow your child to carry the puppy around at such a young age.