Dog Nip Help

Question
I have a ten year old Chihuahua, and I've had her since she was 8 weeks old.  She has never bitten anyone in the past.  I have recently started dating someone with a 13 month old child.  This is the first time my dog has ever been around children that young.  My dog tries to stay away from the child but if my dog is sitting with me and the child runs over to me and the dog, or if the the child tries to climb up on the couch where the dog is, my dog will nip her.  She never breaks the skin but has left marks.  I've been trying to keep them apart but that can't be a permanent solution.  What can I do to stop this?

Thank You For Your Help,
Todd

Answer
I answered this question earlier and it went somewhere into cyberspace  lol
Todd,

This is a dangerous situation, as you know, if the child gets nipped on the face or near an eye it could be very damaging.

Here's a few suggestions:

First You need to become the absolute pack leader with this dog.  You rule every move she makes.  You don't have to be mean, just consistent and firm.  I don't know how you are now, but here are some things you need to do.

You eat first, she has to sit before she is fed, she has to sit and stay when you go out the door first and only upon your command is she allowed to go out.  She is to be put in a "down" command any time she is by the baby.  BUT YOU MUST WATCH THE BABY DOES NOT GO NEAR HER YET

You need to teach her "Leave it" or "Don't touch"   whatever you prefer..  After she knows to sit and stay, you put a treat on the floor and tell her to "leave it"  When she goes to get the food grab it first, tell her "Leave it" again while putting her back in a sit stay.  When she does leave it, you pick it up and treat her with the other hand and a different treat, a better one than the one she left.

Once she learns this, you can use this frase when the child approaches and you cant interfere quickly enough.

Dogs who aren't used to children don't know what they are.  Children (young ones) give off a completely different smell than an older child or adult.  So they tend to think they are some weird critters that you need protection from.

Next:  The child also needs to be an alpha or pack leader, of course she is just a baby so you have to teach your dog that the baby is a pack leader.  She can be holding your hand when you tell the dog to sit before eating and help you put the plate down,, make sure she is somewhat to your side so the dog can't reach her.
Before the child and you go outside, your dog must sit and stay before he follows you both out.  Are you getting the picture???

Ok on the other side, Never leave the child alone with your dog at this age.  If she hurts the dog it will back track everything.  All young children must be watched with small dogs because even not meaning to do so, they can injure a small dog by falling on it or dropping something on it.  Plus small children have a fascination for eyes and tend to poke out of curiosity.

If you can, go online to Cesar Milan website and buy one of his dvd's on being the pack leader.  You know what they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

well good luck to all  of you...  Your dog doesn't sound mean only uncertain.
nancy