adopted 8 yr old Shih tzu nips @ daughter

Question
We have had Annie about 2 1/2 weeks now.  She is settling in pretty well, and
is adjusting to ur house.  She potties outside and usually is very quiet.  In the
past few days though she has been starting come concerning behaviors we
want address immediately.  She has always been a very nervous dog and hides
behind my recliner.  She recently started barking and nipping at my daughter
who is 8 whenever she comes near her.  "Annie"  does not do this to anyone
else in the house, however she does run and hide when anyone tries to hook
the leash on her to take her out to potty.  This breaks my daughters heart as
she just wants a dog to love  I have held both my daughter and "Annie" on my
lap and then she does not nip or growl.  Are there any ideas of things I should
try.  My daughter just wants to be her friend and take her for walks, feed her,
and pet her.  My daughter is not "rough".  My daughter is now scared since  
"Annie" has barked at nipped at her several times.  What should we do?

Answer
HI Julie:

Do you have any history on Anne?
I am wondering if Anne has not got any experience with Children prior to coming to you.

In the meantime, have your daughter approach sideways when moving towards Annie, a front on advance, is often perceived as a challenge in nervous dogs.  Have her sit on the floor a few feet from the dog with her back towards her, place a tempting treat a foot off to the side, and just wait for Annie to come get the treat.  Have your Daughter completely ignore her, and let Annie slowly get used to her being around.  Eventually Anne will start to investigate the person that ignores her, and start to come around.

Having Children work under adult supervision with obedience will also help, once the dog feels more comfortable around them.

The ignore rule will also apply to visitors, when dealing with a nervous dog.