I would put her in a crate out of the way if you can but if not, I agree, set the groundrules right away. I tell my 4 year old and also a few nephews who spend a lot of time here and that they can hold Zoe only if they are sitting. Kids love little dogs like yorkies and I try to take the opportunity to show them the right way to treat them. And I tell stories too like oh I just read this story about this yorkie who jumped out of the little boys arms and broke his leg so maybe you could try that. Say, I'm sorry I'm just a little cautious because I just heard this story.... Maybe she wouldn't take offense to that? Bottom line though, you have to protect your baby.

I would gate her off in your bedroom or put her in a crate.She needs to be safe. Keep track of the kids all the time. They may wander off and still try to pick Bella up. Good Luck

I put mine in another room when I get any guests, adult or children. When we have family gatherings I have found that no matter how often I say (DO NOT FEED THE DOGS) it happens anyway. My girlfriend dog had a litter of puppies and 2 of her neices were running fell on her and broke her back. She had to be put down. I never let anyone hold my dogs unless I
mm right there to supervise.

toddler
 

You can talk reasonably w/ the older child but there is no guarantee the younger one will even understand or remember a few minutes later. I suggest if you are that concerned you keep her out of sight (because w/ toddlers it is usually out of sight, out of mind!)

When Chewy was a pup I put him on a leash when we were around a lot of people and I had to worry about him being stepped on. I hook the leash on my belt loop and he went where i went. i also carried him a lot. I never let him run free with the worry of any one stepping on him.

With my family, (No little kids) we never put Sadie down when any one was walking around. Only if we were all sitting. As soon as any one was getting up we picked her up. She was only 10 weeks and too little to let her run free with so many people walking around. :eek:
We also put her in her create to give her a break from company.

I may have to try the crate, but Bella has not really been in it for several months. She sleeps in a bed. She was last in the crate when she hurt her leg and the doc had her on bed rest for 2 weeks. she doesnt see the crate as a fun thing to do.
I think I will have all the food totally prepared by the time they get here except the Chicken, which my husband will grill.
That way I will be able to keep her in my lap most of the time.
I am getting more and more nervous.
I also have to take Bella on a long long walk so she will be calmer.
She has played so hard today anyway and I have not let her nap.
She is the center of attention every day. She is used to being with us on the couch or next to me while i am on the computer.
To put her in another room will be torture for her. We have an open floor plan and every bed room is right off the main family room! She would hear us and cry constantly which I could not take either!!!
She cant even stand it when she wakes up first...she wants to get in our room in the mornings.
Looks like I have my work cut out for me today.
My house is done! Guess I better get started on the menu!
I still have to wash and walk Bella... and get ready myself:eek:
I can do this!!
thanks to all of you for your ideas!!!

When my grandchildren visit or any other small children, Remi stays in his Xpen, his crate or in my arms or my husband's arms. We supervise the children and Remi at all times.

When he is in our arms the children come over to pet him. My little granddaughter now knows that she cannot stamp her feet or scream when playing in our house. Even though she is almost three she can get carried away running through the house. Since Remi has been on the scene she has slowed her pace down and has come to respect our wishes. She truly loves animals and has shown she can be respectful of their enviornment too.

In fact, when anyone comes to visit, adults too, we are careful about everyone. We do not allow people to pick Remi up (he doesn't like it) and we are careful that no one step on him, etc.

When my 3yr old nephew come over I always let him see Otis while I hold him and if he wants to hold him I make him sit in the chair beside me or in the floor, preferable in the floor that way he is not dropped, but I let him hold and pet Otis for a few minutes then I just tell him that Otis is sleepy and want to go in my room and take a nap. He understands that, so I put Otis in my bedroom and turn the TV on so he doesn't hear us in the other room and cry and whine to come out, then I shut the door. He usually is fine with that. Sometimes he will ask to see him again and I will get him out for a little while and do the same thing. I just make sure I am always there and he is not up running around and jumping. Otis is a larger yorkie but still he can get hurt too. Just always make sure you supervise them while playing or holding your baby and if you have a play pen, that would work too, they may not be able to reach down in there to get your baby out.....Or gate your baby in another room where you can see them.....Good Luck......

Thanks EVERYONE
 

Just wanted to let everyone know that Bella was a total ANGEL last night and so were the Children!
I was nervous and held her for the first 30 min. The children were 11, 2.5 and a 9 month old crawler.
Bella was so sweet to them all.
She is so submissive! We use the Cesar Milan method to keep Bella in line. I make a "shush" sound and my DH uses a "eh" sound.
As soon as she hears that she stops what ever she is doing and looks at us.
Well! The nine month old was just learning to walk and would grunt "eh". So when he would make that noise, Bella would look at him and lay down. She was so sweet. I guess she had never seen anyone so small.
She belly crawled up to him when he was crawling and would just roll over on her back and snuggle up to him.
I guess the kids have really big dogs in there house and are used to petting animals.
They were so sweet and gentle with Bella so even tho I relaxed a lil I never let any of them out of my site!!
IT was such an awesome night! :D :D :D
THanks again for all the YT answers ...they helped alot!:D

Glad to hear the night went well.

WE have a rule when kid some over..they are only allowed to pet the dogs if the dogs come to them and no picking them up at all. Has seemed to work pretty good, but of course I have my eye out constantly.