Best dogs for children … So many myths, legends, and fear surround many things when knowledge is lacking. This is very evident as I hear parents cry: "My child wants a dog. What should I do? What are the best dogs for children? What do I teach the children? Help!" Parents want information on the fear of dogs. How does a child overcome the fear of dogs? How do you prevent a child from developing a fear of dogs in the first place? It all begins with the selection process.

I was asked this question by a couple who had a little fear of dogs in general, because neither of them had any dogs when growing up. Their children had requested to have a dog, so the parents wisely stepped forward for help: "What should I do?" Both wanted their children, then ages four and seven, to grow up comfortable with dogs and without the fear that plagued them. First, though, they needed to understand certain guidelines for children and dogs.

So I sat down privately with the parents and explained some key points that could make or break this effort. "Understand! You children must be made to understand what they can and cannot do with a dog. If the child is too rough and you don't correct him, the dog WILL."

"Secondly, if your dog shows disrespect to your children, FORGET IT! You are not experienced dog people, and the animal will take advantage of this. The specific dog must have the right personality to start with."

"Third, let me show you how to discipline the dog properly. Your children will imitate you, and you want this done right."

The couple had agreed that they wanted a Rescue Dog. They also wanted a medium size and moderate energy dog. I was told there was no preference of sex.

At the shelter, I looked at many of the dogs who were leaping eagerly at the doors of the kennels. Their over-excitement was NOT going to work around children – or inexperienced adults.

I was drawn at last to Belle Lady, a very small Lab cross. She was almost all black, and greeted me with a sweet wiggle when I neared her kennel. I allowed her to smell me. Then I put her leash on. I walked her a good distance. I tested her on pulling, and tested her behavior around cats, cars, distractions, people, and her tolerance level. After all, the best dog for a child is not a particular breed, but an individual dog's sweet, gentle personality which is responsive to and respectful of your authority and that of the children, and whose exercise and attention needs are conducive with the family's lifestyle.

With Belle, I was sure that I had found the perfect match for this family. Homework is important, though. So I had a long conversation with one of the people who had worked with Belle at the shelter. Her conclusion was identical to mine.

The next day when the children were out of school, we all went to the shelter to get Belle. The children obeyed their parents and listened intently to my every word. Belle was allowed to smell them first, then they walked Belle behind them.

The family had to work hard, but they gave Belle the boundaries that she needed. She spent the rest of her days happy, healthy, and loved!

This family did not know the breed or breed mix that would be best. They did not know much of anything to do with dogs starting out. But they did know to get help, and had the wisdom to listen and to do as they were instructed. They learned that children and dogs DO mix if done right, with any breed! The best dogs for children? Just about any breed. Just do your homework on the individual dog, introduce him properly, take your leadership position, and DO IT RIGHT!