{"id":1241,"date":"2025-04-23T12:15:56","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T17:15:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/?p=1241"},"modified":"2025-04-23T13:27:35","modified_gmt":"2025-04-23T18:27:35","slug":"choosing-a-dog-for-young-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/choosing-a-dog-for-young-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing a Good Dog For Young Kids in the Home"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Best Dogs For Kids. Adopting a dog is one of the few times we can choose a family member.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>When people think of having a dog, they usually have visions of walking, hiking, going to an outdoor caf\u00e9, and just hanging out with a best friend.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>They want their dog and children to be best buddies.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Unfortunately, this doesn\u2019t always happen.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>As a dog trainer, I speak with many clients that just adopted a dog that bit their child, guards their food bowl, or tore up their house, due to anxiety.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Choosing a dog is not simple anymore&#8230;<\/span><!--more--><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">There are many places to get a dog &#8211; like dog rescues, breeders, and shelters. Some people trying to sell or adopt people a dog don\u2019t have the buyer\u2019s or adopter\u2019s best interest at heart.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The knowledge of dog rescue and shelter personnel varies, so I recommend adopters learn about how to choose a dog and decide for themselves. How does an average dog adopter sift through all the options and available dogs to find the match for them?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Genetic Temperament<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">It all boils down to determining a dog\u2019s genetic temperament and choosing the temperament that matches your family.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A dog\u2019s innate temperament is important because it is the foundation of the dog\u2019s behavior and personality. The statement, \u201cIts all how you raise them,\u201d meaning that if you raise a dog with a good home, love, and some training, he will be a good family dog, is far from the truth.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>As a dog rescuer and dog foster mom (I wear two hats in the dog world), I have witnessed many, many dogs that suffered horrendous living conditions and abuse that are still wonderful friendly dogs.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>As a <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/hire\/dog-trainer\">dog trainer,<\/a><\/span> I know of dogs that had nothing but a loving home that are unstable, aggressive, or anxious.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>While a loving home with proper boundaries and training will provide a dog the best chance at being a nice dog, it does not guarantee it.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A dog is a sentient, individual living creature born with its own DNA and genetics.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Genetic innate temperament is the reason police and service dog breeding programs are so selective.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Innate temperament is why we cannot take a Coonhound and make it herd sheep.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>(Well, maybe we could, but it would be very difficult.)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>When choosing your family dog, pay a lot of attention to the dog\u2019s temperament it is born with, not its history, size, or appearance. Use logic and instinct to choose a dog instead of pure emotion, pity, or physical attraction.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The cutest dog with blue eyes may not be the right temperament for your family.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/IMG_0307.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1246\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/IMG_0307-225x300.jpg\" alt=\"Julie Hart - choosing a rescue dog\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/IMG_0307-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/IMG_0307-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/IMG_0307.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a>The temperament that makes a nice family dog is a dog that wants to be with people, is somewhat submissive, and has low prey drive without a high level of anxiety or fear. To find this kind of dog at an adoption event or a breeder\u2019s location, start by observing from afar.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Locate the dogs that are engaging with people with a low to medium height, wagging tail.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A dog that is somewhat fearful or insecure should still have a desire to be with people to be easy to rehabilitate. A polite dog that is sitting or standing nicely while being petted is typically easier for an average pet guardian than a dog forcefully jumping off of people or wrapping its legs around a person. Forceful jumping or wrapping legs is more dominant behavior, although some dogs will lightly jump if they have been encouraged to do so by other people.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>One side note: do not give treats or food to dogs you are considering adopting as this will sway their interest in you and may create misleading results.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A dog that comes up to you, sniffs and walks away, or jumps on you and walks away is usually a bit aloof and better for an adult home or more experienced dog owner.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Aloof dogs are harder to train and care less about what their guardians want from them.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Aloofness may be good in some situations if the dog is home alone a lot or someone desires a more independent dog. Consider hiring a few sessions with an <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/hire\/animal-behavior\">animal behaviorist<\/a><\/span> as well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-7515 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Petworks-Pet-Care-Service-Pro-Tips-e1736622469982.png\" alt=\"Animal Behaviorist\" width=\"120\" height=\"120\" \/>After spotting a nice friendly dog that wants to be with people, walk over to it and pet it.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Pet the dog under the chin, not on top of the head.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Pet the dog on his back a little.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Stop petting and see if the dog hangs out with you for more affection.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The dog walking over to another person for affection and being social with many people is also good sign.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>If the dog is not interested in you and walks away or avoids you by sniffing items, I would look at other dogs.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>For a home with children, the dog that is naturally polite with children is optimal.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>I don\u2019t want the dog to immediately jump up, nip, or avoid the kids. Polite interest is best.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/kneeling-with-dogs-72-dpi.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-1247\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/kneeling-with-dogs-72-dpi-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"Julie Hart - choosing a rescue dog\" width=\"300\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/kneeling-with-dogs-72-dpi-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/kneeling-with-dogs-72-dpi-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/kneeling-with-dogs-72-dpi-100x100.jpg 100w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/kneeling-with-dogs-72-dpi.jpg 504w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a>The next step is to assess how sensitive and accepting the dog is of touch.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Touch the dog\u2019s teeth, ears, feet, tail in a gentle, calm manner**.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>I want the dog to either accept this touch or lick my hand.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>I assess plenty of dogs that are in pain with bad hips and rotten teeth that will not snap at me for touching their hips or mouth, so pain is not an excuse to bite when doing this kind of touch.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>If the dog bites, growls, gives you a hard stare, or stiffens, move on to another dog if you have children. If you have young children you want a dog that will not bite when your child accidentally steps on his tail or falls on his leg.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Dogs that are more sensitive to touch are better for adult homes that will be able to recognize a dog\u2019s comfort level better. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Go For A Walk<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Next take the dog for a walk.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Change directions a few times and see if the dog follows you somewhat.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Precise leash walking is not important, just the desire to follow a person.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>If the adopter turns the opposite way the dog is going, the dog will somewhat follow them after a couple turns.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>The easier the dog follows you the easier it will be to train. Observe if the dog is scared of any environmental things such as other people, strollers, bicycles, flags, or loud noises.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>If the dog startles to a dropping clipboard or metal water bottle, then comes to sniff it and moves on, that is desirable.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>If the dog gets scared and walks away or only investigates the object with coaxing, this dog is less confident and will require some rehabilitation and patience to become more confident. A dog that cannot recover and remains stuck in fear or runs away and will not return is a case for skilled professionals to help before adoption.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A fearful dog may not be a good match for small children as kids can be erratic and noisy at times.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>If the dog has a lot of energy, make sure you have enough time and energy to fulfill the dog\u2019s needs.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Runners, hikers, and active people are best for high-energy dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Julie-Hart-best-pics-2017-pups-51-of-51.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-medium wp-image-1248\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Julie-Hart-best-pics-2017-pups-51-of-51-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"Julie Hart - Choosing a rescue dog\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Julie-Hart-best-pics-2017-pups-51-of-51-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Julie-Hart-best-pics-2017-pups-51-of-51-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/Julie-Hart-best-pics-2017-pups-51-of-51-683x1024.jpg 683w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a>There are red flags to watch out for when adopting a dog.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>One is resource guarding, which is a dog that may growl or bite over toys and food.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Resource guarding can be a serious problem and safety risk.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Any dog put in a home with small children should be tested for resource guarding carefully. This is done by giving the dog a treat like a bone and approaching the dog**.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A dog that stiffens, give a hard look, growls, bares teeth, or bites should not be placed with children, or most adults for that matter. Another red flag is outright aggressive behavior such as growling or biting.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A dog with this behavior is going to be a difficult dog for the average adopter.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A dog with fear to the point of being frozen, not liking people, or growling at people needs to be rehabilitated and trained before being adopted to the public.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">More Red Flags<\/span><\/h3>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Another red flag is a rescue or breeder that makes excuses for the dog\u2019s behavior.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Dogs are amazingly resilient creatures.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A dog that is outgoing and confident will not become overly scared or aggressive in a new situation.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A stable dog will take only a few minutes to investigate and become comfortable in his new surroundings.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.holistapet.com\/blogs\/dog-care\/dog-hiding\">puppy hiding in the corner<\/a><\/span> is a fearful puppy.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A normal puppy will investigate a new place immediately. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>There are diamonds in the rough out there, but those dogs will require patience and they do show signs of liking people if ever so slightly.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>These dogs take time and can be extremely rewarding to help, but make sure you have the time and family to help that dog succeed.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-6834 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243.png\" alt=\"Animal Behaviorists\" width=\"704\" height=\"131\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243.png 704w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243-300x56.png 300w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/petworks-logo-article-e1734545691243-640x119.png 640w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 704px) 100vw, 704px\" \/><\/p>\n<p data-pm-slice=\"1 3 []\"><em><strong>Did you find this article\u00a0useful?<\/strong> <\/em>Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/request_quote\">over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals<\/a><\/span> throughout the United States? <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/join\">Sign up here <\/a><\/span>for a free Petworks account, and take 10% off your first booking, on us!<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">When looking for a dog, use the above recommendations and<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>don\u2019t be in a rush to choose a dog that will be in your house for over a decade.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>A good dog is worth the time he takes to find.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">**As always be very cautious and use good judgment when touching or evaluating dogs.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Any interaction with animals can be inherently dangerous.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h3><strong>About the Author:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/julie-hart.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-thumbnail wp-image-1244\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/julie-hart-150x150.png\" alt=\"Julie Hart\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/julie-hart-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/julie-hart-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/julie-hart-100x100.png 100w, https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/11\/julie-hart.png 527w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/a><em>Julie Hart is the founder of <a href=\"https:\/\/hart2heartcanine.com\/\">Hart to Heart Canine Training<\/a>, offering\u00a0 in-home private consultations and dog training lessons. She is a Professional Member and Certified Dog Trainer of the International Association of Canine Professionals, and a trainer on staff for a local rescue organization. Julie has presented twice at the International Association of Canine Professionals national conference. She received a scholarship to Training Cesar\u2019s Way, and gives classes for foster dog parents.<\/em><em>\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>About Us<\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-7722\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Dr-Marty-Goldstein-Natures-Blend-Petworks-Nutrition.png\" alt=\"Dr Marty Goldstein Nature's Blend - Petworks Nutrition\" width=\"111\" height=\"109\" \/>In 2021, Dr. <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/dr-marty-goldstein-of-petworks\/\">Marty Goldstein DVM<\/a><\/span> joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/hire\/animal-nutritionist\">Animal Nutrition<\/a><\/span>\u00a0care division. Dr Marty Nature&#8217;s Blend is\u00a0on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible.\u00a0Dr. Marty\u2019s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet\u00a0parents in North America.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-8658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/William-Bishop-Jr-Petworks-Pet-Nutrition.png\" alt=\"Bill Bishop Blue Buffalo Pet Nutrition\" width=\"96\" height=\"99\" \/>In 2022, <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/blue-buffalo-dog-food\/\">Blue Buffalo<\/a><\/span> Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.<\/p>\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p><a style=\"font-size: 1rem;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><em><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-10642\" src=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Kevin-Kinyon-2025.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"91\" height=\"108\" \/><\/em><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert light\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Petworks<\/span><\/a> Co-Founder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/kinyonkevin\/\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Kevin Kinyon<\/span><\/a> is a life-long animal lover who works tirelessly to improve the lives of pets and their parents. Human and animal qualities he values most are integrity, humor, and empathy.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Best Dogs For Kids. Adopting a dog is one of the few times we can choose a family member.\u00a0 When people think of having a dog, they usually have visions of walking, hiking, going to an outdoor caf\u00e9, and just hanging out with a best friend.\u00a0 They want their dog and children to be best &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.petworks.com\/articles\/choosing-a-dog-for-young-kids\/\" class=\"more-link\">Read More<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Choosing a Good Dog For Young Kids in the Home&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1242,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[115,132],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1241","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-animal-behavior-help","category-dog-training-advice"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.3.1 (Yoast SEO v25.3.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Best Dogs For Kids<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Adopting a dog is one of the few times we can choose a family member.\u00a0When people think of having a 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