If you have children, no doubt you have heard the words ‘Mummy, can we have a puppy?’ before. While dogs make excellent family pets, some parents are worried about the safety of their children if there is a dog in the house. This fear is fuelled by reports in the media of children being mauled by dogs.

NHS statistics reveal that in February 2007 the number of dog bites treated in A&E was on the rise (source: Liberal Democrats). Around 3,800 people seek treatment for dog bites every year – the majority of which are teenagers and children. With roughly 6.1 million pet dogs in the UK (source: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)), the number of people bitten by dogs is relatively low. However, no parent wants to put his or her child at risk. So, if you are seriously considering getting a family dog, these useful tips will help you find the right dog for your family.

Child-friendly breeds

There is a misconception that certain dogs have certain temperaments that are better suited to children and families. Unfortunately, it is not that simple. The best dog for your family is one that fits your family best. A Rottweiler in the right home can be a model family pet whereas a Labrador in the wrong environment could turn your life into a canine horror movie.

Do not assume that big dogs have better personalities than small dogs. Big dogs can be gentle and small dogs can be snappy. No one breed is 100% safe so when choosing a dog consider the following:

• The age and temperament of your children

Are they old enough to understand how to treat the puppy/dog? If not, they may

‘mishandle’ the dog, which in turn could nip the child if it tugs on its ears.

Some big dogs can be energetic and clumsy. If you have a small child in the house, it may knock them down.

• Are your children quiet or boisterous? You should choose a breed that complements the nature of your children.

• Puppy or an older dog

A puppy needs a lot of care and attention and will need to be toilet trained. A dog that is six months or older, should have a basic knowledge of good and bad behaviour.

• Exercise your dog

How much time do you have to exercise your dog? If you choose a breed that needs regular exercise and does not get it, it may not settle and cause problems.

• Find a reputable breeder

A good breeder will be able to give you information about the temperament of the breed and if there are any historical problems.

Some breeds do have a good reputation as child-friendly dogs and are worth considering when you are investigating breeds. They are:

• Shih-Tzu

• Pug

• Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

• Border Terrier

• Beagle

• Staffordshire Bull Terrier

• Cocker Spaniel

• Labrador/Golden Retriever

Teaching your children about dogs

Just as important as finding the right dog is teaching your children how to treat your dog.

These useful tips will help teach your children how to behave around dogs wherever they are.

• Be gentle. Show them how to stroke a dog gently on the head or chest.

• Be respectful. Explain that they must not pull the dog’s tail or ears, poke it in the eye, tease it, be rough with it or hug it. Most dogs find hugging threatening.

• Be quiet around the dog. If your children scream, shout and run excitedly around the dog, it may get a fright and react instinctively.

• Avoid staring directly into the dog’s eyes. This can be seen as threatening.

• Leave the dog alone when it is sleeping or eating.

• Teach your children to recognise the danger signs. If the dog is growling, stiffens its body, raises its hackle etc. – tell them to back away from the dog immediately.

The UK Kennel Club promotes safe interaction between children and dogs through their Safe and Sound Award Scheme. Visit their website for more information.

Once you have found the right dog to suit your family, make sure your have adequate pet insurance. Most pet insurance companies offer quick and easy pet insurance quotes online. For a pet insurance quote and more information about the types of pet insurance available from Direct Line, visit http://www.directline.com/pet/welcome.htm.