Living with a dog can be beneficial to children. Dogs can enhance children's self-esteem, teach them responsibility and help them to learn empathy. However, children and dogs may not always automatically start off with a wonderful relationship. Parents must be willing to teach the dog and the child acceptable limits of behavior in order to make their interactions pleasant and safe.

If you are thinking of adopting a puppy, please consider the Important Information For Parents, as formulated by the Dumb Friends League of Denver.