Finding a dog that fits in with your children is a fun, exciting process. “No matter what your lifestyle is like, there’s a pet that’s right for your family,” says Betsy Saul, co-founder of petfinder.com, a site where you can search adoptable animals. The trick is to understand what you’re looking for and to make sure you find just that.

Some classic breeds that do well with families that have small children are pugs, cocker spaniels, and daschunds (small); beagles, poodles, and basset hounds (medium); golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and St. Bernard’s (large). But you don’t have to limit your search—just read on for four ways to find the right woofer.

Think About Your Family

“Some people think that if you have little kids, you should get little dogs, but in fact, those dogs can be very hyper, and toddlers’ erratic movements can upset them,” says Saul. “You don’t want a dog who playfully nips or who’s skittish and bites when he’s surprised around young children.” Plus, kids can be dangerous to animals, too—pity the teensy toy dog that’s trapped underfoot as your toddler learns to walk.

But the personality, of both your family and the dog, is as important as breed-specific concerns. A hyper dog who loves to run around is perfect for an outdoorsy, active kid, but might not mesh well with quiet, introverted children; those same kids might love a small or senior dog who would get roughhoused by more overactive youths.

Do Your Research

When you’re searching on petfinder.com, you’ll see an icon that lets you know whether an animal isn’t recommended for houses with small children.

If you already have an idea of what sort of dog you might want, read more about its nature from our breed database.

Train Your Pet

In the right environment, traditionally “bad-for-kids” dogs can become beloved family members and in the wrong one, “perfect-for-kids” breeds can be pains in the you-know-what. Learning how to rear your pet can increase the chances that any pet fits in with your other little ones. “There’s a window of time when you bring an animal home that really establishes the kind of communication you have with your pet,” says Saul. Getting off on the right paw with your new pet will make all the difference.

Watch training videos at petvideo.com or read about specific training issues from the Humane Society of the United States.

Take Shelters Seriously

Don’t discount a rescue dog even if you’re looking for a particular breed—25% of animals in shelters are purebreds. There are also rescue groups that specialize in certain types of dogs. And just because an animal is a mutt doesn’t make it a wild card. Call a shelter and ask questions to get an idea of what the pup is like—they’ll give you an honest assessment since they want the dog to go to the right home.

If you visit a dog in the shelter, don’t be too hasty to judge, as the environment can be stressful on a canine. “Spend at least 15 to 20 minutes in a quiet room alone with the animal you’re thinking about,” recommends Saul. “That’ll give you a better idea of how the dog acts when it’s being itself—is it independent, or needy, or a lap dog, or hyper?”

You can find a list of rescue groups and shelters in your area at petfinder.com