This is all good advice. Also remember that a puppy is more than a handfull! Any dog can be good around kids, but a dog bred from good hunting stock can be hyper. I have a 4 year old Lab that lays next to my niece (1 year old) and the worst thing the dog does is lick her. I had to put my 14 month old Lab in her kennel when our niece was here, the pup is a good dog, however she is very excitable. Research to find the breed that best matches what you want and keep in mind that a puppy will be a puppy.