Chris and myself have years of dog ownership experience and feel very comfortable with dogs of all ages and temperaments. We currently have a great dane/mastiff who is 4 years old who we love with all of our heart. We also have a son who is nearly 3 years old who loves nothing more than to cuddle up to Bentley (the dog) and give him kisses all day long. We are a animal loving family and our home is definitely kept for the comfort of the pets in our lives not the people. We have a big backyard which isn't fenced off but it backs onto a forest so you don't have to worry about any main roads although your loved one wouldn't be off leash unless you specify that you would like him to be. We have two stairs in the house as shown in the pictures. Due to my son being in the house I wont accept any dogs with aggression issues towards kids. I do my best not to leave him alone with dogs but sometimes life gets in the way and it happens. I only allow spayed or neutered dogs and we also have two guinea pigs in a large cage so please let me know if your dog has a high prey drive so I can move them.