We are in a large home, with a 2nd living room that serves as the "dog's" room. We have 4 dogs that are allowed in the house, but have their own space as well, furnished with a couch and 3 crates filled with blankets. Our backyard is large and fenced in, and devoted to the dogs. Our daughter is 1.5 years old and has been taught to respect dogs by asking permission before touching dogs, and petting them gently when allowed. I have been taking care of cats and dogs since I was a child, but count my personal experience as starting from 10 years of age, giving me 20 years of pet care experience. My fiance has also owned dogs since a young age. We each brought 2 dogs into our relationship, giving us 4 dogs total.