My husband and I got a cocker spaniel when we first got together. We rescued her from a not so good home and when we brought her home she quickly became attached to me. It took a while for her to let people get near me when she was on my lap but she ended up being a great dog. When we had our first child she was very protective with her. With two kids I don't want the full time responsibility of a dog but I thought this would be a good way to let my kids be around dogs again. They are very good and gentle with they. We do have a dog door in our backyard and it is keep locked at all time and is not visible from the street. I am a stay at home mom so my availability is usually open.