If you’re an actor, they say you shouldn’t work with children and animals. But for a happy and harmonious home, the dogs and kids combo takes some beating.

Having a dog in the family can really help give young children a sense of responsibility early on in life. Children raised with pets have been shown to be more sociable as adults, both with people and animals. They also tend to have better communication skills and are much less likely to develop allergies to pets.

However, children can often be over-enthusiastic (to say the least) in developing a relationship with a pet, so a little education and adult supervision are required, especially at a young age.

When it comes to newborn babies, the way individual dogs will respond will depend upon their genetics, personality and experience.

To keep any disruptions to a minimum, make sure your dog's bed, food and water bowls, toys and so on remain in a private position away from busy areas.

The arrival of a baby can affect the normal scent profile of your dog's territory, leading to a possible upheaval in moods. Some sulk, some get agitated and some try to get more attention from older members of the family. Pheromone preparations, which help dogs to relax, are available from vets and can be applied to new items in advance of the baby's arrival. You can bring items such as a baby blanket, that smell of your new baby home from hospital to let your dog become familiar with the scent of your new arrival. Never let the dog chew these items (or get hold of baby nappies!). It is also useful to change your dogs routine prior to the baby's arrival. If you plan to restrict your dog's access around your home do it a couple of months before the baby arrives, then he is less likely to associate it with the new family member.

Tasty treats and offering more attention are both useful tactics to help associate the baby's presence with good things! Dogs shouldn't be petted or comforted when worried by the arrival of a new baby, as this only reinforces their anxiety. Instead, wait for them to relax or start to play and then cuddle them in another room.

And many dogs naturally take on a nanny role with a new baby, becoming useful protectors and playmates for a growing child. Just try to avoid the high chair becoming a source of food, with your dog waiting nearby for dropped morsels!

Most dogs love having babies around, because it means more visitors and more attention for them as well! But the time children start to become independently mobile is when the novelty will start wearing off for. A crawling or toddling child can take a dog by surprise and his or her squeals and shrieks can be frightening.

Providing places of retreat for the dog is even more important at this stage. Dogs don't like being chased around by owners or anyone else trying to be nice to them, so the sudden uncoordinated or persistent chase of toddlers can be very disturbing.

Parents should always supervise interactions between their children and dogs until they are sure that the children are old enough and wise enough (generally thought to be at least 7 years of age) to approach calmly, handle gently and read the signs to gauge if attention is welcome - and when it isn't. Young children should never be allowed to try to pick a dog up until they are strong enough to hold the pet properly.

But playing 'hands-free' by throwing balls and toys for the dog to chase, sitting quietly near a dog or perhaps stroking and grooming if the dog enjoys it, are all good ways for children to get to know about dogs and respect for the different moods and needs of another creature. Again, making the experience pleasurable for the dog and child alike by reinforcement, with praise or a treat for the dog, and praise for the child, can slowly help build the right type of interaction and relationship.

When older, children should also be taught how to help train the dog, and share responsibility for walking and exercising him when the time is right.

• Teach young children not to chase the dog.
• Teach them how to stroke your dog gently, and train the dog to respond to the child's instructions in return for rewards.
• Teach children where best to stroke the dog - A tickle under the chin, a stroke on the chest area or whatever your dog enjoys it most. An adult should always be present when a young child pats a dog.
• Tails should never be pulled.
• The dog should always be left alone when eating, toileting or sleeping.
• Children should wash their hands after stroking the dog.
• Children should be taught to ask permission before patting a friend or relatives dog