Australia has one of the highest dog ownership rates in the world. Dogs can make great pets for families, but like so many other things in the home, there is more than meets the eye when looking at dogs with children.

If you don't already have a dog, you should consider putting off buying one until your children have reached school age.

If you already have a dog, just bear in mind that in the vast majority of cases, it is the family or a friends dog who will bite your child.

If you know your dog is unfriendly, or particularly timid where children are concerned you really need to seriously consider the risks involved in keeping him around with your new baby.

If you have a dog, and want to bring a baby into the family, the important thing is to introduce the dog to the baby at the earliest stage. The dog is a naturally curious animal, and if you don't let the dog see or smell the baby, then this may lead to problems later on.

Bringing home nappies from the hospital is an easy way of letting the dog become used to the smell.

When home, it is important to include the dog in daily routines, like taking the dog with you for walks. Then the baby becomes a positive thing in the dog's life.

It is important to do some basic obedience training with the dog, and when you are pregnant is an excellent time to brush up.

When other children come to visit, introduce them to your dog, by holding out their hand, to allow the dog a good sniff. If the dog doesn't seem happy with the child, it might be an idea to keep a good eye on the child and the dog.

Make sure your dog is healthy and regularly wormed.

Any medical problems like skin irritations or ear infections can make your dog unfriendly when its being approached or patted.