Kids and dogs can be great friends with the right connection and a little common-sense training. Children can learn valuable lessons about how to care for other living things, be responsible, kind and patient.

Dogs of course get an energetic playmate who can keep them entertained for hours on end, however they can find kids annoying at times too, so it’s important to teach respect! Things like personal space, the right kind of petting and leaving the dog to eat in peace are important messages to get across to your kids, because nobody wants to risk getting a little bite. Like us, pups can only take so much and are prone to snap if they are pushed too hard.

However, kids and dogs have so much in common that this is a pretty rare occurrence. They are much more likely to be the bestest buddies in the world! Scroll down below to see how this beautiful friendship can blossom, in a series of super cute pics compiled by Bored Panda. We asked our readers to send in their fave snaps of their children with their puppy-pals, and boy did they come through with some heart-melters. If you missed out don’t worry, feel free to add your own in the comments!