Dogs like Lassie, Benji, and the Little Rascals’ Petey illustrate the heartwarming bonds that children can have with dogs. But unless your dog is as saintly as Lassie and your kids are perfect little angels, the kid-dog combination can also make for mischief and messes. Colleen Pelar’s book Living with Kids and Dogs … Without Losing Your Mind gives parents a guide to managing both their two- and four-legged children.

Kids and dogs are each capable of creating massive destruction on their own, so when they combine forces, even the most orderly home can sink into pure chaos. But, Pelar explains, it doesn’t have to be that way. Whether bringing home a newborn or counting the days until the youngest goes away to college, parents can take steps to ensure that their home stays safe and tidy for both kids and dogs. Through the use of simple training, baby gates, and common sense, they can learn to keep everyone in the family happy and safe.

Living with Kids and Dogs can be a great tool for shelters to help ensure successful dog adoptions to families. Even if you can’t get every potential adopter to read the whole book, your shelter can use the tips to assure a smooth transition at home.