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There is no 100% safe breed of dog. It is a common belief that some breeds are perfect for families while others are not. It is less the breed of dog chosen and more the quality of the source of the dog and how much time, effort and positive training the family puts into the dog. Akitas are a breed often said not to be great pets. However, an Akita from a good and reputable source and in a great home can be a better pet than a Golden Retriever from a bad source and in a family that is less than ideal. Knowing the best breed match (or temperament and activity level match if you want to adopt a cross bred dog) and how to choose a reputable source for your dog is vital. Combine a good dog with knowing how to properly train, maintain, socialize the dog and how to behave around the dog are the real keys to living more safely with a dog.
Any dog can bite. Some dogs have a higher tolerance level through the traits they inherited from their parents and the dedication of the owner to proper training, maintaining and socializing the dog. But all dogs have individual limits of what they will and will not tolerate. Any dog can bite, it is just a case of finding how much the dog will tolerate before the bite happens. Bites do not just happen out of fear or aggression, many bites happen when a child and a dog are playing. Bites can be accidental!
As with question #1, there is no perfect breed. Ironically, some breeds assumed to be dangerous can actually be great pets if they are from good sources and in good homes. Just because a dog is cute and cuddly looking does not mean it is safe. Just because a dog looks big and tough does not mean it is dangerous.
A tiny puppy pulling socks and fingers is learning that it is fine to bite humans. Puppies need to learn that they may use their mouths on toys and to play with other dogs but NOT to grab humans. The longer you wait to redirect puppy's mouth from you to toys, the harder it will be to teach them later on. A nip from a three pound pup is much different than a nip from a thirty pound adult.
Just because something is cute or funny, does not mean it is good. Allowing puppies to play with fingers, toes, jump on you and nip can teach a pup that these behaviors are fine. Now, when puppy is all grown up, these things that were cute when a baby can be very dangerous - even if the dog is just playing. Have you ever seen how far an 80 pound dog can send a small child sailing when the dog crashes into the child? Even a medium sized dog can knock over an adult can cause injury. A play nip to the face can require cosmetic work to repair the damage. Just because something seems cute or funny, does not mean it is safe to do or teach!
Even small dogs can seriously injure or even kill. In 2001, Pomeranians killed two people - both young children (courtesy of the Washington Animal Foundation). Small dogs jumping can cause bad scratches to legs and arms. A small dog bite can leave terrible scarring. No dog is 100% safe and any dog can pose a risk. Big dogs just have bigger and stronger mouths an can do more damage. Again, any dog can pose a risk and even tiny dogs can kill a small enough child.
Puppy training and socializing is VITAL for growth and development. Puppies learn from the day they are born and learn until the day they leave this world. Puppies should not start formal classes until they are 12 weeks old and have had their final DHLPP booster. But before this age, you have to start training and socializing in preparation for classes. The younger you start with fun and positive methods geared to a puppy's level, the better off you all will be. Waiting until a dog is grown up before starting training is a very bad idea. This is more than enough time for bad behaviors and poor manners to develop!
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