Taking care of a dog teaches a kid responsibility and gives them a built-in loyal companion when things get difficult for the kid.

Step 1: get a puppy that will grow up with your kids, but get a breed that will be big

Step 2: tell that puppy that it has one job, to protect your kids

Step 3: There is no Step 3 — watch as that dog protects your children with its life — a good dog is better than any security system and more reliable defense than a gun