hoping to be dog-owners soon, reading recommendations please

[thewalrus]

Hello,
So, after a couple of years of deliberations, we're on the verge of deciding to get a dog later this year! I grew up with dogs, both family pets and later fostered rescue dogs, but I've never been the person ultimately responsible for one. I'm really excited, but also a little bit daunted, by the thought of raising and training our own dog, and I'd like to do some background reading to feel as prepared as I can. Any recommendations?
Also, kids are aged 7-10, reasonably dog-savvy (we've been doing some dog-sitting for other people while we've been trying to make a decision), but I know if we get a puppy, especially, they'll find it hard to give it its own space at first. Is there any good advice/reading for kids out there? (Thinking they'd enjoy that and it's always good to have advice from external sources rather than me!)
Other advice and/or words of encouragement welcome too, of course. Hope to be on here more often in the near future.

[CMOTDibbler]

The Blue Cross have leaflets on children and dogs.

What sort of dog are you thinking of?

[TrionicLettuce]

There's some great info on Dr. Sophia Yin's website.

Also Stop the 77 has some good stuff too, especially the video about recognising dog body language.

[thewalrus]

Thank you both - only glanced at them so far, but they look like exactly the kind of recommendations I was hoping for!

Not quite sure what sort of dog yet. Smallish (JRT, border terrier type size rather than tiny). We've just had a week looking after a mini schnauzer, so at the moment the kids want a dog just like her! I'd like a rescue dog if we can find one suitable for our family, ideally, but haven't ruled out the idea of a pedigree puppy either.

[30DayDead]

Anything by Dr Ian Dunbar.

[thewalrus]

Thanks - ordered his 'before and after' book and perfect puppy.

[Nomorechickens]

Don't Shoot the Dog by Karen Pryor. Excellent explanation of behaviourist principles (including clicker training) and a good read too. Makes you properly understand why you should reward good behaviour rather than punishing bad. Also works on people (though probably not using clicker).

[thewalrus]

Thank you. Like the sound of it working on people too, watch out kids!! ;)

[DogsMightFly]

Total Recall by Pippa Mattinson
It's me or the dog by Victoria Stillwell

Both very good, especially the total recall one as it goes into how dogs think and learn, so it's useful for other training as well, not just recall.

[sparechange]

Victoria Stillwell has a few books aimed at first time dog owners, which explain things like body language.