Kid-Friendly Dogs for Adoption in Smyrna, TN: 17 Dogs Good with Children

He is eager to please, intelligent, playful, medium energy, affectionate and curious! He is good with people of all ages, including children 5 and older, and gets along well with dogs when he is properly introduced. We think Bandit would do well in a home with other dogs that match his playful energy. He would also do well in a home as a solo dog.

We do not recommend him for a home with cats given his prey drive towards small animals.

Bandit is house/potty trained, crate trained and walks well on a leash. He currently knows "sit", "leave it" and “wait” and will patiently wait at doors and for his meals. He is very treat motivated and responds well to a clicker during his training. He has received some obedience training and continues to learn new skills each week.
Bandit loves to play fetch, loves squeaky and chew toys and playing chase with his foster siblings.

Bandit is 41 lbs, in perfect health, neutered, fully vetted, up to date on all vaccines and rabies, heartworm negative, microchipped and current on heartworm preventive.

Foster will provide Bandit’s food, all vet records and rabies certificate for his new adopter.

If Bandit sounds like the kind of companion you've been missing, please email Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com. Be sure to include your city and state so we can learn a little about where this handsome fellow might be headed for his next chapter!

He is pretty good on a leash considering no real practice till now and he is housebroken and crate training beautifully. He is surrounded by young children 6 years and above and loves every minute of their attention and hugs. We see this boy being a great running mate, walking partner, trail explorer and sideline soccer cheerleader for his family participants. Otis is a Lab and looks mostly all of that with nothing else. At his current weight of 31 pounds, he is destined to become a 50 pound handsome adult that will make his way in to your heart forever. Otis is a standout and a dog for all seasons and ages in a family's life. Thank you for considering this special boy. Contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com if you are interested. He is ready to go!!

He gets bouncy and sometimes jumps when excited, so he’ll need practice with polite greetings and everyday manners. With kind, consistent guidance, daily exercise, and rewards for a job well done, there’s so much for this young boy to learn.
He can be a little shy while getting to know someone, but his loving nature shines through. His family describes him as very sweet, with “not a mean bone” in his body.
Looking for a young dog to grow alongside your family? Otis brings the affection, personality, and playful spirit. You bring the patience, guidance, and love.
Otis is fully vetted, microchipped, and neutered. He is available for adoption in Middle Tennessee or the Northeast states along Critter Cavalry’s transport route.
To apply or ask questions:Text 615-661-5333.Email ccrtennessee@gmail.com or ccrnewengland@gmail.com, based on your location.
Please include “Otis” and your location.
Adoption process and application request:https://www.crittercavalry.com/adoption
Adoption fees vary depending on each animal’s needs. Typical fees:https://www.crittercavalry.com/Frequently-Asked-Questions
Otis has his whole life ahead of him. Let’s help him spend it being someone’s very best boy.

Could this little Beagle be your new best friend?
To apply or ask questions:Text 615-661-5333.Email ccrtennessee@gmail.com or ccrnewengland@gmail.com, based on your location.
Please include “Macie” and your location.
Adoption process and application request:https://www.crittercavalry.com/adoption
Adoption fees vary depending on each animal’s needs. Typical fees are listed here:https://www.crittercavalry.com/Frequently-Asked-Questions
Please share to help Macie find someone who will love her right back.

Could you give this gentle girl the loving home she deserves?
To apply or ask questions:Text 615-661-5333.Email ccrtennessee@gmail.com or ccrnewengland@gmail.com, based on your location.
Please include “Gracie” and your location.
Adoption process and application request:https://www.crittercavalry.com/adoption
Adoption fees vary depending on each animal’s needs. Typical fees are listed here:https://www.crittercavalry.com/Frequently-Asked-Questions
Please share to help Gracie find someone who will love her right back.

She has been raised in a wonderful foster environment surrounded by children, other dogs, and adults who have handled, cuddled, and socialized her from the beginning. Those early experiences have helped Winnie become a confident, loving puppy who is ready to continue learning with her forever family.We think Winnie will be an especially wonderful fit for a family who enjoys being together and wants a dog who can grow up alongside them. She would love a fenced yard for those backyard adventures, a family willing to play fetch and teach her new things, and people who will appreciate her sweet, thoughtful nature. She is smart and eager to learn, so a family who enjoys training and watching a puppy discover her talents will have a lot of fun with her.Winnie is expected to grow into a beautiful 45–50 pound girl with a short coat. She is still very much a puppy, which means she is also in the “everything goes in my mouth” phase. Fingers are currently competing with chew toys for her attention, so we feel older children, 10+, would be the best fit. She will need patient adults who can give her consistent guidance and redirect that puppy enthusiasm toward appropriate toys.But underneath those puppy teeth is a girl with an enormous capacity to love. Winnie is thoughtful, affectionate, playful, and wonderfully curious. She is going to be the kind of dog who learns your routines, knows when it is time to play and when it is time to settle down, and eventually becomes the companion who seems to have always belonged there.If you are looking for a puppy who can be your backyard playmate, your adventure buddy, your student, your shadow, and eventually your best friend, Winnie may be exactly the girl you have been waiting for.Contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com

She’s much more of a backyard-zoomies girl than a long-walk girl—the busy outside world can sometimes be a little overwhelming for her, and she’s happiest running and playing somewhere familiar and secure.
Ghost would love to be your one-and-only pet and soak up all the attention for herself. Other dogs can make her uncomfortable, so a home where she doesn’t have to share her space with other animals will allow her to relax and be her happiest self.
She has lived with a toddler and newborn and absolutely adores her little humans. She has been incredibly loving and gentle with them. When meeting children she doesn’t know, she appreciates a calmer introduction rather than lots of excitement all at once, so a quieter home or one with older children would be a great fit. She also would do best as the only dog in the family and not sharing any spotlight with others. More than anything, Ghost wants her person. Give her a safe yard to run in, plenty of treats, a comfy place to cuddle, and someone to follow around all day, and she’ll give you an incredible amount of love in return. ❤️
Ghost is looking for someone who wants a loyal little shadow, professional cuddle buddy, backyard zoomie champion, and best friend all rolled into one. Please email Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.
PLEASE NOTE: Our dogs and cats are fostered in Tennessee and can transport weekly up to the Northeast region. Request an application and learn more about Critter Cavalry at https://www.crittercavalry.com/adoption.

She does pull a little on the leash because she gets excited about all the wonderful things there are to see and smell, but she loves going for walks and is eager to explore. With some consistent training and a confident handler, we think she will learn those leash manners in no time.And Maple is definitely not looking for a life spent sitting on the couch all day! This girl has energy and she wants to use it. She loves hiking, running with her person, going for long walks, and simply being outside enjoying the world. A securely fenced yard is required because she loves having the freedom to safely run and explore off leash. Her recall still needs some work, so her future family will need to continue working with her on that.The perfect family for Maple would be active people who enjoy getting outside and want a four-legged adventure buddy. She would be wonderful for someone who hikes, runs, walks regularly, or simply wants a dog who is excited to join them in an active lifestyle. She could thrive with a single person, a couple, or a family with older children.But here’s the best part about Maple: once she has had her exercise, explored the world, and spent time with her people, she is perfectly happy to settle down and cuddle. She has that wonderful Terrier spirit during the day and turns into the sweetest snuggle buddy when it’s time to relax. ❤️Maple is ready for someone who will give her the active, happy life she deserves—and in return, she will give you companionship, laughter, loyalty, and plenty of love.If Maple sounds like your kind of girl, please contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com.
ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.

Contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrnewengland@gmail.com if you are interested.

ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.

Bailey Girl was abandoned during extremely hot weather when someone placed her inside a school playground with no way to get out. Tragically, she wasn’t discovered until the following Monday when the school reopened. Someone had reportedly witnessed her being left there but did not notify anyone. We may never understand why she was abandoned that way, but we do know one thing: her story does not have to end where it began.
Today, Bailey Girl is safe in a loving foster home, and she is doing beautifully. ❤️ It took her only a couple of days to begin trusting her foster, and now she has become her little shadow. She does well with other dogs and cats, walks on a leash, and can even be left loose in the home with the other dogs while her foster is at work.
Bailey Girl is still working on becoming completely house trained, but she is extremely intelligent and continues to learn. She enjoys having a yard where she can run and as her confidence and trust have grown, she happily comes back to her foster when called.
Because Bailey Girl can be somewhat fearful of children, we believe she would be happiest in a home without children, where she can feel secure and develop a strong bond with her person or family.
Bailey may need a little more patience in the beginning than some dogs. You have to earn her trust—but once you do, something very special happens. She begins to understand that she is safe. She follows you. She looks to you for reassurance. And before long, you realize you haven’t just gained a dog—you’ve gained a devoted little sidekick.
A word of advice please. Bailey Girl needs someone who won’t expect everything from her on the first day. She needs love, patience, kindness, and time. Give her the opportunity to understand that you aren’t going anywhere, and she will give that love and devotion right back to you. ❤️ Bailey may very well become the dog you talk about for the rest of your life. Please contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com if you would like to make her a part of your world and life.
She has already experienced what it feels like to be left behind.
Now it’s time for this beauty to discover what it feels like to be chosen—and never abandoned again. ❤️

ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.

ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.

This beautiful black German Shepherd mix girl is a young 8 month old pup who is 43 pounds now with a destiny of about 55 pounds when a fully developed adult beauty. She is a happy, playful, energetic, affectionate, and full of personality Shepherd girl who absolutely LOVES playing fetch and would happily keep the game going as long as you’re willing to throw the ball. She’s an active girl who would thrive with someone who enjoys walks, adventures, playtime, and keeping her both physically and mentally busy.
She has been working with a professional dog trainer for approximately 4–5 months and has made great progress with consistent training and structure. She’ll do best with an owner who is willing to continue that consistency, give her plenty of exercise, and keep reinforcing everything she’s learned. You must be dedicated to keep up this good work and structure for such an intelligent young girl.
She also loves cats — possibly a little too much! She’s very interested in her feline friends and loves trying to play with them, so any cats in her future home should be comfortable and confident around an enthusiastic canine roommate.
Once she’s gotten all that energy out, though, she’s more than happy to switch gears. She LOVES climbing onto the couch for cuddles and settling in for a long nap with her person.

She’s looking for an active, committed home that will give her the exercise, consistency, playtime, and affection she thrives on. In return, you’ll get an enthusiastic fetch partner, adventure buddy, and one seriously dedicated couch-snuggler. ❤️ Please contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com if you are interested in making this girl a part of your future dog fun and perhaps a running partner. She is ready if YOU ARE!!!!

ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.

Chance is one of the sweetest dogs you'll ever meet. He loves attention, enjoys spending time with his people, and has a gentle, loving personality that makes it impossible not to fall in love with him. He is a little on the chubby side at 56lbs and loves to be a couch potato, though we have put him on an exercise regimen and a diet. Chance is currently heartworm positive, but that doesn't define who he is. He is receiving treatment and deserves the comfort of a loving home while he completes his journey to recovery. His future is bright, and all he needs now is someone willing to give him the love and security he has always deserved. Chance was given a second chance at life. Could you be the one to give him his second chance at a forever home? Please write to Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com

ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.

ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.

Artsy Marcy is a beautiful Border Collie mix, around 2 years old and weighing 55–60 pounds. Her life began with unimaginable hardship, yet she has never let her past define her. It is believed that Marcy and her siblings were abandoned in a remote rural area of Tennessee. While trying to survive on their own, tragedy struck when they were hit by a train. Her sister did not survive, and Marcy was left with a severely dislocated hip. Thanks to a compassionate foster who refused to give up on her, Marcy received the surgery and care she desperately needed. Today she has only a slight limp—a small reminder of just how far she has come.

Marcy is everything you would expect from a Border Collie mix: incredibly intelligent, observant, athletic, and eager to be part of whatever her people are doing. She loves hiking, exploring, and would thrive in an active home where she can exercise both her body and her mind. She has a natural herding instinct and enjoys having a job or purpose.

She is wonderful with people and genuinely enjoys human companionship. While she may be a little shy during first introductions, she warms up quickly and forms strong, loyal bonds. Once she trusts you, she is affectionate, devoted, and eager to please.

Marcy has lived around cats, but she does have a prey drive, so any home with cats should be experienced and committed to proper introductions and management. She also does well with some dogs but can be selective about her canine companions. Like many intelligent, confident working breeds, she appreciates respectful introductions and clear leadership. She would do best with an adopter who understands Border Collie personalities and will provide consistent structure, training, and outlets for her energy.

Marcy isn't looking to be just another dog lying quietly in the corner. She is looking for someone who will appreciate her intelligence, celebrate her spirit, and give her the freedom to be the amazing Border Collie mix she was born to be.

Against all odds, this remarkable girl survived when she easily could have been another forgotten statistic. Now she deserves the happy ending she has fought so hard for.

If you'd like to learn more about Artsy Marcy or speak with the foster mom who saved her life, please contact Critter Cavalry Rescue at ccrtennessee@gmail.com.

Could you be the person who gives this extraordinary survivor the forever home she's been waiting for?

ADOPTION FEE REQUIRED. Contact ccrtennessee@gmail.com.

Since then, he's been missing what he treasures most: having someone to love. If you're looking for a loyal sidekick, Knox checks all the boxes. He's house-trained, walks nicely on a leash, loves children, and has a gentle, affectionate personality that makes everyone feel like they're his favorite person. Whether you're heading out for a walk, spending time in the backyard, or loading up the car for a weekend adventure, Knox will happily be right by your side. He's looking for a family that enjoys being active and will help him continue his fitness journey. A fenced yard for games of fetch, daily walks, and plenty of quality time together would be his dream come true. While Knox hasn't officially met cats, he politely ignores the neighborhood cats he sees during walks, so we think he has the makings of a respectful housemate with proper introductions. Neutered, heartworm negative, and ready to begin again, Knox isn't just looking for another home—he's looking for his next best friend. Maybe that's you. To learn more about adopting Knox, email ccrtennessee@gmail.com and include your city and state with your inquiry.
PLEASE NOTE: Our dogs and cats are fostered in Tennessee and can transport weekly up to the Northeast region. Request an application and learn more about Critter Cavalry at https://www.crittercavalry.com/adoption.