Before I had my child, I lived with my 90 yr old grandmother. She never damaged any of the furniture and was especially gentle around her. When she was younger, she used to sit next to her bowl to watch her eat and Mia never raised a whisker. I found a great breeder who believed in temperment first. When I went to see the puppy, the mother was in the next kennel and was very friendly - no problem with a stranger petting her babies.
Training is also important - gentle, but thorough.
Work a little every day. If they seem like they don't get it, they do, they are just bored. I went outside to see the lightening, and when I returned, I couldn't find Mia. I have never seen her even attempt to open a door before, but she figured it out in order to protect my child. Great companion if bread and trained properly.