Dog at the school gates

[Ozzieshunni]

So, with school starting, there are some parents who bring their dogs along in the morning to drop off their kids. Now, I don't mind dogs, but there is one mum who leaves her big German Shepherd tied up at the gate. Again, I don't mind dogs, but this one barks, whines, and lunges at other dogs/kids. The school has already put out a newsletter asking parents not to bring them, as there are children who may be frightened. Today, it lunged at another dog and there were children around. I'm not sure if I should let this slide, or say something to the school, or wait a few weeks? It seems unsafe to me. AIBU? Even my five year old shies away from it, and he's generally okay with dogs.

[Isthatwhatdemonsdo]

I would speak to the school.

[t4nut]

You can speak to the school, but if it is not on school property and it's under control then you have no grounds.

However if it's not under control it's a police matter. All the school can do is control whether or not dogs are on school grounds.

[Ozzieshunni]

I'm not sure if it is school property or not...there is a parking lot there and sort of a metal fence she ties the dog to. It might very well be on school property. I may leave it for the week, but if I see the dog lunge again, I'll be talking to the school. Thanks :-)

[ErrolTheDragon]

YANBU. It's not fair on the kids, other dogs or the GS itself.

Properly controlled dogs at the school gate are fine (it's surely good for nervous kids to see good dogs, they can't go through life avoiding them). In this context, that means having a competent person in charge of them, not leaving tied up. If you need to accompany your child into school or see a teacher, then don't bring the dog unless you know there's someone else who can mind it responsibly for you.

[LyndaNotLinda]

I would speak to the school. I do take my dog on the school run but only if I'm not going into school. I'd never leave him tied up outside. If the dog is tied up on its own, it's not under supervision and that's against the law. I'd mention that to the school too.

[Soubriquet]

Oh school has definitely started again

[Ozzieshunni]

Gotcha. I just couldn't get it out of my head if there had been a child in the way when the dog lunged at the other one, playful or not. The kiddo could have been seriously hurt :-(

[Beeziekn33ze]

Talk to the school, they're already aware of an issue with dogs.

[Sirzy]

This is an ongoing issue with our school. Parents thinking it's ok to bring dogs into the ground no matter how many times they are asked not to

[whywonthedgehogssharethehedge]

Our school says no dogs on school grounds or tied up by the gates where kids have to walk past to get in. Dog walkers are encouraged to stand away from gates and kids walk in through the fence. That works.

I would see what happens this week then talk to them of it continues.

[mathsmum314]

A call to the local police station, who could send a PCSO round to stand at the school gates one morning and have a chat? Have seen PCSO's do that in respect of irresponsible parents and cars etc in the past.

[Ozzieshunni]

Unfortunately, our police station is "part time," which causes a host of other issues I won't go into, lol! But, yes, I will speak to the school definitely if I see something again. I know going back to school is hard enough for some kiddos. I don't think the added stress of an uncontrolled dog should be put into the mix.

[sandbagsatdawn]

Still a school issue even if strictly speaking not on their grounds. Our school requests dogs be tied up at least 5 metres from the gate, and I'm sure they would have a word with anybody persistently ignoring the rule. Kids should not start the day being scared to walk into their school.

[t4nut]

They can request but if its not on their property they have no authority, or more pertinently for a school - liability.

5 metres from a school boundary is outside their control.

[SandyY2K]

YANBU.