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Paid childcare

Discuss everything related to paid childcare here, including childminders, nannies, nurseries and au pairs.

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Original poster

Choosing a childminder with a dog- advice needed please

33 replies

Jenniferb21 · 02/01/2017 16:55

I went to a childminder today who is lovely she is similar to me her house was great and I really feel like I could see her looking after my DS (9 months old). She has a smallish putbull dog that stays in the kitchen behind a babygate. If the children go in the kitchen it goes outside first. She told me the dog doesn't have contact with the children. I trust that but I'm still feeling a bit unsure.

Compared to another childminder I've see and nurseries I really like her but it is putting me off because I'm cautious about dogs behind dangerous with babies

Any advice/ thoughts?

Thank you

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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FoxesSitOnBoxes · 02/01/2017 19:55

I wouldn't. A dog that is kept locked in a kitchen all day isn't going to be the most well socialised animal and probably isn't getting enough exercise so might not be very nice. I'd almost be happier with a dog that was used to spending time with the children..... or ideally no dog (we have a dog but I don't think I'd be happy with what you're describing here)

YoullNeverWeeAlone · 02/01/2017 19:54

My DC went to a childminder with a dog. I saw one with a dog I didn't like, mostly as the house smelt of dog. The one I did use, you couldn't really tell the dog was there.

Set up sounds similar to the one you describe, but dog was fairly elderly and a breed that is generally regarded as a bit soppy. It had grown up with childminders DC too, so was very used to children.

Anyway, we had no problems and it actually helped my middle child become less afraid of dogs. But you just have to go with your instincts, if you don't feel comfortable with it, you need to look elsewhere.

Cliffdiver · 02/01/2017 19:50

Do not take the risk.

There was a case in the news a couple of years' ago. Childminder had dog, she was holding baby and the dog jumped up and bit and killed baby.

WyfOfBathe · 02/01/2017 19:48

Like Wicked said, ask to speak to some of her current clients. It's probably a good thing to do even if you don't have worries about something in particular. But also remember that dog attacks are rare and a lot of people have both pets and babies.

Timefor2 · 02/01/2017 19:47

Personally I couldn't take that risk. I'm a worrier though!

WickedGirl · 02/01/2017 19:45

Ask to speak to some of her current families if you like her

ChicRock · 02/01/2017 16:57

I would choose another childminder.

Original poster

Jenniferb21 · 02/01/2017 16:56

'Dogs being dangerous with babies' sorry.

Also but for seeing a dog you wouldn't know she has one the house is very clean.

OP posts:

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