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AIBU?

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Original poster

Puppy banned from school playground

186 replies

Solo2 · 19/05/2011 18:19

We recently got our first puppy and as everyone else does, at DCs schhol, brought him to the school playground a few times, as part of socialising him and letting people meet him.

Everyone brings their dogs/ puppies to school - or certainly has done over the 3 yrs my DCs have been at this school. I've only brought our pup to the playground when my DCs have an after-school club, so there are fewer people there and he isn't overwhelmed by children.

Teachers and children alike are all over him, love him and even tonight, 4 members of staff were petting him happily.

So I was naturally shocked when an upstairs school window opened and the headmaster called down across the entire playground that "dogs are not allowed in the school grounds!" As I didn't hear him at first/ didn't realise he was talking to me, he called again and it was so humiliating and v upsetting for my DCs. I called back to apologise but said that as everyone else always brings their dogs/ pups to the playground, I'd never thought it wasn't allowed - but of course I'd remove him immediately - which I then did.

This was about 10 mins after several senior staff and the caretaker had been happily petting the dog and one had told me he was going to get another teacher - so wait - as she was desperate to see our puppy and wanted to take it home with her. Clearly, no one at all had/has any idea that dogs are not allowed.

AIBU to feel embarassed, angry and humiliated to be singled out like this - and on behalf of DCs who were so happy to have their pup to 'display'? AIBU to feel particularly outraged that the headmaster informed me of this sudden new school rule by screaming across the playground, instead of calmly coming down from his office - or sending his PA or another teacher down to talk to me politely?

The head MUST have seen other parents with dogs, night after night and he also gave special permission for one mum to bring her puppy into assemblies for parent assemblies once a week, to make things easier for her. Now I'll have to change my entire dog routine to get our pup back home before I do the school run and poor pup will miss out on his socialisation too! Several children have looked forward to seeing him - although he's only been there about 4 times now - and one child who was phobic about dogs, overcame his fear and befriended our cute pup.

Incidentally, our puppy was on a lead, was quiet and calm, didn't make any mess and simply rolled over to have his tummy tickled several times.

I can fully and absolutely understand if it were normal school policy to ban all dogs - for hygiene/ health & safety reasons of course. But this has never been the case to date and I feel singled out - in a v public way - for doing something that everyone else does all the time - and 'told off' in a rather rude manner!

OP posts:
bluebobbin · 19/05/2011 19:39

On the point where people bring dogs to show inside the classroom, there are forms that have to be filled in (health and safety, risk assessment etc) and also precautions that should be taken. eg a friend took a dog in and a mat had to be put down in case the dog did a wee/poo inside the building. etc.

The only vaguely acceptable solution that I can think of for you is to pick up the puppy and put him inside your coat. A blind eye is turned to this in our playground.

mamalovesmojitos · 19/05/2011 19:39

YABU for all the reasons mentioned. Some people are really scared of dogs (and puppies). However, I'm sure the puppy is very cute!

Goblinchild · 19/05/2011 19:40

Of course, one of the problems with spotting a parent you want to talk to is by the time you have scuttled down the stairs, negotiated the hordes coming in and fended off a teacher or two, the parent has buggered off to walk her dog and have a latte.

saidthespiderwithahorridsmile · 19/05/2011 19:41

"I called back to apologise but said that as everyone else always brings their dogs/ pups to the playground, I'd never thought it wasn't allowed - but of course I'd remove him immediately - which I then did."

You sound a bit childish to me. "Everyone else" does not "always" bring dogs into the playground.

And did he really "scream across the playground"? Or did he just call down from his window? It doesn't sound dreadfully humiliating to me.

I find it difficult to believe that anyone thinks a school playground is a appropriate place to socialise a dog. And the idiots who leave their dogs tied up outside the gates are equally ignorant.Hmm

ElfOnTheTopShelf · 19/05/2011 19:42

We were sent a message from my DD's school to remind parents that dogs were banned from the playground. I was surprised that there even needed to be a reminder!

Nanny0gg · 19/05/2011 19:45

I remember the days when our HT used to bring her dog into school.
She used her as a subject in an art lesson. She used to sleep under the Head's desk and play football on the field with the children.

Those were the days...

Dawnybabe · 19/05/2011 19:49

I walk my dd1 to preschool every day, I push dd2 in her pushchair and I walk the dog. There isn't room in the foyer for her pushchair so I leave her at the entrance and tie the dog up to the railings beside her. Not once in the whole time I've been going there has anyone ever suggested that my dog is an accident waiting to happen and that I mustn't bring him. In fact I've had a lot of people ask to pat him.

What is this utter arrogance that people have in assuming that all dogs are dangerous and anti-social and must be avoided at all costs? What is wrong with you people? Can we get some perspective here? What is the number of children randomly attacked by dogs compared to, say, being hit by cars? Do you shun all cars too?

5318008 · 19/05/2011 19:49

quite, Elf

OP YABU

SauvignonBlanche · 19/05/2011 19:51

They don't allow cars in our school play ground either Hmm

worraliberty · 19/05/2011 19:54

That's got nothing to do with it Dawny if your school gets so much as one complaint from a parent or child about your dog being tied up outside, the Head will have to act.

Kids are legally required to go to school and if they happen to be scared of dogs, they should be able to attend school without having to worry about them being tied up outside it.

Many of the kids and parents in my Son's school come from countries where dogs are not usually kept as pets, they carry disease and as a result some of them are very scared.

Dawnybabe · 19/05/2011 19:56

Our preschool is accessed by walking across the primary school car park. The parents and children have to worry about cars coming in and out. One small spaniel sat behind a great big pushchair really doesn't bother anyone.

When I went to middle school, and high school come to think of it, teachers used to park along the front of the playground.

What do you do when you're walking to the shops and you pass dogs? Do you frighten your children with your reactions? Do your children grow up thinking that the most popular domestic pet in the country is actually very scary?

bumpybecky · 19/05/2011 19:56

dogs are allowed in our lower school (year R to 4) playground :) They've only been letting parents into the playground since this time last year and I must admit I was surprised dogs are allowed in, but the Headteacher is fine with it.

In the last year I've not seen any dog wee or poo inside the grounds, but I have seen some naughty dog behaviour (several young puppies) and there have been occasional lots of barking. Most days there are 5+ dogs on the grounds.

COCKadoodledooo · 19/05/2011 19:57

Dawnybabe what is this utter arrogance that gives dog owners the divine right to bring their dogs onto school premises? Hmm

TheSecondComing · 19/05/2011 19:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Dawnybabe · 19/05/2011 19:58

Oh well Worra that does explain your attitude.

I live in the country, surrounded by people that are used to having dogs all over the place, so I guess we'll have to agree to disagree on that one.

Goblinchild · 19/05/2011 19:59

'What is the number of children randomly attacked by dogs compared to, say, being hit by cars? Do you shun all cars too?'

Cars don't usually randomly chase you. You can approach a car and it doesn't bite. Cars mostly stay on the roads. I have never been confronted by a car inside a building and threatened.
I taught my children how to behave around cars and dogs, the cars have stuck to the rules. Dogs haven't.

BestNameEver · 19/05/2011 20:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Dawnybabe · 19/05/2011 20:01

Because it's just a dog? Jesus.....

If you asked me to move him for a genuinely scared child then fair enough, but otherwise, no, I think he'd probably stay where he is. He's there for about a minute while dd1 runs into class and I sign her in.

If you can't get past my big pushchair which I park almost onto the path so I can keep dd2 in eyesight then fair enough.

Joolyjoolyjoo · 19/05/2011 20:01

I wouldn't ever take my dogs to the playground, because I am by now well used to the anti-dog sentiment in society, and the fact that many children nowadays get absolutely hysterical at the sight of any dog Sad

I wonder what you all think about my doctor (GP) who has his dog in his consulting room with him? I've always thought it was a bit odd, although obviously it doesn't bother me in the slightest, but I thought he might have had complaints from dog-haters! Dog is still there, though!

RuddyNora · 19/05/2011 20:02

YABU and oversensitive. Perhaps ask the head to send a letter out about it and explain that you are aware of others taking dogs in so were unaware of the rule.

I do hope that all you dog owners, who tie up your dogs outside the school, clean up any shit they leave there. At my DCs primary the whole walkway leading to the school and the grass surrounding the entrance is full it. DCs cannot help walking in it and it then gets trod around the school. Absolutely disgusting and the head is constantly sending emails about it.

No idea why anyone would feel the need to take a dog on the schoolrun. Talk it for a proper run afterwards.

Goblinchild · 19/05/2011 20:02

'What is a dog-owners response ANY time a child is bitten/nipped: Well it was the childs fault for tickling her/ looking her in the eye/ being too loud/ jumping behind her etc etc'

I agree that many owners seem to think like this.
Rather like facing a child who has been thumped by another child and always insisting that they must have done something to provoke them.

Dawnybabe · 19/05/2011 20:02

I would trust my dog more than I would trust some of the drivers round here.

I am far more frightened of speeding cars than every dog I pass.

This is getting a bit ridiculous.

RuddyNora · 19/05/2011 20:03

I have no problem with dogs btw, just dog shit.

ElfOnTheTopShelf · 19/05/2011 20:05

second RuddyNora. There is an alley way down the side of Dd's school and there is always uncleared dog poo [cross]

Dawnybabe · 19/05/2011 20:06

Although I must admit I don't know what my reaction would be if my dog nipped anyone, other than complete astonishment, as it would be the first time in his whole eight years.

I think you've got a bit of a problem with dogs in general. I'm just trying to explain that not all dogs are bad but clearly you've already made your mind up. Perhaps it's you and your children that need socialising to dogs?

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