To ask if this would put you off using the childminder?

[Writerwannabe83]

Me and DH are currently in the process of searching for a childminder ready for when I return after Maternity. Depending on when I go back DS will be 9 or 12 months of age.

I met two childminders last week and neither of them felt right and the idea of leaving DS with them made me feel quite anxious. I told my DH I didn't want to use either of them. There was nothing specific about them that I didn't like but my gut instinct was that they weren't right for DS.

Tonight we met a 3rd one (and her husband and children) and she was really lovely. I instantly warmed to her, the house was really child friendly and there were toys everywhere and lots of stimulating games and activities and I just felt really comfortable talking to her and being in her company, as did my DH.

However, before we left she mentioned she had 6 dogs There are two poodles, two shnausers (no idea how to spell it) a Doberman and a Bulldog. She showed me where they are kept and they have their own area which although is part of the house they are caged in so don't have access to the main house. It's a nice big space, lots of beds and underfloor heating and they have their own door that leads to their own fenced off and secure part of the garden - they are not able to access the main garden area.

Am I being unreasonable to feel uneasy about the dogs and not send DS to her because of them even though she is perfect in every other way?

My DH thinks I'm worrying too much and he'd have no problem sending DS there. But I just don't know.

She sounds amazing - look at all that security.

I wouldn't hesitate but if you're worried ask if she's had any complaints about the dogs?

Without meeting the childminder, it's difficult to say. Gut feeling goes a long way with this kind of thing and only you can know what's right. If it's causing you concern, she's not the right childminder for you.

She sounds like she has it covered. It wouldn't bother me.

If secure and kept away I would be fine if loving everything else. As long trips to the park didn't double up as a dog walking exercise.

It will be fine. The cm has taken effective steps to keep the dogs in a pleasant safe environment with no access to the space used for the childminding. She sounds thoughtful and caring, and observant of the rules/regs surrounding childcare and pets. Not every cm with dogs would be so careful imo.

It sounds like the arrangments for the dogs are very safe. I would be fine with it. I don't know where she finds time to look after 6 dogs though!

Sounds like it's all very well thought out and secure.

It would massively put me off. I don't think childminding and dogs go together tbh - minded children shouldn't be around dogs, but dogs shouldn't be caged up out of the way all day either.

She seems to have taken all the precautions to keep them secure away from the kids, but it just takes one oversight. I don't know I also wouldn't feel comfortable, probably be on my mind all the time. Go with what your gut says.

It would put me off, but I'm not a dog person. One dog I would struggle with tbh, never mind six!

I agree with Hollie.
Why would you cage six dogs in every day ?

My childminder had fluffy poodles that used to nip frequently, wasn't told about it, saw it myself one day and she was very flippant, blamed the 1 year olds! It's not the dog but the owner's attitude. These were left to run riot around small childen, it sounds like this CM is very proactive and careful.

I don't see how she can childmind and look after 6 dogs all day anyway. She must have an assistant or ignore the dog's all day.

I am not keen on dogs at all. However, we have a fantastic CM who has one which is sometimes caged, sometimes in a different part of the house and, twice a day, out with a dog walker. I have confidence in her and her arrangements and her hygiene/dealing with dog hair.

Yes, honestly, it would.

I love dogs, but 6 dogs is - I don't know. A lot of dogs!

And two are large heavy breeds and poodles and dobermans very intelligent. How are they kept stimulated?

Would put me off

There is no way a child of mine would go to a child minder with dogs. My sister was bitten in the face by a retriever when she was little and we have a family history of allergies to animal fur.

It would initially put me off a bit - 6 dogs! - but it does sound like she's planned really well and she sounds otherwise ideal. It's a toughie. I agree with the others - who looks after the dogs all day? Presumably they need walks and stuff?

I wouldn't. It can be as safe as you like, but it only takes a gate left open...

We also have allergy problems that make it a no-no.

No, it would put me off simply because I can't see how she could do her job properly if she were also playing any part in looking after 6 dogs. Not just the walking - just looking out for them, feeding, watering, etc. Ask her that - who cares for the dogs? If she does any of the walking - and there must be A LOT of that- then who is with the children then?

Also, simply having 6 dogs when you don't live on a massive farm - I don't think that's a great way to keep animals.

One dog would not put me off but 6 definitely would. Although she has thought it all out, I would be uncomfortable with the arrangement - both for my child and the dogs.

It sounds quite safe to me but I'd be concerned that she was either lying about keeping the dogs locked up all day or neglecting them tbh.

It hadn't even occurred to me regarding the issue of who walks them and who tends to them during the day...

No I wouldn't use a childminder with six dogs. She shouldn't be keeping dogs locked up in cages. She isn't running a zoo. Why not try a nursery.

It would put me off, six dogs are a hell of a lot, and need a lot of stimulation and walking. His can she look after 6 dogs and do her job. How can you keep 6 dogs caged all day. No I personally wouldent! One or 2 dogs fine, but 6!!!