Page 2 | AIBU to think school staff should make care provision for their dogs?

LoveTheirDogs · 2021-10-07T11:02:23+00:00

Our headteacher and business manager have both got dogs in the last six months. Now they're bringing those dogs into school. They're saying that the dogs are 'school dogs' which seems to mean that they're dogs that mostly hang around in school. They've also scheduled a number of 'enrichment activities' for the kids so that they can 'learn how to interact with different species' ie their dogs. AIBU to think this is taking the piss and they should just make provision for their dogs same as any other working person rather than having the whole school have to go to these (non-accredited) 'courses' that clearly cost a fortune and are only being put on so that BM and HT can tick a box that says everything is ok with them bringing their pets to work?

Flipflopblowout · 07/10/2021 12:20

Ask to see the risk assessment that has been done on the dogs to protect the pupils and staff.

mewkins · 07/10/2021 12:20

Are they puppies? I imagine it is a full time job of someone to look after them all day. My kids would have been delighted with a school dog (there was a random school cat around for a year who just used to turn up for affection every day) but probably only for a day or two per week.

WorraLiberty · 07/10/2021 12:21

The local primary schools around here pay certain charities to bring dogs in to meet the children, because there's such a large number of kids who are terrified of them.

It's a very diverse school and the fear comes largely (but not exclusively) from some of the foreign cultures, particularly if they've come from countries where rabid, vicious street dogs are a common sight.

The fear is passed down through generations and can cause a lot of trauma, so the Primary schools recognised this and now some of the previously terrified kids are actually asking if their parents can come and meet the dogs too.

This may not be the case at your school OP, but they might have a similar approach in mind.

Yaya26 · 07/10/2021 12:21

Ridiculous. The teachers and dogs that is.

Sirzy · 07/10/2021 12:21

Ds school have a school dog, it’s the head teachers dog.

There are clear signs in the school to let them know if you have an issue with dogs (either dislike or allergy) and all parents know so can let achool know of any potential issues.

Ds was having a tough day earlier this week, he was allowed to go and sit with the dog for a while while chatting to student support and it helped him massively.

Blossomtoes · 07/10/2021 12:21

When I was at primary school in the early 60s the headteacher had a Great Dane called Bruce who went everywhere with him. I went from being a child who was absolutely terrified of dogs to one who pleaded with their parents to get one. That dog was a gentle giant that was universally loved. If I had a child who was frightened of dogs, I’d welcome the opportunity for their phobia to be cured.

Original poster

LoveTheirDogs · 07/10/2021 12:23

They're not puppies, no. Both full grown dogs. One's from Romania, the other I don't know from where but they're foreign rescues. It's being billed as 'being accepting of dogs from other countries' kind of thing, but really to me it just looks like they cba to pay walkers and instead are taking their pets into their workplace.

OP posts:

WorraLiberty · 07/10/2021 12:26

@LoveTheirDogs

They're not puppies, no. Both full grown dogs. One's from Romania, the other I don't know from where but they're foreign rescues. It's being billed as 'being accepting of dogs from other countries' kind of thing, but really to me it just looks like they cba to pay walkers and instead are taking their pets into their workplace.

but really to me it just looks like they cba to pay walkers and instead are taking their pets into their workplace.

Why though? All the way through this thread you've said you think it's because they're not making provision for their dogs at home.

Can you not open your mind to other possibilities?

Farwest · 07/10/2021 12:26

I love dogs. I would have adored this as a child. But as an adult, it's very clearly not safe. At all. Any dog can snap and bite, particularly around a large number of children, some of whom may do something to deliberately provoke the animal.

Where's the risk assessment on this?

Comedycook · 07/10/2021 12:27

@LoveTheirDogs

They're not puppies, no. Both full grown dogs. One's from Romania, the other I don't know from where but they're foreign rescues. It's being billed as 'being accepting of dogs from other countries' kind of thing, but really to me it just looks like they cba to pay walkers and instead are taking their pets into their workplace.

Oh this would make me very very wary. Please call the school now and ask to see the risk assessment.

Sexnotgender · 07/10/2021 12:27

@LoveTheirDogs

They're not puppies, no. Both full grown dogs. One's from Romania, the other I don't know from where but they're foreign rescues. It's being billed as 'being accepting of dogs from other countries' kind of thing, but really to me it just looks like they cba to pay walkers and instead are taking their pets into their workplace.

Being accepting of dogs from other countries

that’s a bit tenuous isn’t it!

FlamingoYellow · 07/10/2021 12:28

When my ds was in reception class his teacher used to bring in her dog to school. My ds is scared of dogs but this one he loved because she was so gentle and was introduced to the children in a nice calm way. I've got lots of lovely pictures of him stroking her and reading her stories.

Hopefully the school would already know if any of the pupils were allergic to dogs. If any of the children are allergic or having the dog at school is upsetting them then their parents should talk to the school. If all the children are happy with the dog being there though it seems a bit mean to kick up a fuss about it!
I don't know what the courses are so I can't comment on that.

Rainallnight · 07/10/2021 12:28

My DC would hate this and so would I. It’s taking the piss.

Twizbe · 07/10/2021 12:28

If it's a school dog, I'd expect parents to have been consulted BEFORE the dog appeared at school.

I'd want to see risk assessments and have the ability to remove my child from interactions with the dogs.

I agree with the OP, as I'm guessing these things haven't happened, the head is using it as justification for not using dog day care

Comedycook · 07/10/2021 12:29

Can you not open your mind to other possibilities?

It's up to the school to reassure the op of their intentions and reasons behind this idea. Not for the op to try to conjure up plausible, reassuring reasons for this situation

Rosesareyellow · 07/10/2021 12:29

I don’t understand how you can get so worked up about this. As long as the dogs are well behaved who gives a shit? If someone genuinely had an allergy they’d have to make different arrangements. Most people do like dogs or are indifferent to them. Most of the children will enjoy seeing them. Some might not and I’m sure they’re not being forced to interact with them. Why the drama?

Original poster

LoveTheirDogs · 07/10/2021 12:29

Can you not open your mind to other possibilities?

Ok well maybe there are loads of Romanian rescue dogs running around that are specially therapy trained and these dogs are two of them so this is actually a well thought out plan rather than a couple of people taking the piss because of their position in school and their reliance on the frankly absurd regard that Brits have for pets.

OP posts:

Ellarain · 07/10/2021 12:31

I would not like this. My daughter is allergic to all animal dander.

moreshitandnofuckingredemption · 07/10/2021 12:33

@EvilPea

My ds’s school have a school dog. I cannot underestimate how beneficial it’s been. The children are calmer in the school. The troubled ones talk when they are with the dogs. The sensitive ones come out of their shells when the dogs are around.

They’ve worked with some of the scared ones, and they are no longer scared. That’s respected though.

They’ve had the dogs trust in the teach the kids manners around dogs.

However, these aren’t normal pet dogs (although they are one of the teachers) they are trained as therapy dogs, they are a poodle cross so hypoallergenic for most.

If implemented well it’s brilliant and can transform school life for some children.

I agree with this, seen this in both my DCs schools (and I don't even like dogs)

CornishGem1975 · 07/10/2021 12:33

Whilst being around animals has benefits, they are taking the piss. They're only doing it because they can't be arsed to pay for a dog walker.

dworky · 07/10/2021 12:34

I love dogs & believe most children would enjoy having them at school but no, it's not acceptable.

Klac30 · 07/10/2021 12:36

Many schools these days, particularly secondary schools have a school dog that's owned by a member of staff. Often usesd as a therapy dog. They aren't going to force children who don't like dogs out of their comfort zone but a dog can help many children. . I would have loved a dog around when I was at school

It's not like the dog is roaming willingly around the school 😂

Original poster

LoveTheirDogs · 07/10/2021 12:36

Thanks everyone. I will ask to see the risk assessment - cheers. I guess they'll have it covered by these 'be kind to foreign species' or whatever the fuck activities they've got running, but I will ask anyway.

OP posts:

Duchess379 · 07/10/2021 12:36

What happens if kids are allergic to animal fur?? I love dogs, I have 3 but this is deeply nuts! 😳🐾

RedMarauder · 07/10/2021 12:36

When I was at infant school the headmistress would randomly bring her dogs in with her. That was the only nice thing about her.

The local librarian would also randomly bring her dog to work. And we use to get excited if it was in the library when we visited and want to sit and stroke it.

We also had pets in our class rooms including birds, hamsters, fish and mice.