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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you use a childminder with a dog?

279 replies

PashunFroot · 08/06/2022 22:02

Just that really. We want to use a childminder rather than a nursery, purely for logistical reasons as they can collect older child from school. However all the childminders locally have dogs. I’m not a dog person, and I’m quite wary of them. I know they will be kept shut away from the children but would I always be worrying about it while I’m at work?

aibu for even being worried about it?

OP posts:
Botoxbotox · 08/06/2022 22:06

100% no. I would never, ever leave my child in a room with a dog, no matter how placid or lovely the dog is purported to be. Never.

Chickenmicken · 08/06/2022 22:07

Depends on the dog. I wouldn't be keen but some dogs are very good natured. I'd want to meet the dog.

Blahblablahblahblah · 08/06/2022 22:07

yes, depends on the dog and childminder.

AnneLovesGilbert · 08/06/2022 22:07

No way.

Gizlotsmum · 08/06/2022 22:07

We did. Childminder was very clear how kids and dogs were separated and the rules they had in place

MisgenderedSwan · 08/06/2022 22:08

I would - but when I went to meet with them I would expect them to explain exactly how and where the dogs are kept. I would have no problem with the dogs being behind a baby gate in a separate room, accompanying on walks if appropriate on lead etc but I would want to see exactly how the situation is managed. Have a read up on dog body language before you go too. Happy relaxed dogs that lay down and wag are fine. Overstimulated dogs that charge, jump, lick and whale eye are not.

I wouldn't rule a childminder out for having a dog but I would expect to be able to visit a few times before leaving my baby.

csam · 08/06/2022 22:08

I used a childminder with 2 gorgeous dogs (I'm not generally a dog person) and she was brilliant, as were the dogs.
You need to Meet them and ensure you are comfortable but it shouldn't be an automatic no imo.

ArticSaviour · 08/06/2022 22:08

Yes. Absolutely.

Sponge19 · 08/06/2022 22:08

No, never.

NewMN · 08/06/2022 22:09

No

coffeecupsandfairylights · 08/06/2022 22:09

Yes, providing I'd met the dog and saw the set-up and how the childminder handled it.

Indoctro · 08/06/2022 22:09

Only if dog was in kennels in garden while children are in the house.

Cuwins · 08/06/2022 22:09

Yes absolutely when I was looking at childminders once's that had a pet I saw as a bonus as we don't have any. However I would be asking lots of questions about how children are kept safe- never left alone in the room with the dog etc

Lolly1987 · 08/06/2022 22:09

It would depend on the childminder and type of dog. My daughter's friend's mum keeps trying to get my daughter to go round for tea but they have 3 pitbulls and I'm not comfortable with her going.

BuenoPlease · 08/06/2022 22:10

Absolutely not. Even if they say they're kept separate. Life happens and you can never be sure.

ComDummings · 08/06/2022 22:10

Not in a million years.

Mumlifedc · 08/06/2022 22:11

I'm wary of some dogs(those not trained well and not on leeds) my husband if afraid of dogs as he was bitten as a child.
Our childminder has a well trained dog who is always supervised when he's in contact with the children. my kids have learned to ask before approaching a dog and how to pet and play with him. They respect dogs and don't have the fear their dad has.
Obviously they have only had contact with the dog as they have been old enough to do as they are told and understand what they are doing.

Anotherdayanotherdollar · 08/06/2022 22:13

My childminder got a dog some years after my children started with her. I wasn't best pleased to be honest. Nor was I told by her, the kids just mentioned that the family had a new dog. It's been OK. It seemed like an over reaction to get a new minder due to the dog but I wouldn't have signed up for it from the get go!

Motherchicken · 08/06/2022 22:13

I would probably have a lot of questions. I would also want to know where the dog is kept during the day. How the dog is walked? Does the dog use the space once the children have left? I would also try to gauge their thinking on dogs. By that I mean do they think my dog is amazing and would never hurt a fly or do they know it is still and animal and they can be unpredictable and therefore there will be very minimal interaction with the dog to minimise the chances of any injuries.

Crazykefir · 08/06/2022 22:13

No never and I'm a dog person.

LpPp · 08/06/2022 22:14

I’d actually choose a childminder with a dog over one without a dog.

Merryoldgoat · 08/06/2022 22:15

Depends on the dog - mine has two but they were smaller than our cat so didn’t present a risk.

JustLyra · 08/06/2022 22:15

It depends entirely on the CM and their dog.

we had a lovely CM for several years who had a great set up with her lovely dog.

when she retired I ruled out two others with dogs because I didn’t like their set up.

catandcoffee · 08/06/2022 22:16

No, I wouldn't.

Sarahcoggles · 08/06/2022 22:18

Depends on the dog and the age of the child.
Baby and a staffie - no way.
6 year old and a Pekingese- probably yes