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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to discount a childminder because she has a dog?

71 replies

Sidge · 16/01/2008 21:29

Went to meet a potential new CM - she was very nice, very capable, good references etc, but I am hesitant to proceed as she has a dog.

I don't mind dogs but am not a doggy person, and am reluctant to leave my 16 month old with a CM who has one.

I asked if the dog was left alone with the children, and was told that it wasn't but find that hard to believe as I don't think she would put the dog out every time she went to the loo or the kitchen.

So am I being unreasonable? (By the way this is my 3rd child so not PFB!)

OP posts:
Octothechildherder · 16/01/2008 21:32

YANBU no way

MrsKitVonD · 16/01/2008 21:33

I know it doesnt make THAT much difference but what breed is it?

littleducks · 16/01/2008 21:33

yanbu, what is the point in having childcare if there is a constant niggling worry?

Jennster · 16/01/2008 21:34

I wouldn't because I don't like dogs. Wouldn't particularly like it if they had a cat either and I love cats, but wouldn't have one in my own home because they drop so much hair and can't be bothered cleaning up.

handlemecarefully · 16/01/2008 21:35

I have dogs and so I am a 'doggy' person as you put it , but I might be apprehensive about leaving my child with a CM who has a dog....because I don't know the temperament of the dog...

So I suppose YANBU

hatrick · 16/01/2008 21:36

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Sidge · 16/01/2008 21:36

MrsKit - dunno but it was about toddler height and stumpy!!

I think it was a Staffordshire bull terrier.

OP posts:
handlemecarefully · 16/01/2008 21:37

If it was a Staffie - I most certainly wouldn't!

hatrick · 16/01/2008 21:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

hotbot · 16/01/2008 21:39

up to you really, would it help your child to get to know a dog? how was the dog when you were there, do you know other parents that go to him/her (the childminder that is)
but if yuore uncomfortable def, dont do it

pointydog · 16/01/2008 21:39

Do you mean discount as in not to go with her and try to find another cm?

Odd question. Of course, try to find someone else if you are nervous of the dog. I don't see any dilemma here.

Original poster
Sidge · 16/01/2008 21:39

Are they particularly mean then?

OP posts:
Vacua · 16/01/2008 21:42

aren't staffies supposed to be one of the most child-friendly breeds, prone to aggression towards other dogs but fab with children?

if I had question marks in my mind about any sort of childcare I'd shop around, you need to feel totally at ease and happy about it

Thomcat · 16/01/2008 21:42

My childminder has a labrador.
And a cat.
oh and a rabbit, and 3 guinea pigs.
It was part of the charm for me.
I want my DD to grow up around dogs and I can't have one so it's nice that twice a week she and some other kids get to hang out with a daft dog and take him to the park and grow up unafraid of animals / dogs.

Original poster
Sidge · 16/01/2008 21:43

Pointydog - yes, that's what I meant, as in not use her, solely because of the dog.

I just wondered if I was being a bit oversensitive about it, not being a doggy person myself.

OP posts:
Vacua · 16/01/2008 21:44

look: Although they were known for their ferociousness and courage in the dog pits they made excellent family pets, being exceptionally good with children

BroccoliSpears · 16/01/2008 21:46

Of course YANBU. If the dog is an issue for you, find one without a dog.

pointydog · 16/01/2008 21:48

oh no, I wouldn't leave my small kid with a staffie. I don't think that write-up is particularly good.

Unless I had lots of word of mouth recommendations from mums who had used her

handlemecarefully · 16/01/2008 21:48

They were originally bred as fighting dogs. They are more likely to attack other dogs then people (indeed they have form for this)..but although attacks by staffies on people are rare - they are extremely powerful dogs and I wouldn't have one around children. That okay with you Vacua?

ravenAK · 16/01/2008 21:49

It would be a massive -ve for me. I really don't trust or like dogs.

That said, MIL has a Staffie & regularly looks after dc. She insists on dog being shut away (big basement room) as she agrees with me that the risk isn't worth running (even though she is quite clear that as far as she's concerned, risk is infinitesimal, dh & siblings practically nannied by dog's forebears a la 101 Dalmatians etc etc).

I think I'd regard the onus as being on her to explain exactly how she will ensure the dog is never to be left with mindees - unless it spends all day in a totally separate room/garden, I'd be uncomfortable.

WideWebWitch · 16/01/2008 21:50

I wouldn't go for a childminder with a dog, no. Esp for a baby/toddler.

2GIRLS · 16/01/2008 21:52

I have a dog and totally love dogs but I would never leave my kids ( I have 3- 7, 6, & 9 month)with CM with a dog. Everyone loves their dog and most people think that their dog would never do anything to harm anyone which is why most kids get bitten by the family pet. My lab is the most soft gentle placid dog I have ever known but I woulod still never trust her with my baby.
Have to add though that staffs are lovely dogs supposed to be fab with children even though they look like pit bulls (although they do have that lockjaw thing...)

Vacua · 16/01/2008 21:53

they're not MY cup of tea at all, just remember having a chat with my vet about best breeds to have around children once and they were top of his list - had forgotten until now

do know someone who has 2 and they are very sweet natured but not aesthetically pleasing enough for my tastes

pointydog · 16/01/2008 21:55

Havong said that, I chose a cm with dog for dd2 when she was 4 and sh ewas terrified of dogs. A lovely oldish spaniel. After day 1, she was completely relaxed with the dog and had overcome her fears. That cm had minded loads of kids and had lots of word of mouth.

JingleyJen · 16/01/2008 21:55

I have not put my children with a childminder so this is just my instinct.
You should reject a child minder if you feel at all uncomfortable about anything.
The most important thing is peace of mind that your child is ok.
Go with your gut.