Dogs at school gate

[Irishmumof02]

First off I’m an animal lover Iv pets of my own a dog included but I don’t take him to the school because I know some kids are scared of dogs. There’s a mum who always brings her dog a big thing think labradoodle or something like that. She’s no control over the thing at all and it’s not trained. She uses a retractable leash on it. It growls and barks at other dogs and all she dose is say shush. Well I kind of lost it today and I think I probably over reacted but also kind of not. It’s snowing here it’s cold and wet and her bloody dog was rubbing around people so I just stood back a bit so it wouldn’t come near me but my dd came out of the gate and the dog jumped on her and only the teacher grabbed her she would of been knocked on the ground. Her uniform is muddy with the dogs paws and the bloody owner had the cheek to say oh be careful. Well I snapped and il admit I was cheeky and told her she should stop bringing the dog on the school run especially if she has no control over it and it’s a school not a doggy daycare.
a few other parents agreed with me some even saying she dosnt pick up after it when it goes to the toilet. I’m trying to calm down a bit now but I do feel like having a word with the headmaster at school tomorrow about it but also think am I being unreasonable so Iv came here.

aibu it’s only a dog maybe shel learn and try controlling it better now or am I right dogs don’t belong on the school run.

I keep thinking what if it scared a child and the child ran out onto the road or something

Most a schools operated a ‘no dogs on school grounds’ policy for this reason.

You're not being in the least unreasonable and I think talking to the head is a good idea, they can send the word out that it's not acceptable to bring dogs to school.

YANBU.
Lots of parents bring dogs with them on the school run here but none of them
are allowed onto the school grounds and they all seem well-controlled and calm. I’ve never heard any barking or seen any problems from any of them. The dog you’ve described sounds like a nightmare and I agree with you that it should not be allowed anywhere near the school gates.

Thank you all I’m definitely going to speak to the head tomorrow morning. I think the fact she told my dd to be careful after her dog jumped at my child was what pushed me over the edge.

I don't think its the right environment for dogs. Lots will be more likely to become animated by the business and bark, or to be frightened by it.

They do but some people still think it doesn't apply to them or tie the dog to the entrance gate forcing kids to walk past it when they're scared.

Definitely speak to the HT but if people were agreeing with you then she'd have nerves of steel to carry on taking it on to the premises

Yeah we have a lot of dogs around at pick up at ours too. Tied to railings ect. Barking, jumping up.

A massive german sheppard - the owner stands right on the corner of the gate and the dog sits on the very narrow pavement and you have to step over the dog or walk in the road. He's lovely, but i feel for those who are a bit fearful.

Occasionally they're asked to wait across the road from the school where it's quieter. But gradually they all come back. It's like crufts outside there sometimes!

Blanket dog ban, maybe not.

That specific dog, absolutely.

Anyone else Iv seen with dogs near the school normally stand a far bit away from the school grounds she just stands right at the front blocking others

I'd say a blanket dog ban would be unreasonable. But to ask them to give space to children that may not be comfortable with dogs is a completely fair request. I've three dogs 2 are well behaved the third is a rescue that seems fairly untrainable, I'd never take him near a school. Let alone near the gates. The other two would sit until spoken to so I would take with me but give space for them as much as the children.

I think YWNU to tell this mum off. I think you are unreasonable to turn it into no dogs on the school run battle. It's a public road so there isn't anything the school can do really. As you say most parents stand away from the gates with their dogs, the problem really is this particular dog.

You made the point to the woman and you wont have been the only one to have had an issue with her and her dog. You could report to the headteacher, but if the dog wasn't on school grounds they can't do anything about it. They might have a word with the woman though.

Some of the more militant parent council members tried to ban various things including dog walking, and weirdly, umbrellas, in the vicinity of our primary school post covid. The dog owners weren't happy and rightly pointed out that it's a public area which the school can't police, plus how would those with no connection to the school even know?

Loads on ours near the gates too

We have this at school then the ones who think their ‘puppy’ is so cute it doesn’t come under the rules wrapped in blankets so everyone fawn’s over it

sorry but a dog is a dog, kids are scared of them pup or dog and if your bringing your dog on the school run have the sense to wait for your child away from other children. My son isn’t keen on dogs, especially jumpy hyper dogs. we have a dog but he’s never been on the school run and he wouldn’t be allowed to. It’s selfish, there are other times to walk dogs,

Often one or more dogs at our school gate but we then go into the grounds to get our children. They're all very well behaved and love the fuss though. Easy enough to avoid if not into dogs.

I’ve taken my dogs to school. We stand away from the entrance. They stand quietly by my side on a loose lead and don’t bother anyone else.
If this dog is causing a problem maybe your local dog warden could pay a visit one day. By law dogs need to be under control in public.

YANBU at all and I think the fact others spoke out as well proves that.
Good on You OP

Not being unreasonable at all, gets on my nerves when you have people and dogs blocking the pathway to the school gate's,

I have a very well behaved dog but wouldn't take it on the school run, just out of courtesy to other people and their children. Only time I would is if my daughter was with me and could wait across the road from the school away from everyone.

I would speak to the head and encourage other's to do the same, I would be absolutely furious.

A blanket dog ban is a correct action to take. These dogs are a public nuisance blocking the entrances and pavements crowded with children, parents, and busy traffic on the roads.
It's the wrong time.

Dogs were not allowed on the school grounds at DCs primary. I would speak to the head teacher.

These type of dog owners annoy me and give the rest of us a bad name. I take mine on the school run but keep mine under control and with a secure grip on the lead. I explain to my child that while she loves our dog, and her friends like the dog, there are other children and adults who could be scared and we should respect that.

I absolutely agree with this.

YANBU. The most common reason children are scared of dogs is because of bad experiences like dogs running up the them, barking, jumping up or being knocked over.

The dog should be well back so kids and adults can come and go without coming into contact with it. Speak to the head.
I used to take my dog on the school run but I always stood well back.

Yanbu. I echo what someone said about it being like crufts!

How did she respond?