or would it be reasonable to assume that if a parent isn't happy about a CM getting a dog then the same parents would .....

[Dillydaydreamer]

move house if one moved in next door or the next door neighbour got one?

I did refer to Shoshe's original thread.

I find it odd for a thread about a thread to be started - couldn't it have been dealt with on the original thread. Shoshe has decided (or had when I last looked on her thread) to give up childminding as a result of the current parents having issues with the dog. But then the last post I saw from her suggested that only 1 of the families still had issues after thinking overnight.

If the dog wasn't there when the mindees are there and the CM is fastidious about housework (to ensure mindees don't go home covered in doghair) then if it were my CM I wouldn't have had a problem. If the dog is there occasionally but not in the house (and the children don't go out in the garden when the dog is there) then again no problem. I would have a problem if dog and children are both outside together since whilst the dog wouldn't be able to be touched by the children some dogs have a pretty vicious bark that may upset the children.

Sorry but would not be happy if my cm got a dog, would always worry that something would happen (cm forgets to lock cage properly or something).

Also, what on earth is the point of getting a dog to keep it in a run or cage for a substantial part of the day? Very strange I think.

I depends bellebelle, there are more comlex famillies than that

for example my CM's dog belonged top her teenage (adult) son who lived at home so in reality was rarely there; besides cm's aren't just workers they hsve family lives too- yes as a paying consumer you are 100% entitled to take your trade elsewhere but that doesnt affect their right to make the decision either

i am the CM in question, and yes it is a thread about a thread.

Dilly is a persona friend, and one of the CM group I work within, she is only trying to defend me.

Pooka, you were right I have decided after 30 years to give up CMing.

As someone said, I was selling a product - Childcare, but within that I was also selling my home, which god love DH, who has never complained, but it looks like nursery, kids stuff everywhere, gates on every door, posters on every wall.

Our Child is grown up, even our DGD is 13.

So with the advent of the row about the dog, I have come to the conclusion, that it is time to retire.

I am actually looking at jobs, still within Childcare, but in a more management /training position.

Thank You Dilly for defending my honour and hopefully we can all move on.

I read both threads, and i'm sorry that it all got a bit out of hand one here.
You have explained it all with much grace and understanding..
I think Dilly got a bit cross and the first few posts on here seemed quite antagonistic so this thread went a bit pear shaped at times.

I think you are right, it's not nice to have a dog in the garden like that when he will obviously want to be in the house.
And believe me, Staffies do not take well to being excluded- no way- so i'm sure you'd end up with a very whiney barky left out puppy too.

You do know though, that you will all have yto be involved int eh dog's training?
they are like kids and you can't kjust hav ne person form the house doing all the discipline.

Anyway, good luck wiht the job hunt- i hope you find something good-
and i hope your new canine friend brings you lots of fun

Ok, looks like this is all over, but i had to post as it's touched a nerve.

I'm visiting potential childminders today - both live on estates very near me where staffies, and rottweillers, and other dogs that I see as knife/gun substitutes (i.e. you can show off the dog to all and sundry in a way you can't with a weapon) are absolutely legion. If these CMs have one of these dogs I will run a mile. But I'm also scared they may hate them but be surrounded by neighbours who have them.

If you are a breeder/dog owner of many years standing/live in the country then maybe I can see why you have a staffie. But if you live in a flat, or a small house in town without garden...then why?? If it's NOT that you want to play the big man then you still have to accept that that is how it looks to other people.

Shoshe didnt realise it was a thread about a thred (been finding myMN time diminisdhing lately-too much of the nonsense!)

FWIW from what I have seen i think i'd have been inclined to trust you as a CM, and have no doubt you will be a good nursery carer.