childminder has dogs

[eveline22]

saw a lovely childminder today, really warmed to her however she has 2 dogs and Im not really a dog person.

I guess my kids would love them tho. The house did smell of dogs and have dog hair on the carpet. She has other animals too, chickens, ducks, rabbits, a nice big garden with a trampoline ( she did mention a kid who had broken his leg on it..) Im trying to be open minded because I realise Im a bit anal when it comes to hoovering and child safety and it may benefit my kids to be in a more relaxed environment.

She looks after older kids and does school runs etc so they would be meeting a wide varity of people too.

wwyd?

My childminder had a dog, this was when my DS1 was 5, the dog was very lively and would jump and play, instead of this being a positive my DS1 is now 10 and very scared of dogs.
I know what you mean about the cleaning thing as i'm anal like that as well but as you say that shouldn't stop you although if she isn't so up on cleaning I would check where she is going to be preparing your childs food.
I think see lots of other people first and then make your mind up as to who looks after your kids as it is one of the most important decisions.
If it was me I wouldn't worry about the animals but I would worry about how clean it is with the animals, hope this helps.

You have bothered to post on here, so your gut instincts are not telling you it's the right childminder for you, in my view. If your gut instinct was saying it's fine, you wouldn't be asking us.

There are pros and cons to having animals. Sounds like this childminder has a small farm, which can be great - your child/ren may get to love animals and learn how to care for them. Childminder sounds honest, they told you about a child breaking his leg on the trampoline. However it may highlight a safety issue, which the childminder should have addressed - did they tell you about things they now do to help prevent such an accident?

the childminder should have a pet policy. ask to see it. tell her your concerns and ask her how she would deal with situation X or scenario Y. ask her how her pets are a benefit to the children she looks after.

Thanks for your replies. Nannynick you are right, my gut instinct is saying its not fine... but I really liked her. Gnomesmum the kitchen looked ok but you reminded me that DS1 has always been a bit scared of dogs, probably because he is not around them much.
I think I will look at a few other childminders over the next week or so and then mull it over a bit. Good idea BFH, I will also ask her about her pet policy.

My childminder has a dog and her house and car smell like the dog. DS2 doesn't care and neither do I. But, you obviously do.

That's true Strix, but its only because Im not used to it. Thats why Im struggling here, I really liked her and think it would be a great environment for 2 lively boys

My childminder has a dog - but her house does not smell of dogs and there is no hair on the carpet - I personally - and it is personal thing of could - wouldn't be happy about that - ie smell and hair for young children - for older ones wouldn't be so bothered.

and when we were looking for a new childminder last year I took the kids along for a visit before deciding

My CM has a dog, and it's brilliant for us (can't have a pet as we both work). However, the house does not smell of dog (or at least, only has done once in 7 years, as the dog was poorly) and the carpets are clean. DD3 is not fond of dogs, despite being around this animal since she was a baby - I do think that this (very well-behaved) dog has prevented DD3 from being even more afraid, IYSWIM.

Re accidents, my oldest DD fell off a small climbing frame in my CM's garden when she was a toddler, necessitating an ambulance to hospital. DD was fine, CM was wrecked, but it was one of those things that no-one could have prevented, and she was very open and honest about it.

One other point - we're having to face up to the fact that CM's dog is getting very elderly. DD2 is going to be devastated when he goes............

Thats a good idea crw1234 may go again with older ds and get his feedback. Also may send dh for a 2nd opinion.

Its so difficult. Im going to see a few others too. I just had a good feeling about this women, she seemed really warm towards the children and takes them outward bounds type trips which would really suit my older ds. Its the baby that Im not so sure about having dogs around really.

Poledra, thats a point about getting attached to the dogs, we have a very old cat so they may lose him first.

Small point about the dog hair. It was warm, almost spring like for a few days recently. Cue dogs moulting lots, depending on breed. ATM in my house it would be impossible to remove all dog hair from carpet. No where near as much hair the rest of the year.
More important what are the dogs like with mindees and where are they most of the day?

Having dogs would be a no for me, but it's a personal choice. Totally up to you.

Bit of dog hair won't kill you

Both the dog and trampoline would be a big no no for me but the chickens and ducks would be ok providing good hygiene rules in place.