Worried about dog?

[bananallamas]

Hi just wondering if you would send your young (toddler) DC to a childminder who has a small dog? I'm in two minds. My DD isn't used to dogs, what if a) she's very afraid of it or worse b) she's too rough and so he lashes out at her? The dog is apparently allowed around the children he isn't kept in a separate room. Thanks

She should have a risk assessment she can show you - don't be scared to ask! It's quite common for childminders to have pets, including dogs, but they should have an up to date risk assessment. I always did for my cats. I was always happy to answer all questions and concerns any parents or potential parents have, any decent childminder would be.

Could you do a visit to the childminder- see how DD reacts to the dog and the dog to her. See how things work there and what the dog is allowed/ not allowed to do, ie. Is it jumping on the furniture etc.

Personally I don't think I'd be happy.

Thanks, I didn't know about the risk assessment so I will definitely ask for that. We are going over to meet them tomorrow but because of Covid guidelines we can only go in their garden and obviously the dog will probably be allowed everywhere in the garden so won't be able to see how he is in the house.

No chance.

DS goes to a childminder with a Yorkshire terrier.

He was afraid of dogs when he started. He loves her now.

Childminder had a risk assessment and introduced them gently and slowly.

Dog lies next to him for naps now

My two kids (2.5 and 5.5) go to a childminder with a dog. We don't have a dog and my eldest was a little nervous around dogs when they started there (9 months ago). They love the dog and we've had no problems at all with it.

My two kids (2.5 and 5.5) go to a childminder with a dog. We don't have a dog and my eldest was a little nervous around dogs when they started there (9 months ago). They love the dog and we've had no problems at all with it.

Yes, in fact I would actively choose 1,pwts are great for children

Guidelines allow in a home so I would meet In garden then ask to see inside

Dog should be kept in separate room tho

I think it’s god for children to be near pets but obv to make sure they follow guidance and risk assessments

The dog does not have to be in a separate room. See the dog ask how things are managed....anxious and over enthusiastic children meal times if the cm has to leave the room etc. It should be in her risk assessment....which does not have to be written.
I had a dog one of the reasons was the number of children and adults who do not know how to be around a dog. We worked at careful introductions, staying calm hands down etc the dog was left alone unless he wanted attention....if the dog walks away you leave it. Dog in bed at mealtimes, child free area for retreat and to be put into if I needed to give attention elsewhere or leave the room. All animals can be unpredictable it is down to the owner to be responsible but we need to teach everyone how to be around animals no squealing or flapping arms no pulling climbing on or being rough it's a life skill like walking.

I took a small child of my neighbour to shop in her pushchair and she was eating a pasty. A dog jumped up and stole it out of her hands. I would worry what happens at meal times. I have 2 small dogs and even though they are very friendly I would never leave them unattended in room with s child. They bark s lot when people come to house.

Personally it would be a no for me, just an additional risk I don't need to take.

I would want to meet the dog and see the risk assessment. I would see it as a positive though as we can't have/don't want a dog so it would be a great opportunity for DD.

How much do you want to use this particular child minder?
If there were other options I would see this as an added risk so would go for the one without a dog.
I have a lovely dog and a cat. No animal is 100% safe - it's not just bites, it's scratches and additional germs (poo in the garden/walked in the house?).
However if it was an amazing childminder I would go with an open mind and ask lots of questions etc.