Pre School 'Mascot' Dog

[mumumumumumm]

So I am more of a cat person myself so don't know if I am right to be concerned. Given the recent tragic news regarding dog attacks, do you think it is reasonable for a pre school to have a dog on the premises as a school mascot?
I'm not sure of the breed of dog (medium sized) but its on site all the time and the children engage with it regularly, supervised of course. By all accounts it's a friendly dog but I guess they all are until they aren't? As far as I'm aware none of the other parents have issue with it being there which is why I'm questioning my own judgment. Just wondering how common it was for schools to have dogs as school pets?
Thanks

I think knowing the breed is such pertinent info we can’t assess without it really.

it is common and usually lovely. The key here is that nobody else has an issue, what does that tell you?

Does your child go to the preschool?

I would never allow my child to attend such a place. Far too risky. Even a small dog will snap and bite. No way.

Some people are fine with it, I wouldn't be. If you're not then move pre schools.

Two of the schools my children have attended have had school dogs. I've relied on the fact the school make a detailed risk assessment. There have never been any problems and is been very good for my children.

I would hate this (also a cat person). Likewise, would hate a dog in my workplace. But I guess it's the owner's choice. I wouldn't send my child there.

I am a cat person and I'd like this. We had therapy dogs at my old work in dementia care and they were fab. Presuming well trained and risk assessed and no allergic kids, all good.

If you're concerned then ask if it's a trained therapy dog-they are usually highly trained and provide a fabulous support for children

I think it's a lovely idea.

As you have concerns, have you enquired about how suitability was assessed?

I would never allow my child to attend such a place. Far too risky. Even a small dog will snap and bite. No way.

Anyone link a highly trained therapy dog ripping apart a human? Nope.

Anyone link human teacher sexual offender- yes. Numerous cases.

Still sending your child to a school? 🙄

It’s a no from me

fed up of dogs everywhere!

It depends. I'm a school governor and our (primary) school has a school dog. She's trained as a therapy dog and is highly effective in helping many of the children with their anxieties/ confidence issues. It works well; prospective parents are aware of the dog and can choose not to apply for our school if they aren't keen. The dog has certificates linked to the training and is insured as a therapy dog etc. The dog belongs to a senior staff member (who paid for its training out of their own money but school covers the liability insurance costs). Dog doesn't attend school everyday (staff member is full time - dog is looked after by other family members when not in school).
However, this is a very different situation to having a random untrained pet in a school setting, which I would not be happy with.