Daycare Question

[mom2CodySophia0811]

We finally have vouchers after being the the waiting list for three months and Sophia has been going to daycare but, we have to switch providers because the lady keeps 12 kids coped up all day. I found another person that is Paths to Quality Level 2 out 4. She has a fenced in backyard and front yard, she is very friendly, she has her C.D.A. and her oldest daughter also has a C.D.A. both are trained in CPR, her house is very clean especially compared to the other ladies house, her backyard is huge. She is also on a meal program for offering kids a balanced meal. The one and only thing I do not like is she has a lab/pit mix. I almost didn't even go into her house when I saw him. I will fully admit I am prejudice towards that breed of dog and I know it might seem irrational. He was friendly but, I have heard of way too many accidents of the dog "being friendly" and all of the sudden wham the dog has a crazy hair and decides to be violent. Sophia really liked the dog.(Cody won't be going since he is in school and the waiting list is too long he'll be with James). Sophia has been around a Boxer dog, a tiny Shtzu mix, and my dad's Osheresh sp? (basically similar to a toy poddle but, hypoallergenic. James totally understand my hesitation he is not pressuring me either way. However, James is a dog person and he thinks that dog has an easy going temperament and did not display any aggression. Am I being irrational? Sophia is a petite 3 year old and unlike my in laws little tiny under 10 pounds dogs and my dad's 15-20 pound dog Sophia cannot just push away this big guy of a dog. The dog did not seem aggressive towards me but, I still have that nagging feeling of "Alert Pitbull".

[froggie83]

labs love kids and pitts just have a bad reputation. (the only pitt i knew was a cutie named Hershey and she sould run towards you, dive at your feet and lay there belly up waiting for belly rubbins. not a hint of aggression in her) dogs attitudes towards people are the result of how their owners raised them
you can sit down with the new possible provider and talk to her about your fears of the dog and come up with a solution so that you feel your daughter will be safe. (but i am guessing that the dog is good with kids if shes got a successful daycare)
things i would consider are how old the dog is, and how long she has had the dog while doing childcare.
but again, talk to her and tell her how your feeling regarding the dog and i am sure she will understand and make sure your dh goes with you so he can help you feel better or decide that this daycare dog is not a good fit for your family.

[preciousnd98]

I agree with this. I am not a dog person (even though we had one - ha!) so any dog at the daycare might be a negative for me. But in my experience, the only aggressive pitt I have ever encountered was one that my old co-worker had rescued. He was aggressive because he came from an abusive home where he had been beaten and treated horribly. He was very loving with their family, but had to be kept separate any time they had company. But this goes along with what froggie said - a dog's temperament comes from how he/she is treated by the owner. It sounds like this woman is a loving, nurturing person who most likely treats her dog very well. And if he/she has been around kids in the daycare for a while, then the dog is probably not a problem.

[MommaBree]

Ask questions about the dog. Is it insured, up to date on shots. Some states/counties will tell you if the dog has ever had issues dog wardens can answer that for you. Would you be more comfortable sitting back and watching how the dogs interacts with the children? I feel your worry im so afraid of boxers. Ask neighbors about the dog. Dont do anything your no comfortable doing.

But yay for daycare! Lilly has grown up so much since she started 3 months ago! Your sweetie will love it too

[mom2CodySophia0811]

To all PP's ^. I should have specified we (James my husband, Sophia and I) did go see the daycare today. To clarify its a Pit/Lab mix but, my MIL had a Boxer and I ended up liking him later but, there is no Boxer at the daycare. We saw that the Pit/Lab was friendly with the children his tail was wagging the whole time but, its just that nervousness I have. Sophia loved the dog. He does have all of this shots however specifically with that breed I have heard horror stories of kids being mauled, attacked or killed. I know its how the dog is raised but, with any animal of that size I worry. I've heard about Pit Breeds and I think other breeds have jaws that lock up.I feel like I asked all the questions I could of she assured me he had shots, he played with the kids for a while, Sophia liked him, James is a dog lover but, never wants that breed but, he believes that dog had "good vibes". On the other hand the lady has herself certified with the C.D.A. one of her daughters is also certified with a C.D.A. and her 16 year old is certified in First Aide along with the primary care provider and her sister. So we have two adults and one older teen so its a 3:10 caregiver/child ratio which is very good IMO. There is always somebody watching the kids. She's been in business for 5 years the dog is still a puppy but, I think she said he is almost 1. I think I am going to sleep on it write out the pro-cons. I do have a friend that is in veterinary care and she might have a better perspective and might help to educate me. We have a little bit of time to decide.

[Gwenn]

Some 5 lb dogs are extremely aggressive and some 150 lb dogs are easygoing and fantastic with kids. Dogs need to be judged on their temperament and actions. Judging them by their breed without considering their temperament is no different than judging a person by the color of their skin without considering their actions. If she had an aggressive dog, she couldn't keep running a daycare because parents would be complaining.

That said, I worry about a puppy under one year. I'd feel more comfortable once they were 2 or 3 that their temperament was more settled and their energy levels would be a little lower.

[mom2CodySophia0811]

http://www.dogsbite.org/dog-bite-statistics-fatalities-2014.php

This article sums it up for me its not worth the risk.

[Gwenn]

It's true that dogs attack children. Vicious dogs who have been raised irresponsibly. Children who are raised in a toxic environment can grow up to attack and kill other humans as well. But as I said, given that it is a puppy it might not be worth the risk. You have to go with what you feel is best for your child.

[Gwenn]

This article presents both the "good" and the "bad" of pit bulls.

"One side says Pits are dangerous and should be banned. The other side says they are loving, safe dogs and it's the owners who are to blame for any "bad" Pits. What is the truth? Somewhere in between."

http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/pitbulls

[froggie83]

the age would be a red flag for me. i waited till my dog was a year old to consider having children. (hes a rott mix and from unknown origins so we were cautious about having him around children)
not saying don't send her there... but if your too nervous about it then go with your gut. trust your momma instincts.

[mom2CodySophia0811]

James and I talked about it and we decided to look at other places.

[Gwenn]

Honestly, my rottie is two and a half and I don't think he is ready for children yet. He isn't aggressive at all, but he's huge and has no awareness of where his body is in space. He accidentally steps on me all the time when he gets excited. In another year or so I am hoping he will be much calmer.

[mom2CodySophia0811]

To all PPs thanks for the help. I actually found out after reading Indiana's Code for daycare on In.Gov animals need to be separate from the children regardless of whether its a dog or cat. Also it will only be 2 days a week when I'll actually need care the most though. We have some friends they might be able to help. I have full-time vouchers the most but, James and I are considering if its worth it as a whole not because of the pet issue. Thanks again for input on this subject.

[Gwenn]

I'm not clear if she is actually separating the dog, or if she should be but isn't. I do think it shows poor judgment at minimum if she is violating the code, which is a very good reason not to use her daycare. Good luck finding the right place.

[mom2CodySophia0811]

She isn't separating the dog the dog roams freely and unless anything has updated a cat or dog cannot roam freely in a daycare. I was not aware of that until I went to IN.Gov and did some investigating of my own out of curiosity.

[froggie83]

ours is a rott shepherd mutt mix, shortly after he as fixed he got big and lazy. he has been an oversized lump on my floor ever since he ws about a year and a half... and he has almost always been docile and lazy. not much in the area of hyper. he is ocd and slow about everything.
will let the kids ride him (yes, ride him like he is a horse) does not mind them climbing all over him. he is great with them.
my sil has a purebred rott thats 11 yrs old and he has been calm and great with the kids too even when her kids were babies and he was just a pup
love a rott!

[Gwenn]

I always heard they were calm. Mine is not! But he's super smart and I adore him.

[justinkerns]

Hello!!!!! I know i am little bit late to this topic but, would like to share my views. Kindergarten or preschools are made for kids skills, and i don't think so any preschoolers or kindergarten admin keeps dog at kindergarten. As its very natural that kids will definitely going to get scared of him. Also everyone should consider importance of hygienics for kids meal.