Dogs in Daycare

[Lianne]

I have a dog and four cats of my own and I do foster care for the SPCA (currently have a set of four 6week old kittens). The animals have full access to my home. I run a HOME daycare. To me, that means all elements of my home are included and I refuse to crate or segregate my animals all day because of the career I've chosen. I've had one instance of a child being rough with my animals and he was terminated that day. Otherwise, the children learn young to never pick the animals up and to leave them alone when they are in their beds. The animals have learned to leave the room if they've had enough attention.

[Unregistered]

No. My dog is separated from my daycare. I have an American Eskimo. She is good with her family but I don't want to take the chance of her not being good with one of the kiddo's. She blows out her coat 2-3 times a year and our home looks like snow clouds on the inside. Have to vac 2-3 times a day when this happens. She is older and kids sometimes can be ruff with animals- but that is beside the point, Too much of a liability and I don't want to take that chance.

[magsgma]

I answered yes all day but there are restrictions. First the children are always supervised. The children are given the "rules" use kind hands, don't touch his toys,(he does not touch theirs and they need to respect his) and never bother him when he is eating - although he never was possesive of his food - I do not want to risk it. He stays in his kennel when they are eating and he goes in the yard with them too. He does not to his "business" in the back yard - I have a very OCD dog LOL! He has one area that is his "Potty" and it is way away from the Play Space.
Having a pet in child care helps them to learn an important Science concept.

[Meeko]

My dog would totally be just like that!! He LOVES LOVES people but they don't always love him....

He is 2 years old and weighs 225lbs so I doubt many parents would like a dog that big being in their kids' face all day! He looks down at most kids and can knock them over simply by wagging his tail.

Blackcat....yet another thing we have in common! I have had two Saints over the years and then a Newfoundland. Love me some slobber!!!

[Meeko]

My four legged friends.........but none at the day care.

[STARSHINE852]

Dogs in daycare

I have 2 big dogs.I allow my 7 year old Siberian near the children @ times..Not outside when its hot..I have a 5 year old Choc Lab shes not allowed near the children because shes all muscle and will knock the children down.

[Lilbutterflie]

I have an Anatolian Shepherd. He is the best and most well behaved dog I have ever known. He is 100 lbs but he is a gentle giant. He watches over the children- I kid you not - particularly the babies. I have many stories to tell of him watching over them. We jokingly call him "Nana" from Peter Pan!!

Dogs are used as therapy for children by many many therapists. A well behaved, well natured dog can be a very good thing for children to be around!! Yes, supervision is a MUST. I once had a daycare boy who suddenly started kicking my dog and I had to give them notice for it.

All of my parents and kiddos LOVE my dog and are thankful he is around. He also guards us and protects us from any unwanted visitors!

Attached are pics of him. The photo with him with a towel has a story- a tropical storm came through a year back and I allowed the kids to go out and play in the rain. He HATES to be wet, but he had to be with them and watch them, so he went out in the rain with them! After I dried him off and put a towel around him, I took the pic with him looking proud as ever to have watched over his kiddos!! So cute!