Daycare Provider Purchased Pit Bull Mix

[Daycare_Mama]

What? Are you crazy you said in so many words she should of asked you guys first HAHAHAHA its HER home NOT just a daycare and its up to HER no one else if she wants to get a dog. I do think AFTER she got the dog she should of sent out a letter just in case any kids have any allgeries to dogs but not because of the kids safety, get a grip.

I don't think he ever said that she had to "ask" him first. But the common sense, morally right thing to do would be to at least inform parents that you are going to buy a dog (no matter what breed it is). Parents may choose your home specifically because it doesn't have pets or because they are fine with the pets that are there, but that's a pretty big aspect of a family home to not at least inform your daycare families about.

I provide daycare and have 3 dogs of my own.. 2 little yorkie/maltese mixes and 1 black lab. All 3 are amazing with kids and the kids love them. But anyone who interviews knows that I have dogs and they decide if they are comfortable with that. I love animals and I would pull my daughter out of a daycare if they got a pit or pit mix too, especially without letting me know they would be getting a dog.

I agree with other posters, I think you should call licensing for your county and see what rules she has to report such a change in her house to you, if any. Not because it will make her change her mind, but it would show that you've looked into the issue. Either way, I don't think it's your job to advise her that she maybe needs to reconsider having a dog. But it is your job to tell her you no longer feel comfortable sending your child to her house. She should know the reason you are leaving, because it was rude of her to not inform you of this big change to her house where YOUR kids spend their days.

Sure, it's HER home - so she can - and DID purchase an animal that IMO poses a safety risk for small children, including my two daughters. You're right in that at least according to the laws of IL - it IS up to HER. Of course, what IS up to ME (and any other parents that may share the same concern) is to take MY business elsewhere. So, she can have her dog... and somebody else can have my money - that grip enough for you?

Im sure she would want you to go somwhere else if you are SO afraid a dog will attack your child you know kids cant live a bubble forever

[countrymom]

in ontario we have a law about pit bulls now. But as a business owner that deals with children, its really really bad judgement on her part. As a parent I would be afraid to let my children be where there is a pit bull, and if this is a "new" pet, she has no idea how the animal is going to react to the children and how is she going to take care of your children and train the dog at the same time. I would look else where for care and just mention your concerns. I have children who came from another provider who had a boxer, well she said up front that because its her home the dog has free rein of the house, even in the play room where the kids were, the problem was, was that the dog would chase the kids around or nip at them or bark at them and then the kids started getting in trouble by her because she started blaming the kids for the dog acting up. (I own, a cat, guinea pig, a hamster and right now a dead fish which will be replaced today shhhhh, my dd doesn't know)

[MrSint]

Thanks for the responses... It seems the best course of action would be to see if any other parents have similar concerns - perhaps we can all relay them as a group so to speak. What's funny is that the dad of my daughters best friend (also in the same daycare) who owns a pit bull came by last night.... so we casually asked him - hey, did you see the DC owner's new puppy? His response? "...yeah, it's a pit bull!" Not that I needed any confirmation but it still irks me the dog was presented soley as a 'weimaraner mix' upon inquiry. What's more - and to my earlier point - I'm about twice as big as the DC owner - and this guy is a lot stronger than ME - yet his OWN pit bull that was with him was able to push by him & right into our house - AND even was able to push open the door AGAIN once we got him back outside. Even HE said - yeah... we don't want him to come in with that new baby. So I just can't trust whatever system she may have in place to try & always keep the dog separate. At SOME point it'll get by her, her own kids, her helpers or whatever barrier she may have in place & come in contact with the kids... Like I said, we have REALLY enjoyed this DC provider & think she does a great job. We'll see how she responds to our/others' concerns - but honestly, I do think it shows a lack of judgement to even purchase this animal given the nature of the business she's running. I also think it shows a lack of consideration in not so much as informing anyone about it - if only for allergy reasons. The dog's still a little puppy so we've got some time to find alternative care - but it won't be easy. It's comparatively cheap to other places we checked out - but still not 'cheap' by any means...

[missnikki]

It seems to be very obvious to me,

She changed the dynamic of the program you were happy with. Now you are not. She has made a decision to obligate herself to raise a puppy and simultaneoulsy watch children. I personally do not see how that is possible.

As far as the other family. I think that the diplomatic thing to do here is to tell them that you have something you have been contemplating, and that you haven't been able to rectify it- that dogs make you nervous around your daughter. You have been testing it out and you just cannot avoid this awkward request.

[Crystal]

Is she really cheap day care for two kids?

WHY does this matter? What's the point?

[nannyde]

Sure, it's HER home - so she can - and DID purchase an animal that IMO poses a safety risk for small children, including my two daughters. You're right in that at least according to the laws of IL - it IS up to HER. Of course, what IS up to ME (and any other parents that may share the same concern) is to take MY business elsewhere. So, she can have her dog... and somebody else can have my money - that grip enough for you?

Is she really cheap day care for two kids?

[QualiTcare]

What? Are you crazy you said in so many words she should of asked you guys first HAHAHAHA its HER home NOT just a daycare and its up to HER no one else if she wants to get a dog. I do think AFTER she got the dog she should of sent out a letter just in case any kids have any allgeries to dogs but not because of the kids safety, get a grip.

if she expects to be given notice when parents terminate, she should've given notice before getting a dog (ANY dog) but especially a dog known to be aggressive. i have a dog, but my son has also been bitten by a dog (and i was always skeptical even before that) but that just reinforced my opinion that even the most tamed animals are UNPREDICTABLE. and of course when it happened to my son, the famous words, "he's NEVER done that before" were used. i let parents know right away that i had a dog (and she's 10 pounds) and i kept her away at all times. if my child care provider got a pit bull, the pit's first day would be my child's last - and i'd dare her to ask me to pay for two weeks. so, yes, she can get one if she wants, but not without consequence.

[Live and Learn]

I am a daycare provider and have never sent my own kids to day care but if I had needed to a pit bull would be a deal breaker for me. I own a large dog myself....not allowed around daycare kids ever. Give provider your two weeks notice but never take your child back there. I personally question the good judgement of a provider who thinks that it would be ok to get a pit bull and tell the day care parents after the fact.

[Preschool/daycare teacher]

I would think that the provider should have at least notified the parents to make sure none of the children have any allergies. And especially after getting the dog.
Mr Stint, have you talked to the provider yet to see where the dog is kept during daycare hours? Like someone mentioned, maybe the dog is some place where it couldn't possibly get loose? I would hope that's the case... Have her show you where it will be and ask how she's going to make sure it doesn't get near the children. I would not be mad if a parent came to me, politely expressing their concern and asking to see where my dog would be kept and what I'm using to keep it seperate. It just shows you're a responsible parent, protecting your child. I would want my parents to let me know of any concerns before they decided to terminate. If, after seeing where the dog is kept, you still don't feel any better about it, then you would have to make a decision, but in the meantime I personally wouldn't worry about what decision to make (unless your children will be at daycare before you are able to see where the dog is kept).
Let us know what you find out and decide to do.

[MrSint]

Sure, it's HER home - so she can - and DID purchase an animal that IMO poses a safety risk for small children, including my two daughters. You're right in that at least according to the laws of IL - it IS up to HER. Of course, what IS up to ME (and any other parents that may share the same concern) is to take MY business elsewhere. So, she can have her dog... and somebody else can have my money - that grip enough for you?

[DanceMom]

What? Are you crazy you said in so many words she should of asked you guys first HAHAHAHA its HER home NOT just a daycare and its up to HER no one else if she wants to get a dog. I do think AFTER she got the dog she should of sent out a letter just in case any kids have any allgeries to dogs but not because of the kids safety, get a grip.

Oh Ouch..yes it is HER home and up to HER but she is running a business out of her home - she has clients, parents and kids that are in her home for numerous hours everyday - it is RESPECTFUL to let your DCparents know and weight in about the provider getting ANY pet.

When we were thinking of getting a dog, I wanted to pass it by my families first - get their "approval" A dog is not worth a lost client in my opinion. The DOG doesnt pay the bills....

What? Are you crazy you said in so many words she should of asked you guys first HAHAHAHA its HER home NOT just a daycare and its up to HER no one else if she wants to get a dog. I do think AFTER she got the dog she should of sent out a letter just in case any kids have any allgeries to dogs but not because of the kids safety, get a grip.

Seems to me that depending on your state, the daycare may be obligated to have let you know first. Call licensing anonymously to find out on this and about breeds. Some breeds, even mixes, are banned in certain cities/counties. If she's not obligated and they aren't banned, because you love this daycare, schedule a face to face conference with her to ask her point blank if the dog is a pit mix. If she confirms, then voice your concern and label it concern and see what she says and go from there. If she refuses to get rid of the dog, then give her notice and pull your child immediately for safety reasons - this way, you'll have no regrets should something happen during the notice period. You should be able to find temp care while you search out the perfect care. You may have to pay double for 2 weeks of child care, but that's worth the peace of mind you'll have ensuring your child's safety.

[MyAngels]

I love dogs, but I definitely feel like your concerns are valid, no matter what the breed of the dog turns out to be. If you have any thoughts of staying with this provider you are going to have to sit down with her and discuss, in depth, her plan with this dog. I would try to do it at a time when she doesn't have the daycare kids there, maybe set up an appointment in the evening. If she's as good as you say she is, she won't have a problem having a frank discussion with you on this. It's possible that she just didn't think this decision through ahead of time.

I used to have an awesome pointer, she was gentle and loving, the sweetest thing you could possibly imagine, but one day, when one of my daycare parents dropped by unexpectedly while we were on a walk and opened my front door (I have an open door policy at all times), the dog went crazy, barking and snapping, and scared the poor mother to death. Obviously my dog was just protecting her home, but this just shows that, when it comes right down to it, dogs are animals and can behave unexpectedly, no matter what their temperament (or breed) is.