Daycare Provider Purchased Pit Bull Mix

[clep]

I have three mini dachshunds, one pit mix, one cat, two snakes, one bearded dragon and two leopard gekos. I used to have one whole floor of reptiles ranging from chameleons to basilisks to tegus.

My day home is on a separate floor away from my pets and my pets do not roam free at all during day home hours. My dogs are behind a closed door and other pets are in their cages. Well the cat roams free. I saw a post earlier from someone that stated there is no possible way to separate the pets from the day home consistently without accidental contact, but I have done that for five years. I have NEVER had accidental contact with one of my pets ever with a day home child or parent. It is about being a responsible pet owner and day care provider.

My parents trust me completely. They trust my judgement with their precious children in all aspects. I consult with them concerning every person in my home, but not about my pets, since my pets do not come in contact.

The parents did ask at one point if I could start exposing their children to the pets in a controlled environment for the experiences, so I do from time to time. Only one dog can come into the day home space at a time and only if they are tethered to me at all times. It is easy to do.

We have done units on dogs, cats and reptiles. They have loved them all and have had parent/child interaction times so the parents can see all the awesome pets we have.

On another note, I am astonished by the black and white thinking of some, By the breed discrimination, and lack of knowledge in this area. I am saddened that pets are held responsible for the behaviors created by the poor skills of their owners.....just like I am saddened by the children that are held responsible for the behaviors created by a lack of parenting skills.

Maybe check out KIKOPUP on you tube if any of you want to see the results of positive dog teaching and the results it brings.

[Unregistered]

Find a new provider

Let me start out by letting you know I own a Pit Bull. She loves my kids and is without question the sweetest and most gentle dog I've ever been around.

That being said, they ARE a powerful breed. As with any dog, they can be dangerous if you do not know how to control them.

I would have serious reservations about sending my kids to any daycare that had large dogs without getting to know the dogs and see their temperment first hand.

If you are that worried just put your kids with a different provider. Make up some other excuse. It may be more money and it may be less convenient but your childs safety is worth it.

IMO, if your provider wants to do things right, she will have the puppy around the children every day all the time in order to properly socialize the dog. She'll also need to use that opportunity to teach the dog what behavior is ans is not acceptable with children.

[littlemissmuffet]

Hi there - first post. We have our toddler daughter, and soon will have a 3 month old girl placed in daycare run out of a woman's home in Illinois. Recently, my wife noticed as she was leaving a puppy in the back yard that seemed to be pit bull-like in appearance. Anyway, I happened upon the woman who runs the daycare while she was walking said puppy. I used to raise dogs & know a fair amount about them so I asked her first if it was her puppy - she said yes. I then asked what kind it was to which she squeemishly replied 'it's a weimaraner mix'. Well, it indeed had weimaraner, but was unmistakabley mixed with a pit bull - and I'm guessing it was a rescue. She went on to say how she sort of 'introduced' the dog so it knew there were kids around.... but that it was kept separate the entire time, etc... I didn't bring up the fact that it was clearly half pit bull - figured I'd wait to discuss with my wife first.

Before getting to my concerns (if they're not apparent already) - let me just say that I am not interested in debating issues related to this 'misunderstood' breed. I don't want to hear any anectotal stories about specific pit bulls that you have or know that are just the sweetest little cup of warm butter that wouldn't hurt a fly. I don't want to hear about the deadly Pomeranian back in '93 or the vast media conspiracy stereotyping this breed or how it's the 'owners not the dogs' - besides, I don't want to have to trust her or her two tweener boys to be responsible pit mix owners - and over time, there is NO WAY she'd be able to guarantee the dog would remain separated from the kids at all times... at SOME point, it'll squeak by her - jump or push a gate - something - anyone who has owned so much as a Maltese can tell you that - and 'new' encounters with toddlers and babies at face level can go very wrong. Again, I know plenty about dogs... and I know differnet breeds have different tendencies relative to behavior that have been re-inforced thru selective manipulation over time. Pits are not the only breed that would concern me - but they are at the top of my list based in part on the overwhelming statistical data, their historical 'function' which preceded their current 'form', and perhaps most critically - their sheer physical makeup in terms of capacity to inflict severe damage should the unlikely ever occur. Bottom line - I'm not going to be influenced by any anthropromorphic evaluation of this breed relative to some generalized aversion to bigotry - my daughters' safety trumps all.

SO - what do I do? We LOVE the daycare - the other kids/parents - the provider is great. It's convenient - not too expensive - etc... and now THIS. If I voice concerns and they get rid of the dog - well great, now WE'RE the jerks who made them get rid of their precious puppy - probably sending her OWN two kids to tears... I certainly wouldn't want the person watching my kids to hate their parents. I tried to look around to see if there were any laws in IL against this, or insurance issues that I could reference so as to 'help advise' her... I know in California, they'll deny insurance for any injuries caused by certain breeds of dogs... but that's it - and nothing in IL. I'm thinking my only option is to find somewhere else to go - which is going to be challenging & disappointing on many levels. Frankly, I'm ticked that she would even MAKE such a decision without so much as consulting any of her clients - it's a bad business move seeing as I am NOT the only person who would have this concern. Any advice on other options I may not be seeing would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Either deal with it or leave. Simple. If a parent ever came in my home and voiced their concerns about one of our pets I would reply with "I appreciate your concerns, but this is my home and we don't involve clients in decisions such as whether or not we have a pet/what kind/etc. I understand if you don't want your child around my pet, but please know, I will always choose *MY* family over a daycare family. Sorry. If you choose to leave, please remember to follow policy in regards to notice."

[Scout]

If you are at all uncomfortable, which I think its pretty clear you are, then I would look for other care. You need peace of mind in where you are leaving your children, not just with who you are leaving them with. I would not want to spend every day worrying about that as a parent. As a provider I would not want one of my parents to either.

[Crazy In Mo]

I hav had a pit for 11 years and although he is never around my daycare kids I completely trust him 100 times more around kids than my shih-tzu. The whole pit bull topic really just makes me sad! People are so misinformed on the breed!

[frgsonmysox]

Old thread but worth sharing. Pit bull is NOT a breed.

"”Pit bull” is NOT a breed. It's a generic term often used to describe all dogs with similar traits and characteristics known to the public as "pit bulls." When we use the term “pit bull” here, it should be understood to encompass American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and mixes of those breeds.

Remember: In most cases, we usually know little about the background of rescue dogs. Since there is no way to know for sure, we recommend following the advice offered by PBRC for any pit bull-type dog. Most of our guidelines are simply basic rules of dog ownership."

[DaisyMamma]

Hi there - first post. We have our toddler daughter, and soon will have a 3 month old girl placed in daycare run out of a woman's home in Illinois. Recently, my wife noticed as she was leaving a puppy in the back yard that seemed to be pit bull-like in appearance. Anyway, I happened upon the woman who runs the daycare while she was walking said puppy. I used to raise dogs & know a fair amount about them so I asked her first if it was her puppy - she said yes. I then asked what kind it was to which she squeemishly replied 'it's a weimaraner mix'. Well, it indeed had weimaraner, but was unmistakabley mixed with a pit bull - and I'm guessing it was a rescue. She went on to say how she sort of 'introduced' the dog so it knew there were kids around.... but that it was kept separate the entire time, etc... I didn't bring up the fact that it was clearly half pit bull - figured I'd wait to discuss with my wife first.

Before getting to my concerns (if they're not apparent already) - let me just say that I am not interested in debating issues related to this 'misunderstood' breed. I don't want to hear any anectotal stories about specific pit bulls that you have or know that are just the sweetest little cup of warm butter that wouldn't hurt a fly. I don't want to hear about the deadly Pomeranian back in '93 or the vast media conspiracy stereotyping this breed or how it's the 'owners not the dogs' - besides, I don't want to have to trust her or her two tweener boys to be responsible pit mix owners - and over time, there is NO WAY she'd be able to guarantee the dog would remain separated from the kids at all times... at SOME point, it'll squeak by her - jump or push a gate - something - anyone who has owned so much as a Maltese can tell you that - and 'new' encounters with toddlers and babies at face level can go very wrong. Again, I know plenty about dogs... and I know differnet breeds have different tendencies relative to behavior that have been re-inforced thru selective manipulation over time. Pits are not the only breed that would concern me - but they are at the top of my list based in part on the overwhelming statistical data, their historical 'function' which preceded their current 'form', and perhaps most critically - their sheer physical makeup in terms of capacity to inflict severe damage should the unlikely ever occur. Bottom line - I'm not going to be influenced by any anthropromorphic evaluation of this breed relative to some generalized aversion to bigotry - my daughters' safety trumps all.

SO - what do I do? We LOVE the daycare - the other kids/parents - the provider is great. It's convenient - not too expensive - etc... and now THIS. If I voice concerns and they get rid of the dog - well great, now WE'RE the jerks who made them get rid of their precious puppy - probably sending her OWN two kids to tears... I certainly wouldn't want the person watching my kids to hate their parents. I tried to look around to see if there were any laws in IL against this, or insurance issues that I could reference so as to 'help advise' her... I know in California, they'll deny insurance for any injuries caused by certain breeds of dogs... but that's it - and nothing in IL. I'm thinking my only option is to find somewhere else to go - which is going to be challenging & disappointing on many levels. Frankly, I'm ticked that she would even MAKE such a decision without so much as consulting any of her clients - it's a bad business move seeing as I am NOT the only person who would have this concern. Any advice on other options I may not be seeing would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

That's cute. You think she would keep you over the dog. Haha. She will send you packing. ::

BTW. Pitbulls are bred to fight other dogs, not kids. They are TAUGHT to attack humans. So a puppy is probably fine.

[DaisyMamma]

I personally think you should come out of your bubble and stop being so ignorant. First off this is her home and her family. What she chooses to do on her off time is not your concern. She does not need to ask YOUR permission to get a family pet. Especially if the pet is being kept separate. I would NEVER get rid of a member of MY family over an ignorant daycare parent. You would go before my pet.

[Unregistered]

If I don't want keep my child with a provider's dog i have to look for other provider. I can't put my rules in her home.

[Unregistered]

Offended!!

I would be so offended if one of my daycare parents had an issue and tried to rile up the other parents to get me to hear them!!! Obviously you noticed the dog- I'm sure other families have too! If they have an issue hopefully they will be adult enough to bring it up on their own! If the provider hears separately from numerous families then maybe she will re-think her position.
If you love her as much as you say- trust her- talk to her about your concerns- one on one and see if you can come to an understanding... If not then move on-
I personally have 5! Dogs and not one of them is w daycare kids- rarely they will go for a walk with us but otherwise there is no interaction- it is for my dogs protection- not my daycare kids!! It is very possible she has the same thought! People don't teach their children to be respectful of animals and I cannot supervise 100% therefore kids and dogs are kept separate.
I would suggest you take a breath and think if you want this to work out... If you do talk to her one on one with an open mind. If not give your two weeks and move on...
And to whom ever said he shouldn't pay two weeks notice: she clearly stated the dog is not with the daycare kids- so no threat!!

[Unregistered]

Yes! Yes! Yes! And AMEN!!!

[Unregistered]

Ooops!

Originally Posted by Unregistered
I personally think you should come out of your bubble and stop being so ignorant. First off this is her home and her family. What she chooses to do on her off time is not your concern. She does not need to ask YOUR permission to get a family pet. Especially if the pet is being kept separate. I would NEVER get rid of a member of MY family over an ignorant daycare parent. You would go before my pet.

Yes! Yes! Yes! And AMEN!!!!

[Laurel]

In Florida we are required by licensing rules to inform parents of any pets in the home. There is a place to check if there are no pets or a place to check that the parents have been informed about what pets are in the home.

Also my daycare liability insurance does not cover me if I own a pitbull. I am looking at the policy now and this is the exact wording:

Exclusions: For any "bodily injury", "property damage" or "personal injury" caused by, or arising out of any Doberman Pinscher, Akita, German Shepherd, Rottweiler, Pitbull or Bullmastiff owned by, leased to, or in the care, custody or control of any "Insured".

I wouldn't have any child of mine in the home. That said, I found out that a guy my ex DIL was living with, with my grandchildren, had a pitbull. For a year there were no problems. I never knew about it until she had already left him. I was upset but luckily no problems.

Laurel

[Qpmomma]

As a dog trainer....wow. You are better off finding a DCP with no dog at all.

[Unregistered]

First, I hate dogs. Just can't stand them, their hair, their barking and messes. I just don't care for them.
HOWEVER, after our dc home got broken into, my husband wanted to get a dog for safety of our family AND the dc families, so I let him do it.

I told the parents what had happened (not that they couldn't tell from the hole cut in the window) and what my husband said. No dc parent had a problem, but did warn me how pit bulls are a little more dangerous because of their jaws and how they lock up when they get hold of something, a trait other dogs don't have. I never really saw a pit that I knew was a pit so I looked them up. Was not interested in any pit bull based on the fact that they are some sort of terrier dogs and terrier dogs do not like to be alone and are loud barkers.

So, after a few days, still no dog, my husband finds the dog of his dreams, a Siberian Husky puppy. By nature Siberians are friendly with everyone. So we went and got her. The dc parents loved her (even though she hated them). The problem? She was extremely protective, and while that seems great, she would get mean toward the parents who came into the house to take "her" babies. She played with the dc kids and was great at first. Then she went to an appt and she was badly injured at the vet BY the vet who screamed and yelled at her because she squealed and moved during her shots. (She was 3 months old). She was NEVER the same. After this incident, she became aggressive with everyone except us. She didn't even want to play with the dc kids anymore.

Lucky for me, I don't do dc anymore. But if I had, I would have had to get rid of her because there was no way that we could risk it.

Dogs change, just like people, and can become very irritable by lots of things. You just don't know what will set them off. She would bite you if you came to my house and tried to touch her. She growls at the doorbell when it rings. She hates people now. All because ONE incident that she seemed never to forget.

I would NOT allow my young babies to be around a dc w/ a dog knowing what I know now. ANY dog. Not just pits.

And, if the dc didn't have pets before, they DO have an obligation to tell their dc parents about them. Many parents (like me) would choose a dc without ANY pets for several reasons: allergies, hair, just overall cleanliness, and last but definitely not least, because animals are not "safe".