Daycare Provider Purchased Pit Bull Mix

[MrSint]

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.

[Unregistered]

Have you checked with daycare licensing to determine if they have any rules regarding dog breeds?

If not, try it. However, be prepared, if you contact licensing and they force her to get rid of the dog, she may get rid of you too.

It's not that I don't agree with you...I personally wouldn't have made the choice that she has made. I just think that outside of sharing your feelings about the dog with the provider and then giving notice, you are pretty much out of luck. It is her business and her home, she isn't under any obligation to discuss it with you.

By the way, I would absolutely give notice. I'm a dog lover myself, I have two indoor dogs and two out, but there is no way I would take a chance on that particular breed. And no, I don't want to debate it with anyone either! :-)

[momofsix]

I dont know about licensing regs in IL but where I live, she would need to contact you before she got the dog, not asking permission. but at least letting you know. Parents should definitely know if there's a pet in the home. Also where I live, potentially aggressive pets may be in the home, but must be kept seperated from the children at all times. If she has stated that the dog will be kept seperate, I would ask her to show you HOW the dog will be kept seperate-have her show you the kennel, fence,
gates...whatever she plans on using. Let her know your concerns, and at least hear her out. If you're not happy with what she shows you then yes, you may have to find other care. You can't demand she get rid ot the dog, so unless she volunteers on her own (which would NOT make her hate you, I'm sure!) I don't see many options for you. Sorry!
BTW, i am a provider that has a dog, so I'm coming from that perspective, but I was also bitten by a dog and had over 200 stitches on my head, so I'm understanding that viewpoint too!

[SilverSabre25]

Well...no offense...but it sounds like you've made up your mind about the dog and if it's going to worry you then really your only choice is to find a different provider. You say you know dogs, that you don't want to hear anything but agreement about the horribleness of the breed, and that your DDs' safety is the most important.

Since this is YOUR opinion about the dog and YOUR choice to not trust it, then you definitely have NO business telling the lady to get rid of the dog. You're right about that. You need to start searching for another daycare, let her know that being uncomfortable with the dog (and you don't even have to make it personal to the breed--you could make it sound like any dog would make you uncomfortable which is honestly how you come across to me) and that is the reason you are leaving. Perhaps she's having problems with other parents re: this dog and will decide to give it back to the rescue organization. Perhaps your voicing your concerns will give her a wake up call that she needs to rethink the dog decision.

Please note that I'm not passing judgment on the breed or on your feelings about it. I'm not going to say how I feel one way or the other about the dog, the breed, the daycare provider, or anything else. This is merely my opinion based on the information you posted and the tone of your post.

[MrSint]

Thanks - and don't get me wrong... I LOVE dogs - grew up with them - all I can manage is fish for the time being but would love to get our own dog one day. It's just that, IMO, this breed raises particular concerns - and I can't trust how it's going to be raised, what its individual temperment will turn out to be - where it came from - or what it will do. The fact is that in the majority of cases where a dog attack occurs, it's happened 'out of the blue' - where an otherwise saintly animal has a 'bad moment' one day... and surprise! My own parents' terrier had just such a day & snapped at my daughter... but THAT dog is a Yorkie so what's the worst that can happen? Compare that to the firepower of a pit mix & the consequences are exponentially different. Really, ANY dog is a big responsibility - bigger still if you're running a business that cares for small children/babies out of its residence. It's one thing if she had an established dog when we signed up - then we could make that decision... but to bring in an unproven pit mix rescue puppy without so much as a mention? I know it's her right to do as per the current laws - as it is our right to switch daycares - but as we all know, it's not as easy as switching brands of beer here... and if you think I'M upset by all this - boy, you should talk to my wife!

[QualiTcare]

i agree with you. i think it's totally insane to get a dog, but especially a pit bull as a daycare provider without mentioning it to already established parents. that way, if you didn't like it, you would have time to find other care, and she could have the mutt.

i don't trust ANY dog i don't know around my kids. i never have, and my skepticism was reinforced when i was at my parent's house and their neighbors little puny looking boston terrier ran out of his yard, into my parent's yard, and bit my 4 year old on the leg for no apparent reason. no way in ten hells would i want a child staying in a home with a pit bull.

BUT you could see like someone else mentioned, how she plans to keep this dog restrained. it's possible that she has a fence (with a top) to keep him in so there's no possible way he could get loose.

it's actually very inconsiderate that she would do that without a thought so you shouldn't have any reservations about saying something to her.

[MrSint]

I checked the licensing laws as well as insurance related matters.... not so much to 'report' anyone as I wouldn't do that - again, she's a good person & a great provider - I was more looking to see if there was an opportunity for me to say - hey, this might cause some issues with licensing and/or insurance so you might do well to rethink it - but I think that's a dead end. Yeah, I didn't want this post to become an argument on the breed as that will quickly spiral downward - so I tried to relay that my opinion is set on that matter - so any advice on what to do beyond that is what I'm looking to garner.

[MommyMuffin]

I would be upset as well if my provider got a dog and or cat without letting me know first. As you have already stated you know your options. I dont know of any regulations in MN where I am from.
Although you said that you didnt wanted to hear any stories, I must tell.
I had a sweet lab/pit mix, he was a gem! We cried the day we gave him away to some nice people.
I was opening a daycare and I knew parents would perhaps shy away if they knew I had a pit/lab mix. I also did not want to even risk the chance of a child getting hurt. I now have no pets, my family was sad about giving him away but I know I am running a buisness and I had to make the decision for my buisness to be safe and profitable. (This is only my opinion)
I am not saying that every daycare should give up their pets, I am just saying for me the risks were just far too great.
A scar from a animal on a childs face lasts forever. I should know...I have one.
Back to your post...I think you should go with your gut!

[nikia]

Is it just the breed you have a problem with? I dont like pitsbulls either but I am also niave about them not being around many of them. I have a great dane, massive dog, protective dog. He is in an outside kennel during daycare hours not because he is aggressive but because of his size and he is still a puppy not yet 2 years old, so he doesnt know that he is not a lap dog. He is not around daycare kids at all. Have you talked to your provider about a set up like this?? I always tell my new parents about my great dane and that he has no contact with daycare kids because of his size. I show them were he is kept and that it is away from the daycare kids. All of my parents have no problems with this. So maybe you can run something that by your provider, if she is a responsible daycare provider and dog owner she would have thought about this before getting a dog. Dogs cant be tied up all day in a backyard that is asking for trouble. My dog has shelter and plenty of space to run in his outside "home". As soon as daycare kids leave he is let out and is happy as can be knowing this routine. Try voicing your concerns and be honest with her. Communication is the key to all relatioships

[MrSint]

...well, there would be a number of breeds that'd concern me - this one just happens to be towards the top of that list. We live in Chicago so there's not much room to make such accomodations - and I'm guessing she'd not be too keen on going to all the expense in either case. Funny thing is... my daughter's best friend also goes to that daycare & lives nearby. We've hung out with her parents - gone on field trips, parties, etc... they're great people. They've got a full on pit bull at their home & THAT dog makes me VERY nervous... I've gone over there a couple times w/ my daughter & it's sort of penned up (sometimes) with a not so great gate or something... Sure, it seems nice enough inasmuch as it hasn't overtly acted aggressive - but it's just SO powerful - and has a look in its eye that I just don't trust. Thing is though... people get very defensive about their dogs, especially advocates of that particular breed - and I understand that - they ARE family... so I would expect ANYone to react quite negatively to my expressing such concerns. In fact, I've got a hunch they may have helped encourage this purchase (but I could be way off there). Anyway, we've sort of avoided the at-home 'playdate' thing pretty well - but if we end up switching because of this dog - well guess what, NOW my daughter's best friend's parents are not ONLY going to be upset that they're not going to be able to play together during the day... but once they find out why - well, my guess is that they'd put two & two together reacting pretty defensively relative to their OWN pit bull. Since dogs are so intertwined with our family units, I think we naturally tend to regard them as such - and so I would expect I'd be seen as some kind of 'bigot' due to my concerns. And it might sound crazy - but I think there's chance they might even think that since I'm stereotyping their dog - maybe I'm harboring similar stereotypes about THEM (as they happen to be of a different race). Again, one would HOPE people wouldn't look into things so much & maybe I'm thinking too much on the matter myself, but you never know. Granted, that's just something I'd have to accept when faced with the choice of safety for my children vs social acceptance by some - but still... as a former dog owner, I can tell you I'D have a problem with anybody who didn't trust or like my dog - so how could I not expect anyone else to feel that way? Anyway, I suppose I'll have to craft some diplomatic ways of expressing these concerns & hope for the best.

[Unregistered]

Have you spoken with the other day care parents in the group? If so, do they all feel the same way about the dog? If that's the case, maybe you could speak with the provider as a group to voice your concerns. I would think if she were approached by all or many of you, she would understand that her business could be at risk if every up and leaves and maybe she'll decide to give up the dog. If you all express concern together as a group, none of you has to feel like the "jerk" who made her give up her dog. You can look at it for what it is: a business owner who is making a decision to protect her business. The fact that she was so hesitant about answering your questions about the dog and avoided telling you it was part pitbull says to me she knows how uncomfortable her day care parents would be. She still made the decision to take the dog so it shouldn't come as a suprise to her that parents might be concerned about the safety of their kids. Although it's her house and she ultimately gets to decide what pets to have in that house, she also chose to provide child care to the public and in my opinion, she should have done the responsible thing by discussing this with all of you and taking your concerns into consideration before making a decision that could affect the safety of your kids.

If you're the only one who has concerns and everyone else is okay with the dog being there, then you don't have a lot of choice other than to look elsewhere for care. I know you like this provider but it isn't worth the daily worry you will go through if you leave your children in her care. It may take a little effort to find someone you like just as much but I'll bet you'll find her and not having to worry about your kids will be a godsend.

[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.

[Unregistered]

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.

[Unregistered]

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.

[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....