Getting a puppy and childminding

[samd35]

Hi

We have finally decided to get a Labrador puppy after 5 years of considering it. I have been childminding for 5 years and have had our cat and rabbit as pets. Sadly our rabbit passed away just before Christmas.

Both my husband and I grew up with a Labrador dog so have decided on this breed and the fact that they are a good family dog to have. We have put our name on a waiting list after looking at a number of breeders and their testomonials.

My question is how do I let parents know that we are in the near future going to have a puppy joining our family. Shall I send out an email? Or just verbally tell them.

We are all so excited and have done lots of reading up on Labs, and we are fully prepared that having a pup will be like having a baby. I'm hoping that my parents will be okay with it. My children have waited and waited and we now feel this is the right time.

Sam x

[Rick]

Don't let my wife read this! She keeps going on about having a puppy. Our rabbit also passed away just before Christmas. Is this an omen?! My aunt has had her puppy for a year now and does take a lot of time and effort. The puppy would keep jumping up at my son and knocking him over, hence he doesn't like him at all! Hopefully your breed is quickly trainable.

Sorry quite negative but that's just my experience! :thumbsup:

[samd35]

I totally understand where your coming from. But I would make sure that children only have supervised access to the puppy and he/she would be kept at the back of our kitchen(stairgated) away from the children.I will also be making sure that there is a separate part in the garden for the pup and I wouldn't allow the pup to have the run of the house.

Thank you for your views.

Sam

[Rick]

I totally understand where your coming from. But I would make sure that children only have supervised access to the puppy and he/she would be kept at the back of our kitchen(stairgated) away from the children.I will also be making sure that there is a separate part in the garden for the pup and I wouldn't allow the pup to have the run of the house.

Thank you for your views.

Sam

Puppies are wonderfully rewarding but I know my aunt has to spend a large proportion of the day tending to the dog, feeding, walking, training, cleaning up poop etc. Do you have the time in your busy day to do both? It is like having a newborn.

Sorry still negative! :blush:

[FussyElmo]

First time we got a puppy it never occured to me to ask my mindees parents - second time I did but my parents are used to the new additions :laughing::laughing:

We have labadour crosses and they are wonderful family pets HOWEVER they are loopy and will eat anything and I mean anything.

[Ambersmum]

Hi there we have two cocker spaniels age 2 & 3 and I've been minding 5 years. When we first decided to get a puppy I told all parents and asked if they were ok about it (obviously hoping they would be as we probably wouldn't have changed our minds!) everyone was happy thankfully and the kids love them and enjoy walking them on our local park, throwing the ball for them etc. during the day they stay in the kitchen and my other half walks them in the morning. Some of the babies I mind have said one of the dogs names as one of their first words!!! It's Bo so quite an easy name to say!! I ll be honest that when they were both tiny pups it was hard work toilet training etc but it was well worth it for the unconditional love we get back. Dogs are ace and if you grew up with labs you'll know what to expect, so best of luck finding one and enjoy!!

[sprinkles]

I'm still in the registration process but I have a 13 week old puppy, as well as two Labradors. The way I see it is I have a right to a life outside of childminding and my dogs will have the run of the house when I am minding. If parents don't like it then they can take children elsewhere.

I'm not going to put my life on hold for work.

[Rick]

I'm still in the registration process but I have a 13 week old puppy, as well as two Labradors. The way I see it is I have a right to a life outside of childminding and my dogs will have the run of the house when I am minding. If parents don't like it then they can take children elsewhere.

I'm not going to put my life on hold for work.

Yes we have a life outside of minding but that doesn't mean you shouldn't consider the effect a dog might have on your work. Can you be 100% sure the children are safe with the dog when you are out of the room?

[samd35]

I'm prepared for all the hard work, walks, etc. We love being outdoors , at the beach, woods , our local common so he/she will be walked lots.

We have chosen a breeder , and they have a long waiting list , so it won't be until at the earliest August, plenty of time to get prepared and for parents to get used to the idea.

[sprinkles]

I'm prepared for all the hard work, walks, etc. We love being outdoors , at the beach, woods , our local common so he/she will be walked lots.

We have chosen a breeder , and they have a long waiting list , so it won't be until at the earliest August, plenty of time to get prepared and for parents to get used to the idea.

Glad you've chosen a breeder, having a waiting list is a good thing :clapping: make sure they do all the relevant health tests though :)

[Ambersmum]

I'm still in the registration process but I have a 13 week old puppy, as well as two Labradors. The way I see it is I have a right to a life outside of childminding and my dogs will have the run of the house when I am minding. If parents don't like it then they can take children elsewhere.

I'm not going to put my life on hold for work.

There's no doubt you're entitled to a life outside of childminding Sprinkles, BUT I wouldn't have thought many parents will be at ease knowing your dogs are always around the children. Even the most friendly dogs could snap if a toddler were to poke them in the eye or similar. I know it's your home, but if you make the decision to work at home sacrifices have to be made.

[sprinkles]

There's no doubt you're entitled to a life outside of childminding Sprinkles, BUT I wouldn't have thought many parents will be at ease knowing your dogs are always around the children. Even the most friendly dogs could snap if a toddler were to poke them in the eye or similar. I know it's your home, but if you make the decision to work at home sacrifices have to be made.

They will never be left unattended and I will be using safety gates to separate them when needed. In my opinion, my dogs have just as much right, if not more, to be able to roam the house as the children would. They have a specific pet room where they are kept when we are out and this will be their safe haven when I am minding.

I posted a topic about this on a different forum as I was planning on keeping the dogs in their room all day when children were here but didn't think it was fair and the majority of people who replied said their dogs have free roam of their house when they are minding.

[FussyElmo]

They will never be left unattended and I will be using safety gates to separate them when needed. In my opinion, my dogs have just as much right, if not more, to be able to roam the house as the children would. They have a specific pet room where they are kept when we are out and this will be their safe haven when I am minding.

I posted a topic about this on a different forum as I was planning on keeping the dogs in their room all day when children were here but didn't think it was fair and the majority of people who replied said their dogs have free roam of their house when they are minding.

Mine dont have free roam of the house even when Im not minding :D Gosh the pup would have a field day if I didnt keep her restricted.

I allow them in now and again when Im minding as my lo loves them - no dog at home and still dog was his first word :laughing:

I keep them restricted to the kitchen in the day (but they can and do clear the safety gate if they so wish) becuase of the mindees eating, drinking, and leaving toys about. Also I would constantly be washing los hands if he could get to them all the time :D

[lynncjt]

I have a 2 year old Cocker, who is kept in the back kitchen, she has access to outside when she wants it and her crate.

The children love her but see she her when they request it, she is still much too bouncy to be allowed free access to them! She needs to be able to retreat from the children as much as they need have play time away from here. Smallest mindee is 2.5 is a little dot, he loves her when she is quite but would be scared of her when she's bouncy! They love telling her to sit/down/stay etc and giving her treats.

[sprinkles]

Mine dont have free roam of the house even when Im not minding :D Gosh the pup would have a field day if I didnt keep her restricted.

I allow them in now and again when Im minding as my lo loves them - no dog at home and still dog was his first word :laughing:

I keep them restricted to the kitchen in the day (but they can and do clear the safety gate if they so wish) becuase of the mindees eating, drinking, and leaving toys about. Also I would constantly be washing los hands if he could get to them all the time :D

Oh, mine don't have complete free roam - just the living room and their own room and are in their own room when I'm out. They're not allowed in the kitchen.

As I have stated in my pets policy, children will decide how little or how much contact they have with them and I will completely respect their decisions. It's not like they have nowhere else to go when I am minding. It just means the pup will be crated when they are elsewhere because, yes they are like children and need supervised at all times! I just meant I probably wouldn't be willing to take on children if the parents expect me to keep my dogs locked away all day.

[bunyip]

I don't mean to be rude, and I appreciate members have taken the time to contribute some interesting views, but I don't think we've addressed the OP's original question:


My question is how do I let parents know that we are in the near future going to have a puppy joining our family. Shall I send out an email? Or just verbally tell them.

Samd35, can I ask how you'd normally communicate any other matter with parents? Given your experience and grading, you must already have a good rapport with parents, good lines of communication, and know the best way to get a message across to each family. You've obviously thought this through and are not rushing into it, so I can't see the problem with telling parents through your usual channels. Do you have some particular concern or anxiety about how to tell this one? :confused:

[FussyElmo]

I don't mean to be rude, and I appreciate members have taken the time to contribute some interesting views, but I don't think we've addressed the OP's original question:



Samd35, can I ask how you'd normally communicate any other matter with parents? Given your experience and grading, you must already have a good rapport with parents, good lines of communication, and know the best way to get a message across to each family. You've obviously thought this through and are not rushing into it, so I can't see the problem with telling parents through your usual channels. Do you have some particular concern or anxiety about how to tell this one? :confused:

How did I tell my parents?

First time - I was on mat leave so I called mum excitly and said something like WE HAVE HAD A PUPPY!!!! Her response we will be there in 15 mins to see :)

Second time I told her we were thinking of getting one and we kept it a sceret from mindee. Other mindees dad I told at the door.

I tell my parents everything verbally unless they are at work and a text is needed :thumbsup:

[Daisy De]

I think you will already know what reaction the statement "I'm going to get a puppy" will produce amongst your current parents.

When I got my first puppy 4 years ago I knew how most parents would react before I mentioned it there was only one I wasn't sure about but luckily she was also fine about it. The second puppy, 2 years later was accepted without problems, but then I obviously had parents who accepted dogs and who realised I was a responsible dog owner.

I think the news should always come verbally, its a big change in a household and you must respect your parents views and understand there may be some that feel they need to find alternative childcare, but you will already know who they are. If this is the case and you still want the puppy (puppyhood, although wonderful is a long, hard slog) that is perfectly acceptable it is your life and your decision, you have to also accept their decision.

I have said a few times on this forum there are parents who won't come near you if you have dogs and others who come to you because you have them. Its personal choice, I don't find mine are a problem but I did work very hard when they were puppies to make them well behaved, trained adult dogs.

By the way, mine are with the children all the time apart from mealtimes or when we are doing something that they would get in the way off. I teach all the children to respect the dogs, I never allow the children to sit on them, pull them about, kiss them or even cuddle them too closely and they all know to wash their hands after touching them. I also discourage the dogs from licking and they were taught as puppies that jumping up is not acceptable.

Bottom line is it is perfectly possible to childmind with dogs but it also carries huge responsibility, effort and realisation that some people will be put off your setting whilst others are drawn to you.

Good luck :thumbsup:

[Tazmin68]

It was a bit different for as we had a dog and she died. I did let her have run of the house and when we had the new pup she is now three I did introduce a pet handling policy. When I had had any under 8s she was restricted to kitchen and hallway through using a stair gate. As I have artificial turf in the garden it is very easy to clean up after her as I can disinfect . I did used to let her in he house when I had older children but I had an incident with an older child who kept trying to get her to go on her back legs I kept saying no don't teach her that and she did it and caught his ear with her claws and tore. I was devastated, mum reported me to ofsted. I even had a letter from another parent of an older child who confirmed that he boys had been trying to get her to go on back legs. The result was that ofsted asked me action that I minimise contact for children with dog and they were impressed that I had my pet handing policy. The child also left my setting and more annoying was that social services visited about the safety of my own two children. When anything happens to sugar I am not sure if I would have another dog as I I feel guilty when she is lying next to the stair gate as she only want to come in. As the complaint stays on my inspection report/ ofsted for 5 years who is to say that she will still be around win it should e removed.

[samd35]

I verbally speak to my parents about everything, do daily diaries for the young ones, although we still discuss their day when they arrive to collect and do termly newsletters.I have a great rapport with all my parents, grandparents, carers.
I do have one concern with a family , as their twin girls are not too sure about animals. As this will be our first dog, I wondered if I should put an email stating exactly how I will safeguard their child and wanted to re-assure them.
I've deceided to mention it verbally to them and explain how I will do the above and also the positives of having a dog.

Thank you for all your views.

Sam

[Daisy De]

I've deceided to mention it verbally to them and explain how I will do the above and also the positives of having a dog.



Think thats a good plan.

I have two sisters who initially were scared of dogs but with gentle short introductions and time they were fine, the youngest says one of my dogs is her best friend although thinking about it maybe she needs to get out more :laughing:

[migimoo]

I personally send out newsletters with any important info on,Make it clear that the children will never be left alone with the dog but will have contact daily,

....Having a dog has it's ups and downs-I've had children who I was told were scared of dogs but love my dog to bits and i've had older ones mithering (?) her,squealing and getting her all worked up,oh and she steals LO's food and 'cleans' the babies when i'm not looking:laughing:

[Ambersmum]

Yeah I use my two as a Hoover after lunch times, they loved the bits of tuna sandwich under the high chairs today ;-)

[Marshmallow]

:clapping: Well done, its not for everyone, but neither is Childminding ! :littleangel:

I send a letter out asking for their opinon and then they signed the letter as proof they had been made aware , I have it all safe in their files. :thumbsup:
I was made aware, last week when doing my First Aid again, that dog owners needed to make their insurers aware and maybe take out extra insurance to safeguard againt any incidents ? :idea: Hadn't thought of that, and will defo mention when my insurance is due again next month :D

Hope I have been some help. :clapping:


Hi

We have finally decided to get a Labrador puppy after 5 years of considering it. I have been childminding for 5 years and have had our cat and rabbit as pets. Sadly our rabbit passed away just before Christmas.

Both my husband and I grew up with a Labrador dog so have decided on this breed and the fact that they are a good family dog to have. We have put our name on a waiting list after looking at a number of breeders and their testomonials.

My question is how do I let parents know that we are in the near future going to have a puppy joining our family. Shall I send out an email? Or just verbally tell them.

We are all so excited and have done lots of reading up on Labs, and we are fully prepared that having a pup will be like having a baby. I'm hoping that my parents will be okay with it. My children have waited and waited and we now feel this is the right time.

Sam x

[cara1235]

Well my OH has just arrived home with a new puppy!!!!! Luckily he works from home to and has a seperate office so pup will be with him most of the time so tonight i have to inform all my parents:blush:

[lynncjt]

Have fun!!!

[sprinkles]

Well my OH has just arrived home with a new puppy!!!!! Luckily he works from home to and has a seperate office so pup will be with him most of the time so tonight i have to inform all my parents:blush:

Lovely!! What breed did you get?

[ivy]

We have had a golden retriever for about a year , parents were aware that we were going to get a puppy but i did not give any official letters out concerning it . In the last 4 months i have had an inspection and there was no problem with the inspector she just asked me to amend my SOP to show the new addition , risk assessment to cover the dog . Hope this is of help .

[cara1235]

A gorgeous little girl she is a mini teacup jack russell :):):D:D

[samd35]

Thank you to everyone for all your replies. I have told all my parents and they are all fine and cannot wait for our new addition, even the parent I wasn't sure what would be her reaction thinks its brilliant.
Now as we are waiting ,as we are on a waiting list, the children keep asking when are we getting the puppy. We are all thinking of names for the pup, I'm super excited!!
Will keep you all informed and post pics when we get he/she.

Sam x