New Dog transition to Daycare questions

[Dreamalittledream]

So...very excited. We have considered adopting a dog for a little over 2 years now, and have been finally blessed with the right fit for our family; a kind, gentle soul who will come home today. Of course, I have done my due diligence in informing my daycare families and gotten the all clear there. But...any advice in general over owning a dog and operating a home daycare? She will be able to access us throughout the day, but also be free to escape as need be, and we've discussed at several circle time discussions recently about dogs, safe play and our dog specifically. Beyond that, any advice would be helpful:)

[Teagansmom]

Congrats, it's very exciting to add a new edition to your family. I have two fur babies, shih tzu's. My dogs are trained to not go into the daycare. I try and keep them in their bed most of the day. They come out during eating times ( they help clean my floor) and during nap time. The kids really enjoy them. I just find it hard to keep an eye on five little ones and two dogs.

[Fun&care]

Just make sure to recognize certain dog behaviors that signal your dog has had enough and needs space. Getting up, turning her head away or walking away are signs that your dog has had her fill and needs some space. Don't let the kids follow her around when she does this they need to respect her need for space. I also highly recommend getting a crate...not a cage, a crate. The difference is a dog will feel cozier in a crate because it is more closed in but a cage doesn't have that same comfy feel. I put my dog in there during pickup and drop off because she gets excited when ppl come in even after doing daycare for a while. The kids are NOT allowed to play in it under ANY circumstance. And make sure you have a good quality vaccuum...you'll need it! Congrats!

[Fun&care]

Oh and I agree that dogs are the BEST cleaning staff! You won't ever have to clean up after messy eaters again!

[mickyc]

I would recommend keeping the dog away from the kids at meal time. Kids learn very quickly that they can dangle food over the chair and the dog will come get it. We don't have dogs in the house but my inlaws do and my daughter was terrible at their house for feeding the dog instead of eating. I then found at home she would throw stuff on the floor more except we didn't have a dog to clean it up!

[Dreamalittledream]

Great advice everyone! I will definitely admit that as I swept our kitchen floor after breakfast this morning it entered my mind several times how nice a dog will be;)

[5 Little Monkeys]

I'm probably the odd one out but BLECH!!! LOL I would much rather sweep and mop up food than walk on and mop up dog slobber hahaha. Thankfully I don't have too messy of children lol.

[Teagansmom]

Actually my dogs never take food from the kids, even when food is dropped on the floor my dogs wait for me to give the okay. Lucky for me my dogs don't drool or slobber. I still clean my floors regularly but I'm happy I don't need to worry about sweeping after each meal :-)

[Fun&care]

And if I may suggest one more thing it is obedience training. Very good to have. Most importantly, MAKE SURE you start off on the right foot when it comes to walking her. If you don't get it right from the get go you it can be really frustrating to try and reverse the damage done.

[Samantha33]

A big congratulations! As you know I love dogs. I agree with all the suggestions above. If you want to allow the dog with the children let the dog be the judgement of when and how long. If she wants to leave let her leave. I say it like this because I have gates at the top and bottom of stairs so "when" she goes to the stairs I go right away and open the gate. As for obedience training, IMHO basic obedience it a must. More is better but basic is a start on the right path. Your two children must be soooo excited. Congratulations on them being new dog owners.