Pets in a day home

[Play and Learn]

Emily, if we EVER got a dog, it would be in a cage when in the home with the kids (or in the basement), and outside would be on the other side of the yard (we have an acre lot). But I don't see a dog in the foresee future, as we won't be able to afford one at the moment - hell - we don't even have kids yet!

[Emilys4Guppies]

Acre lot! I'm jealous! We have a 40'x110' lot. LOL.

[Play and Learn]

It was one thing that hubby had to have when finding a home, and my one thing was it had to have 3 bedrooms and 2 baths. Now because he's finishing up the basement, we'll have 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and 2 kitchens!!!
He grew up on a 100 acre hobby farm. In my parents backyard, there was a shed, and my metal swing set! lol So, we got an acre lot, cause that was his minimum (as long as I don't have to mow I'm happy!).

[lilac]

We have 2 cats, its always one of the things I tell people on the phone, before they even come over, if they are allergic, there is no point in having them interview... The kids love them, some love them a bit too much.... I think its a good thing that they learn that they cant just maul a cat cuz they love it! LOL!

[Tot-Time]

I used to have a chocolate lab, she loved children. Unfortunately she did not love adults as was extremely scared of adults, so she was always put in her room (my office) for pick up and drop off. There were exceptions of course and the parents did all love Cocoa the few times Cocoa would let them near her.

Cocoa is no longer with us, and I don't think I will replace her. I found that a lot of families automatically turned my daycare down because of my Cocoa. Which was unfortunate because my families that had a parent who was allergic to dogs seemed to have no allergies to Cocoa and my families that were scared of larger dogs ended up not having a fear of dogs (or at least of Cocoa) by the time they left care.

My daycare kids loved Cocoa and Cocoa was very good for daycare. She played with the kids, the kids climbed under and over her, they played dinky cars on her etc. When Cocoa tired of playing she just went into my office and rested.

[Maroy]

My family is pondering the idea of getting a bouvier de flanders. I don't think I spelled that correctly. I am opening a preschool/before-after school program. In any case, I am unsure of how to deal with a new puppy, plus other people's children. If I am doing the before and after school program it shouldn't be a big issue. But I wanted to do a preschool idea/maybe daycare. How would I manage a new puppy with the kids?

[wolfpup]

I have 3 dogs... 2 big old boys and a small breed pup! If parents are concerned then I bring them in to meet them as they are 3 of the most docile, loving animals I have ever met. My own kids would be heartbroken if they couldnt have their dogs to snuggle so... it is clearly put in my policy/handbook that I have 3 very friendly dogs and if there are any allergies or issues then this isnt the day home for them... plain and simple. I state "we have 3 dogs that are a part of our family" They do however have an enclosed dog run so that they kids can run in the yard without the fear of a "poop slide" or something!

[wolfpup]

Might I also add that if my kids had to go to a day home rather than be home with me, I would PREFER a home with pets. Animals can be a great stress relief and also teach children how to be tender and caring. I grew up with animals and cant imagine not having them ever... if that means no day home then that is a choice I would make. So far any dhk (day home kids) that have been a bit scared of dogs seem to have come out of their shells with mine. They are just the most patient, loving beasts around. My daughter sits on our one big dog and watches tv while she plays with his ears. He loves it!! Kids play cars on him, he sleeps. When my dogs have had enough they either ask to go outside or go to the laundry room, the kids know not to follow then.

[sunnydays]

My family is pondering the idea of getting a bouvier de flanders. I don't think I spelled that correctly. I am opening a preschool/before-after school program. In any case, I am unsure of how to deal with a new puppy, plus other people's children. If I am doing the before and after school program it shouldn't be a big issue. But I wanted to do a preschool idea/maybe daycare. How would I manage a new puppy with the kids?

I really wouldn't take on a new puppy at the same time as opening a new daycare/preschool! That sounds like a lot to deal with all at once! Maybe you could wait until your business is up and running and you have a handle on that?

[Crayola kiddies]

Maroy .... Have you checked out the bouv traits? Do you know someone with a bouv ? Have you had one before? Make sure whatever you get you do it at the beginning of your holidays so you have a couple of weeks to spend with it and make sure you crate train it.