Others Opinion

pull him out!!!
never would i have my child somewhere where i don't feel he is safe for one & then have him in the care of someone who disregards what you say!!
i pulled my son out of a in home daycare, when i walked in (the door was unlocked) & he was asleep on the COUCH with no one in the room & a lit candle on the counter!!!!!!!
i stayed calm but said i was upset about the situation & called later to discuss the incident.

good luck!!

I would simply ask your sitter why she had the dog near your son after you specifically asked her to keep it away? See what her reply is....

I am the type of person who thinks "love me, love my dog." HOWEVER, if I were to baby-sit another child, I would NEVER EVER let my dog around that child. Dogs, even good ones, can turn on a dime and can hurt a baby. I would never put anyone's child in harms way like that and I can't believe your sitter would either. I personally would start looking for another sitter or daycare center. But that is just me. I wouldn't put up with that. I pay good money to have my child well taken care of, why should I settle for less when my child's safety is at stake? There are a billion sitters and daycare centers out there. I see red flags in this situation.

I believe a frank discussion is in order. She needs to know that you value her as a provider to your child, but now that the dog has bit, it is unacceptable to have your kiddo around her dog.

However... when my oldest son was 18-24 months, I lived with my mom. She had a small Shih-Tzu who did not enjoy kids. My son was continually in the dog's face and was bit and/or snapped at repeatedly. My son just wasn't getting the message to leave the dog alone. Eventually (8 or so bites later), my son finally learned that getting in the dog's face was a bad idea. While none of these bites broke the skin, one happened a day after my son had surgery on his upper lip - the dog's bite broke the scabs over the sutures and caused some bleeding (I was standing 2 feet away when it happened).

Would I sue my mom for my son's learning curve? Of course not. Is it sometimes the nature of small children to harass animals just to see what will happen? Absolutely. Can a little perspective be put on the fact that this dog is probably a valuable member of your sitter's family and that the kids probably really enjoy their playtime w/ the dog? I think so. Finally, you knew she had a dog when you chose her to care for your child. You still chose her as the best possible candidate for that most important of positions. The reasons you chose her most likely still exist. Is it worth losing one great sitter over something which could really happen anywhere, anytime, in any home on any given day across the country? Your son is fine and perhaps he learned a lesson on how to best play with the dog or how not to play. I think I'd be willing to forgive this one very normal, natural thing. But that's just me.

If someone's dog bit my child, and they kept the dog, my child would NEVER go back there again with the dog INSIDE the house. Period. In your shoes, I would not take him back there EVER. She clearly doesn't give 2 horsefeathers that her dog bit, and could have SERIOUSLY harmed/scarred (physically and/or emotionally) your child. She cannot be trusted with your child's safety. Your child may now be afraid of dogs, and if her homowner's insurance ever found out about it, they would require her to get rid of the dog or cancel her insurance. Protect your child, don't worry about hurting her feelings, although do attempt to be civil and diplomatic.... she needs a big wake up call.

M.,
I totally understand your frusteration and anger over this situation. I am a childcare provider myself and it is very important to respect a parents wishes. We own a small dog and have an understanding with my daycare families that if anything were to ever happen with a child and the dog- that the dog would not be allowed around the children anymore. She usually isn't anyway- however,occasionally when were outside she will want to play with us.

I definitely think you need to talk to your childcare provider again and explain to her that since her dog bit your child you don't want to risk that happening again and it would put your mind at ease if she would keep the dog seperated from the children from this point on. And- I would continue by saying that when you came to pick up your child the other day and saw the dog with your child, it made you angry and felt like she didn't take what you said seriously.

Dog bites are serious business can become infected easily and cause permanant scarring- physically as well as emotionally.

I would not bring my child back if she didn't comply.

I would be upset and would find another sitter/daycare for my child. Don't lose your temper but let the current sitter know that you are concerned for your son's safety around animals and that you are going to make other arrangements that better fit your needs.

You should absolutly find another sitter!!!! No matter what type of dog or how well it has been raised they still can attack children. THis is your child, and she should respect your wishes. If it was me, I would wonder how well she is actually watching your child and if she really is a safe in home daycare. My friend who runs an in-home daycare does not allow her dog anywhere near the children while they are there!!

If something happens you will never forgive yourself for it!!!!!

Omg, i would of been calling the cops. does this animal have all it's shot?skin break or not i'd want to know why was this dog let around the kids in the first place that could have been a very serious bite thank god your baby is okay.i'd start looking into another daycare and one that respected your wishes.