Should dogs be allowed?

Question

My fiance works at a relatively exclusive private school (K-8), where the faculty are allowed to bring their dogs with them into work every day. We were discussing this last night, and I am on the fence with this policy.

I think it's great to give the dogs an opportunity to socialize with children and staff, as well as give the kids an opportunity to learn how to properly handle animals. However, should a child develop an allergy to dander or saliva there would be a problem to contend with. And, should a dog lash out due to rough handling, as kids are wont to do, there would be an even larger problem to contend with (and many owners aren't well versed enough in canine body language to stop a problem before it starts).

Where do you stand on this? Should these dogs be allowed in the classroom to better the children's understanding of proper handling? Or, are they better left home for the health and safety of all involved?

Answer 1

Hope their insurance covers it.  I wouldn't want to take the risk.  You are correct most people are clueless about reading their dog's body language and would be unable to stop a situation before it escalates.

Answer 2

I think there should be "allowed" days when they can brings their pets and the parents should be notified for these days.  I am suprised that this is even allowed.  Personally I would not do it.  There are too many things that could happen and even the most well behaved dog could lash out under certain circumstances and then there would be a whole new set of problems.....and lawsuits.  

Answer 3

Sure. Irrational fears should not rule our lives. You can fill pages with "What ifs"!

Answer 4

Rachel I am a firm believer that if a dog has the proper training to be in these types of situations they yes it's fine.

However the average pet owner does not do the this kind of training with their pet!  To assume it is ok to expose the family dog to a situation it is not been trained for or familiarized with since puppy hood is taking a big risk in my book. Those dogs should be left at home.

The allergy issue is another one to take into consideration also.  I would not expose anyone to my dogs knowing they had a allergy to them.

Answer 5

I think its a great idea. However i think the dogs should at the least be certified good citizen, ideally be trained the same way as nursing home dogs are.

  i think the children with allergy issue can be dealt with fairly easily.

The idea of just certain days seems to be a good one.

Answer 6

I think it is meant to be a fun idea but as you stated above, what if a child has allergies to the dogs.  Another important factor is the liability/insurance they (the school) has.  Are dog bites (even an accidental playful nip) covered.  I'm sure the dogs wouldn't ever bite and I do think it's a great/fun idea to bring your dogs to work with you and to be able to have them interact with the children.  I guess I'm on the fence with you, too on this one.  

Answer 7

Leave pets home. That's it.  If anyone has a SERIOUS allergy to a pet, its just not safe.  If the children INSIST on having a pet come to school, do a check that all the children that are allergic stay in a different room and do an activity that is just as equally fun.

Answer 8

My sister works and a school and she was facing a similar situation came down to the fact that dogs are lovable but sometimes unpredictable. I love dogs and as much as I wish you could have dogs in all schools.  Allergies involving dogs are very common and it only takes one child to develop and allergy or get bitten/scratched for parents to complain and soon health and safety are involved which can cause a whole bunch of problems. I would advise you not to let dogs be brought in.

Answer 9

dogs should stay home.  

Answer 10

i dont see whats wrong with it,

i think that is aweseom!

Answer 11

I think they should have someone trained to check the animals out first..  give them a "test" run, and if they seem anxious, or aggressive in any way they should not be allowed in.   The allergies are a problem though.. it would really depend on the situation..    

Answer 12

I think its great that they allow the dogs in school!  However,  I would like to see the dogs be registered Therapy Dogs ie Delta Society or Therapy Dogs International.  This way the temperaments have been evaluated and they carry insurance.

Also, its been well documented that children raised around dogs are less likely to develope allergies.

Answer 13

There's a time and a place to bring your pets to work. I don't think it should be on a daily basis. A) it is distracting for both teacher and students, B) possible allergies, C) possible bite risk. I am a DOG LOVER DELUXE but I think a designated time to bring your dog to work, socialize him/her, socialize the children, etc... is a much better plan.

Answer 14

To be completely honest, and slightly anal, I think the school is lucky everything has gone smoothly so far.  It's a huge liability, no matter how well behaved the dogs are.  It's hard enough for teachers to keep an eye on all the children; adding a dog to the equation is that much more work and that much more potential for something to go wrong.  

I think having a designated dog day once a month for each teacher would be acceptable.  It's still more than most schools allow and it could allow for provisions to be made to keep the dogs and students safe and happy.

Answer 15

Good question - without a clear answer.  

Here is what I think - kids (and all humans) are surrounded by "dangers" every day.  The swimming pool in the back yard is dangerous.  The natural gas line in your house is dangerous.  The walk to school (if any kid actually walks to school anymore) is dangerous.

It is a part of raising responsible children to teach them how to recognize and react to dangers - not the shelter them from dangers.  

So - are the dogs well trained and well socialized?  If so - I would welcome them in the school.  Guidelines can be established to lessen any dangers - dogs must be in the presence of the owner at all times, etc. etc. etc.  And if a child develops an allergy - then deal with that particular case.    

Answer 16

    What your fiancee should do, if she really wants t take your dog to work with her at the school, is first, either ask the children or their parents if any have allergies to dogs or dander.  If they don't then she could try it and see how the dog does at school with her.  Besides the concern for the kids, you'd also would want to make sure the dog wouldn't get too nervous about being around all the kids.

Hope it works out for you and the dog!  

Answer 17

I simply have to say I think it's a bad idea.

All is wonderful in "Perfect Land" where nobody gets bit and the dog doesn't get stressed out...but we all know that we DON'T live in "Perfect Land".

This also makes me question some other school policies (though without knowing the exact rules for that school I can't really say).  At many schools colored hair and obnoxious t-shirts are not allowed because they are a "distraction" to other students....soooo....what do you call a dog??

Answer 18

I see why you are on the fence.  Socializing the dogs (and children) sounds like a wonderful concept, but it is just not good thinking.  Children can be rough with dogs, and dogs can and will bite.  Then (I am guessing it being an exclusive private school) over protective mommys freak about about the vicious/rabid dog biting their babies and demand that the dog be put down.  It just isnt worth the headache!

Answer 19

I think it's a wonderful idea to bring the dogs in....but not every day. I think once or twice a week would be better. Children with allergies to animals should be notified when the animal is coming in and the child should be bought into a different room. Every day seems excessive and what if the child did have allergies...is it fair to move him/her every single day and exclude them all the time?

I think it's important for children to understand and appreciate animals at an early age and this is a great way to do it but every day seems alittle excessive.

I've seen so many times where children are petrified of animals for no good reason, only because they weren't bought up around animals when they were little. So, to answer your question.....yes it is a good idea, but not every day.

Answer 20

Personally I'd prefer to see the dogs left at home. There are just too many risks.

Answer 21

I'm cautiously inclined to support it.

That said, the dog saliva allergy can be a pretty serious one - much more so than the dander allergy issue. So long as the dogs aren't allowed un-restricted access to the children, I think the allergy issues can be managed.