Home check on Sunday for GinDog2, worried GinDog is going to fuck it up!

[GinBunny]

We want to get a GF for GinDog. We're out at work full time (DH comes home for walks during the day) which was fine for GD's home-checkers because he's an old boy so sleeps a lot. He's got a lot more lively during the day following his recovery so we have decided it would be good for him to have some doggy company.

We have a home-check Sunday. The checker messaged me today to say she will be bringing her dog - presumably to see how GD reacts around other dogs. The thing is GD is fine around smaller dogs and loves the ladies but goes bonkers at bigger dogs (the dog we have in mind is the same size as him). We reckon he's doing that thing where he shouts loud so they don't realise how little he is. Turns out the checker has a bigger dog. GD is going to go bonkers with a big dog on his turf. We're going to fail aren't we?

Can you call her and explain about big dog issue why you looked at getting one similar size

I would also speak to them. It's not really good practice anyway to introduce dogs in one dogs home so I wouldn't be happy with this either way!

I've already explained about it. But yes, bringing a dog onto his territory does seem an odd thing for a rescue to do.

I do home checking and would be very reluctant to take my dogs into someone else's home - it seems odd. If a meeting between dogs is needed as part of the check then surely it is better on neutral territory?
One of my dogs is very barky with new dogs that come in to our house, I wouldn't blame anyone else down for having the same issue.
I do think you are being put in an unfair situation - what do they really hope to achieve?
Could you meet the home checker out in the street with your dog so your dog isn't have to deal with big dog plus invaded territory all at the same time? Then go to house once things are a bit calmer?

Can't imagine why the home checker would think this is a good idea.

Apart from your dog's dislike of large dogs, and the idea of bringing her large dog into his home without prior introduction, some dogs just don't take to each other.

It's not her dog he's got to live with. Surely if she wants to see him with another dog it would make more sense to bring the dog he's going to be living with, though even that would be ill advised imo.

I'd be inclined to look at a different rescue. Preferably one that understands that you can just bring a strange dog into a dog's territory and except him to be fine with it; nice if it goes well and the established dog is okay with it, but not surprising if it doesn't.

Can't bring a strange dog in, not can.

I'm glad it's not just me thinking that it's odd. I thought it was a test of his temperament when I got the message so agreed to it, although explained about his barkiness. I'm going to message her tomorrow and suggest we meet in the park and walk back together. It's only 5 minutes away.
Thanks all.

AnUtterIdiot That's quite amusing, I can just picture a pile of terriers with the top one un-bolting the gate & sniggering Mutley style.

OP Hope today goes well!!

Thank you Bernard. I cleaned the oven at 11:30pm last night because I didn't want her to think I was a slattern who shouldn't be in charge of animals

Haha, I'm the same whenever the health visitor is imminent, I clean lamp shades & the slobber marks on the ceiling

GinBunny how did the home check go?

How did it go OP?

Well, it went reasonably well. As expected, GD was barky at the other dog, so we tried to keep them apart in the room so they couldn't see each other and that was fine. He's not aggressive, just barky. They went out in the garden and were play-pals so that was good. The home checker seemed very realistic and understood, but said that the rescue like them to bring their dogs to see how they respond. But she did seem to have plenty of experience with how dogs react to each other so didn't seem concerned.
No news today about how it went but they did ask as one of the many questions that they would like to get a reference from our vet so hopefully they will do this and then we will hear. I will let you know, and thanks for asking
The dog we are hoping to adopt is getting very stressed in the kennels so we are hoping to hear quickly so we can get her home and settled as soon as possible. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

If anyone is still around or still interested in this thread - we passed the homecheck!! Found out this morning and I'm so excited that this beautiful girl is going to come home to us!

Here she is, isn't she beautiful? She has a sweet, gentle nature. I luffs her

Awww she looks adorable! Very glad for you - and her!

Thank you Toomuch

Oh, she looks so cuddly! I hope she settles in well

AnUtterIdiot

She looks lovely! Can we see a photo of them together when they settle?!

That's great. Hope you've made a grovelling apology to GinDog for thinking he might fail the home visit for you:)

She's lovely. She looks so sweet. Hope it all goes well.

Brilliant! When does she arrive?

GinDog has had extra chicken for dinner for being such a good dog. We are currently sorting out details, hopefully not too long to wait. Thanks all