Greyhound owners. How tall are your fences?

[Chocolateandabook2019]

We’ve been looking at adopting a greyhound, but according to one of the greyhound rescue centres, we have to have garden fences at least six foot high.

At one side, we have a six foot fence, but on the other side it’s five foot, but with trellis and climbing plants. The one at the bottom is five foot but with very large conifers at the back of it (neighbours) so the dog couldn’t jump over that one.

I appreciate that greyhounds are large dogs and can easily jump over a fence, so I understand the requirement, but we feel gutted that a greyhound could be out of the question .

Not all greyhound rescues require 6ft fencing. I had the same issue. Try Norfolk greyhound rescue. My greyhound x can scale 6ft brick walls when he wants to.

My mum has a greyhound and her fences are about five foot in one side and six foot on the other. Her dog has never tried to jump the fence - she came greyhound rescue south west as a youngster - but is inclined to dig so it's important that fences are right down to the ground. You can always add height with trellis on the top (I home check for lots of dog rescues so know what they look for).
Good luck with the new addition

Our fences range from about 3.5ft to 5ft. They're just post and wire fences (we live very rurally and anything more substantial would get blown away) so wildlife can be seen through them as temptation. On two sides they're up a slight bank so are in reality slightly taller. Our old greyhound would've scaled them in pursuit of thin air with no issues whatsoever, but our current one has never jumped over so much as a cushion in his life. I'm sure he could if he wanted to, but he's such a wimp there's no way he'd ever even consider it. He'll chase birds/rabbits/pheasants etc. up to the fence but the second the terrain changes he screeches to a halt and gives up, happy that they've run off.

I think, as with cats etc, this is one of those dog specific things, some will jump and therefore Fort Knox style boundary treatments are required, others just don't have it in them and a more relaxed approach can be taken.

Thanksfor replying @CrispPacket.

I’ll try the other rescue centres then. I wasn’t sure if it was a requirement set out across all of the rescue centres for greyhounds, or just that one, if you see what I mean. It was the only rescue centre I’ve seen that listed the requirements on the adoption application form.

Like I said, I understand why it is a requirement, especially with what you’ve just posted about your greyhound. That’s quite some height!

I feel better now reading your replies, thank you 🙂.

If a greyhound did jump over the five foot fence, it’ll end up in neighbours garden that’s also enclosed, so he/she won’t get far anyway 😂.

I’m waiting until after our summer holiday in June before we take the plunge. I can’t wait 😄.

@Moondancer73, out of interest, what do you look for in a home check?

They all vary on homing policies even those under Greyhound Trust umbrella. Its still worth contacting the rescue, you could email photos & ask advice.

When I used to home check i'd always suggest ways could make it suitable or point out any weak areas (short gate, bins next to fence etc) or hazards so could be remedied. Rarely is it replace all with 6ft panel fence (though at one the fence was actually falling down), usually its batons/ mesh or trellis to increase height where necessary.

My old garden had 4ft fences on the sides with thick hedges behind, for most dogs the visual deterrent is enough and tbh greyhounds aren't often jumpers unless motivated, lurchers tend to be worse.

A home check will look at safety of home/garden (not judging cleaning standards ) and check everyone in house is on board & fully considered what dog ownership/breed entails. They find out more about your lifestyle and type of dog which would suit best, some people have very fixed criteria & tbh its better to be flexible & decide what is really important to get best match. Its also great opportunity for you to ask any questions about the rescue, adoption process, breed, well anything you like.

@Scattyhattie, I’ll put me mop and bucket away then 😄.
Thanks, that is very useful.

Yeah it really doesn't matter, i've blitzed my house for home checks i think it offsets that anxiety.
Having a home that looks pristine can raise concerns as living with dogs makes that a difficult standard to keep & rescues get dogs returned for some bizarre reasons, these were some within 24hrs - being too big (they chose it at kennels), dog circling on carpet, can't deal with house training.

One home was very cluttered & just recommended that they'd struggle dealing with a chewer (some dogs like to explore with mouths), they were lovely & did adopt a dog.

A home check would be meeting the family - both adults if it's a couple - to ensure you are both on board. Then looking at the home to see where the dog will sleep, ensure there are no other pets stashed away (sounds daft but it happens) in bad condition and if there are other pets looking at their condition, checking if they have clean water etc. Looking at the garden to see if it's generally hazard free so no glass, sharp object, broken gates and is secure. Then a chat to get a feel for experience really, see what dog might be a good fit, hours they work etc. If someone is active then one dog might match better, if they lead a more sedentary life then an older dog etc. It's just more about getting the right dog into the right home so it works all round. Depending where you are in the country try looking at rescues that aren't just greyhound focused - Hampshire hounds, Margaret green, dogs trust, animals in distress. There will be others local ish to you I'm sure (pm me if you want more names) that all often have greyhounds in :)

Thanks @Moondancer73 and @Scattyhattie

I’ve seen some seven/eight/nine year old Staffies that we think might fit the bill as well as greyhounds (still a bit giddy, but settling down kind of Staffy) We are keeping our options open.

Pups are definitely out, we haven’t got the energy..... 😂

How did you get on? Any news?

When I homecheck, I'm looking at how secure the garden is, any gates that might be left open accidentally, or blow open? I always insist on a bolt or catch on every gate.
Is there something the dog could jump on to then get over the fence?

Front door - Do you have a porch? A big problem is new dogs bolting out the front door, so how would you stop that happening? Are there internal doors you can close before you open the main door?

Where are your bins? Do you have a pond? Where is the dog expected to sleep? Is the floor suitable? (tiles are slippery, rugs and mats may be needed) Are the stairs safe? (open sided, wooden stairs could be a danger)