Greyhound home check

[olivethegreat]

We're very excited as we've met a lovely hound. We're having a home check next Friday. I'm so nervous about it in case I haven't thought about something and we fail. Could anyone advise?

One thing is, I have a raised barrel pond. Is this an issue? I can get rid if needed of course - if I explain to the checker I'm happy to remove if they say I need to will that be ok or could they fail me on it? Maybe I should ask the rescue so I can remove before the check if they want me to?

Also, my little study has open shelves with pens on. I'm going to get some plastic boxes and store them all in those until I can get some proper cupboards. There are also books, dvds, games. Should all of those at hound height be removed ? There are also various things plugged in to an upright extension on the desk, the plug sockets are not in a great place so I can't change this. I can put a chair or something in front of where the lead joins though?

Got throws for sofa and various rugs on order !

Hi there, I wouldn't worry about any of the things you have mentioned. In my experience greyhounds just aren't like other dogs, they aren't looking for things to mindlessly chew (unless it's furry or squeaky) and they don't often go looking for trouble. I suspect a home check with greyhounds is more to get a sense that you are good, decent people. Oh and maybe they want to see that you have a safe garden space ie that it is enclosed. Good luck and enjoy your lovely new hound. Life will be infinitely more delightful ❤️

Thank you ! We met a very calm female so I don't feel that she will be insanely throwing things off the shelves but I want to make sure she's safe when we go out . I was planning to fit Billy bookcases with doors around the study but they're out of stock so this won't happen in time for the check or getting the dog, but I thought I'd seal pens and paints in secure boxes in the meantime.

I've been researching and thinking about adopting for about a year so feel a bit overwhelmed now I'm at this stage!

Don't stress, they'll point out anything that may need remedying or maybe a risk and you can send photo to rescue if there are changes required, but tbh it doesn't seem likely.

Pond sounds fine though may need some mesh if don't want them drinking out of it but can observe to see if that seems likely, mine wouldn't ever drink out of a puddle like muttdog brother

Some will be chewers and some won't so put anything important or dangerous out of the way till your sure, paper is definitely fun to rip up. It takes a few weeks for them to feel comfortable to get upto naughtiness which can lull you into a false sense of security and get a bit lax on leaving things about.

Do not underestimate how far they can reach across the kitchen worktops, putting that food to back won't save it. One of Greyhound rescues posted pic of dog who'd just gone to new home stood on the worktop. Thankfully only my lurcher was that athletic/brainy to do that, she'd just hop over 4ft dog gate like a cat.

We adopted a grey a few months ago. Things they looked for were: stickers/markers on patio doors as they can run into these, a safe enclosed garden, runners down to stop them skidding on wood floors, a few comfy beds around in quiet corners.....that was it really. She asked if we intended to buy raised food bowls (yes), if we'd let him upstairs (yes, but in the end stairs we're tricky so we have a gate on them and he's really not bothered).... I was so nervous but it was fine.

As a pp said, they want to suss you out and just check the house is dog safe. Ours was online which was tricky, showing each room via laptop whilst walking around!!!

Good luck, I'm sure it'll be fine.

Thank you. I've got some rugs. Not got beds yet as was waiting to make sure I passed the check. Fingers crossed then .