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Post by twinsmum on Feb 25, 2009 10:52:45 GMT -5
Hello everyone - I'm new here so this is the first time I've used the site.
We are just about to give a home to a currently fostered hound and I confess I know next to nothing about the breed (although I have quite a bit of experience with others) apart from the information in a 'Retired Greyhounds' book which is an american one - so none of the recommended shop references are any good.
Already I realise we're talking here about a whole new ball game from anything I've come across before, so I'd really appreciate your advice.
From our initial home visit, we've already been given the advice that we might need to increase the height of some of our garden fences, so we have that well in hand.
It's the 'nitty gritty' I need help with - I'm trying to write a list of all the bits and pieces I will need to get in advance, so that we are fully prepared when our dog arrives, but I'm not sure exactly what they will be, so can anyone help please.
Things like: collar - what type? harness? muzzle - are there lots of different types? Grooming kit? Teeth cleaner? Is a coat essential, if so what type? Pet bed???
Arrrggghhhh..........!!!!!
I am about to contact our local vet and ask if they are fully experienced in dealing with greyhounds, as I understand not all are. Is it wise to get the dog checked over with the vet as soon as we have him, even though I appreciate he will be wormed, micro-chipped etc?
I would like to use the websites attached to this one, to maximise the benefit in donations to the charity by making my purchases through them, so perhaps someone could guide me as to which ones to use?
Any advice will be seized upon, as I'm not sure where to start! It all seems a bit overwhelming at the moment - and he's not even here with us yet!
Thanks everyone
Twinsmum
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Post by tesse0barney on Feb 25, 2009 11:14:22 GMT -5
 I'm sure you'll get plenty of help from people here. My 2p's worth: If you're getting a lurcher this book is fantastic www.amazon.co.uk/House-Lurcher-Jackie-Drakeford/dp/1904057349Collars are addictive once you start shopping for them  With a hound a wider collar is necessary. 1.5" or 2" in width is what most people go for but within this you could then get various types! Harnesses: greyhoundgap.proboards35.com/index.cgi?board=2222&action=display&thread=33486 Is similar to what i use but again there are many different types and yuo'll need to know the measurements of your new family member to start investing. Muzzles - I'm sure someone can help here and again it'll depend on your hound. Grooming - I use a horses body brush and a rubber one for getting out loose hairs soemthing similar to www.pettastic-petsupplies.co.uk/kong-zoom-groom---short-to-medium-haired-dog-grooming-brush-154-p.asp though as you know, not all dogs molt (sp?) that much. Teeth cleaning - raw marrow bones from the butchers  Mine have fleecy coats for when it's really cold. Some like to wear coats others don't. Measurements are again needed. Beds... mine have various ones dotted all over the house and still prefer the sofa  In terms of your vet I'd take your new dog along to register and so they can meet each other, I think this is generally practice anyway even if nothing is needed. I'll shut up now. I'm sure everyone has loads of advice to offer. I cant wait to see pictures of your new hound when he/she arrives ;D
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Post by Alisa Bee on Feb 25, 2009 11:43:49 GMT -5
Congratulations on offering a home to a greyhound, but then I have two so am biased ;D. I believe that, as with any dog that is a new member of the family, it is always a learning curve, whatever the breed, which is why breed specific forums such as this are useful and, if you live near other members, you will get to meet up with them, should you want to and learn how your dog socialises, what other dogs they will be friendly with...
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Post by Lisa on Feb 25, 2009 11:52:08 GMT -5
Sue I will be giving you a ring to go through all of what your asking before putting you in touch with the foster home so dont worry |
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Post by Letty's Mum on Feb 25, 2009 16:05:57 GMT -5
to Gap Sue ..Helen x
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Post by vickyb on Feb 25, 2009 17:01:15 GMT -5
Hello and Have a look at Jans for muzzles, coats etc. I like the blizzard coat or the similar one she does, it has fleecy inside and waterproof outside, a lot of greyhounds hate the rain  They are great, very fast delivery. As for coats, always measure carefully and only buy greyhound ones as ones for 'ordinary' dogs won't fit. A surf on ebay usually throws up some tempting coats too. www.jansgifts.co.uk/Vetuk are very competitively priced for lots of things, especially wormers and flea treatments. If you click on the link pinned in dog talk Gap get commission on your order. They also sell Kongs which usually go down well with tasty fillings to occupy them. They also do tooth cleaning stuff. A lot of people swear by adding Plaque off to their food to help the teeth but ideally they do need brushing if possible as well . I assume your homechecker mentioned a raised feeder to help prevent the dreaded bloat. A cheap single quilt folded in half with a cover on makes a cheap and comfy dog bed which can be thrown out in case of accidents . We've got soft baskets and flat beds which they swap about. There are lots of recommendations, if you ever want ideas, just ask. Finally, if you plan taking your dog places in the car I've found from experience that a dog first aid kit is useful. It's handy at home too as we always know where everything is all together. I bought a complete kit in a pouch and it's been a godsend, greyhounds can be accident prone! Look forward to hearing how it goes when your dog arrives and remember there's always advice and support here should you need it  and we always want pictures of dogs, the more the better  |
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Post by mickeymygrey on Feb 26, 2009 4:23:48 GMT -5
Bed wise i would definitely go down the washable duvet route (IMHO) as you can get a cover for it to match any room decore and then bung it in the washing mashine if it gets muddy or smelly. I fold mine in to 4 and then my lot ruck it up into a comfy position and doze off for hours. Although as stated above the settee or my bed are always preferable it would seem!
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Post by vickyb on Feb 26, 2009 5:32:37 GMT -5
What we've all missed is the fosterer they're the ones who can tell you what they use and the dogs likes / dislikes! Obviously you can do things your way but things like whether they've needed coats and what sort would be best kept similar at least initially. |
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Post by twinsmum on Feb 26, 2009 5:36:15 GMT -5
Thank you very much everybody for taking the time to reply - some really helpful pointers here, though I confess I am still a bit confused, as a look at the websites you suggested present such a huge array of options!!! Still, better lots of choice than no choice at all. Definately like the sound of the folded duvet for a bed - thanks for that, I would never have thought of that option. Look forward to exchanging greetings with you all in due course. Sue PS I live in Bedford, so how do I go about finding out if there are any other like-minded hound owners out there?? Perhaps I post a message saying "Anyone in Bedford"  Sorry to be dim - not used one of these forum things before. |
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Post by tesse0barney on Feb 26, 2009 6:00:37 GMT -5
these days i generally sat on the dogs bed leaning against the sofa with the dogs asleep on the sofa.
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Post by cadbury on Feb 26, 2009 6:54:17 GMT -5
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Post by vickyb on Feb 26, 2009 7:34:13 GMT -5
Yes, just go into Dog Talk, new thread and ask away if anyone lives in your area. If you do find someone obviously don't post address or phone details, send them a pm (personal message) by clicking on their user name on the left which will bring up their details and a 'send pm ' link which will open up the screen to send details if you arrange a meet up. If you want to send a practise one you can use me and I'll let you know if I get it. A pop up window flashes on screen if you get a pm and you can also look at them by clicking on the bit at the top right of any page where it says Hey and your name and no of messages you have. Hope you can follow that, believe me if I can suss it out anyone can just ask if you need help. |
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