I have been studying the GP's also, in large part due to the predator issues here, and hoping to train one to become part of the pets and a protector. I have seen them on the rescue sites as well as from breeders, range from $400 to $2000 or more, with pedigrees and papers.
The rescues do a noble and necessary service, although I find myself barely able to meet their standards to have a GP in my home for one reason or another. Just read their homestudy requirements and you'll find out.
It was actually easier to adopt my children - and I'm not kidding. The living situation in our home itself was much less critical and specific for children than the evaluation process is for GP's. (They didnt shake my gate, and I'm a Social Worker by profession, it's not something I do either) Here is a copy of the Home inspection guidelines, which make sense, but whew....I'm just gonna get a puppy!
Updated 8/16/01 1
GPRNC Home Inspection Guidelines
It is presumed that this guide will be used after a prospective foster or adopting family has been approved by
GPRNC. This form is only a guide to check the conditions at the prospective home for any potential problem
areas that could cause harm to the dog or allow it to escape. Ideally, you are looking for a situation that you
would feel comfortable leaving your own dog in! Gut feelings can often be very reliable indicators.
1. Initial observation of house (exterior) and neighborhood.
a. Look for any other neighborhood animals that may interact.
b. Check traffic conditions or geographical conditions that may be of concern.
c. Is the prospective home well cared for?
d. Are there fences, walls or gates to keep the dog away from the street / or contained in a yard?
e. What kinds of latches are on the gates?
f. Could the dog dislodge or open the gate by accident?
g. Is the swelling a single family home, or does it share a common area with other homes?
2. Initial observation of house (interior).
a. Where will the dog be allowed in the house?
b. What type of flooring (some Pyrs can have trouble with slick surfaces such as linoleum, tile or
hardwood)?
c. Will the dog be allowed on the furniture/beds? Trouble areas?
d. Can the dog be easily confined to part of the home?
e. Are there out of bounds areas? (Baby gate solution).
3. Details about the home and family.
a. Are there children in the home? Ages? Behavior (especially with the other pets in the home)?
b. Are they able to be responsible with the dog?
c. Are there other family members / roommates? Are they to be responsible for the dog?
d. Are there other pets in the home? What is their condition? (Appearance, grooming, over/under weight,
collars/tags, etc.)?
e. Age / Gender of other pets? If these pets are dogs, are they dominant/aggressive?
f. How are the other pets or children treated? Are they treated with respect? How are they disciplined?
4. Housing / Sleeping for the dog.
a. Is there a special room / place where the dog will be kept during the day? Night?
b. Where will the dog sleep?
c. Are these areas free of poisons, chemicals and cleaning supplies?
d. Will there be food stored in this area? Safe from the dog?
e. Can the dog cause damage to important items by chewing or scratching?
f. Are there shelves that could fall in the dog were to jump?
g. Will the dog be crated at night or while the family is away?
h. If not, why not? Explain the benefits of crate training if appropriate.
i. Will the dog be left unattended in the yard? Loose or tied?
j. Will barking be a problem with neighbors?
k. Is there an exercise area accessible to the dog?
5. Exterior House / Yard Examination.
a. Is there a pool or hot tub? Is it securely fenced? Is there a cover? Can it support the weight of the dog?
Is the family willing to train the dog how to get out of the pool or hot tub just in case?
b. Is there a run or kennel? Condition? Type of enclosure? Safe?
Updated 8/16/01 2
c. Fences should be a minimum of 6 wood or chain link or horse fencing. Are fences / gates in good
condition? (Grab the fence and shake it HARD! Look for loose boards, gaps, and type of construction.
Watch for areas where digging could create a problem. Check behind bushes and in other out of the
way places.
d. Check gate latches carefully. Can the dog dislodge them?
e. Are there gaps or holes where the dog could catch its head or collar?
f. Look at plant material in the yard. Are there any poisonous/toxic (to dogs) plants? This is not a
complete list but these are more commonly encountered:
i) Avocado (seeds)
ii) Azalea (Rhododendron)
iii) Bird-of-Paradise
iv) Buckeye (seeds)
v) Cyclamen
vi) Daffodil (bulbs)
vii) Eggplant
viii) Foxglove (Digitalis)
ix) Hydrangea
x) Larkspur (Delphinium)
xi) Laurel
xii) Lily of the Valley
xiii) Lupine
xiv) Mushrooms
xv) Narcissus
xvi) Oleander
xvii) Philodendron
xviii) Poinsettia
xix) Potato
xx) Tomato
Are there any chemicals used for the garden? Can the dog be kept from these areas?
6. Transportation.
a. What kind of vehicle(s)? How will the dog be contained? (Recommend crates/veri-kennels).
Tina/tfpets
