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	<title>Collie Dog Owners</title>
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	<link>http://colliedogowners.com</link>
	<description>The best source of rough &#38; smooth collie information online.</description>
	<pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:09:50 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>11 Tips for Achieving a Long, Happy Collie Life</title>
		<link>http://colliedogowners.com/11-tips-for-achieving-a-long-happy-collie-life/</link>
		<comments>http://colliedogowners.com/11-tips-for-achieving-a-long-happy-collie-life/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:00:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Collie Care]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Collie Health]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Bacteria]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Flat Collar]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Health Concerns]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Heart Guard]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Heartworm]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Ivermectin]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Mentality]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Obedience Training]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Parasites]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Pet Sitters]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Pet Treatment]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Play Time]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Practice Obedience]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Preventive Measures]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Proactive]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Puddles]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Tooth Decay]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Undivided Attention]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Veterinarian]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Veterinarians]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://colliedogowners.com/?p=338</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Photo by Tsuacctnt
Pet treatment isn&#8217;t simply about reactionary medicine - it&#8217;s about being proactive and taking preventive measures to ensure your collie lives the longest, healthiest life as possible. By raising a loved collie that&#8217;s strong and happy, you can keep your beloved canine active and healthy for years to come. So, read on for [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/tsuacctnt-sables-blue-shelti-pro.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-339" title="tsuacctnt-sables-blue-shelti-pro" src="/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/tsuacctnt-sables-blue-shelti-pro.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" /></a><br />
<small>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cedwardmoran/2063880294/">Tsuacctnt</a></small></p>
<p>Pet treatment isn&#8217;t simply about reactionary medicine - it&#8217;s about being proactive and taking preventive measures to ensure your collie lives the longest, healthiest life as possible. By raising a loved collie that&#8217;s strong and happy, you can keep your beloved canine active and healthy for years to come. So, read on for 11 great tips to help ensure your collie&#8217;s life is long and active.</p>
<p><strong>Lots of Attention</strong></p>
<p>You should be providing your collie at least 30 minutes of undivided attention each day. Whether it&#8217;s play time, training time or grooming, that love and focus is critical to building a deep bond and fostering your animal&#8217;s mental health.</p>
<p><strong>Get Regular Exercise</strong></p>
<p>Make sure your collie gets plenty of exercise every day. It&#8217;s critical for a healthy body and a healthy temperament.</p>
<p><strong>ID Tags</strong></p>
<p>While technically not a health-related pet treatment, ensuring your collie wears a flat collar (or harness) and ID tag at all times, even inside, will help bring him home safely if he ever escapes or gets lost.</p>
<p><strong>Practice Obedience</strong></p>
<p>Obedience training doesn&#8217;t just produce a well-trained collie; it also helps your canine lead a disciplined and structured life, something that&#8217;s critical to their pack mentality. Obedience training also helps to keep the mind sharp.</p>
<p><strong>Yearly Veterinarian Checkups</strong></p>
<p>Visit your veterinarian on an annual basis. Have your collie examined, and be sure to discuss any potential health concerns.</p>
<p><strong>Brush His Teeth</strong></p>
<p>Most veterinarians recommend brushing your collie&#8217;s teeth every day. It&#8217;s difficult, cumbersome and not always fun, but it will keep gingivitis, tooth decay and disease at bay. Remember, you don&#8217;t have to brush forever - a few nightly swipes should do the trick.</p>
<p><strong>Give Him a Bath</strong></p>
<p>You should bathe your collie whenever he is itchy, smelly or dirty.  Not too often, but enough to ensure he stays clean. Your collie can pick up a lot of parasites, dirt and bacteria when he&#8217;s out splashing in puddles or rolling around in the dirt. Just like with humans, good hygiene is critical for good health.</p>
<p><strong>Don&#8217;t Leave Your Collie Alone</strong></p>
<p>Dogs are social animals, which is why they live and travel in packs in the wild. If you plan to leave your collie home alone all day, then you should invest in a <a href="/finding-a-pet-sitter-dog-walker-for-your-collie/">dog walking service, pet sitter, or possibly doggie daycare</a>. Otherwise, your collie will become depressed, bored and possibly destructive.</p>
<p><strong>Give Your Collie Some Room</strong></p>
<p>Dogs need their own space, so give your collie a peaceful and comfortable place where he can go to lie down, have some quiet time and take a nap. When your collie is resting or relaxing, be sure to respect his space and need for rest.</p>
<p><strong>Maintain a Healthy Diet</strong></p>
<p>If you&#8217;re feeding your collie discount dog food, ask yourself why? Keep your dog healthy by investing in high quality, non-by-product food.</p>
<p><strong>Heartworm Medicine</strong></p>
<p>Probably the most important preventive pet treatment is to keep your collie on heartworm prevention medicine during mosquito season. Heartworm is a deadly disease that is excruciatingly painful, so keep your collie safe from it.  Be especially careful with which medicine you give your collie, however, as they are known <a href="/intro-to-collie-health/">to have Ivermectin sensitivity</a> (an ingredient found in medicines such as Heart Guard).</p>
<p>You love your collie, so provide the simple care he needs to live a long and healthy life with you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>About the Author:</strong><br />
Written by Trevor Price<br />
For helpful information about pet supplies - please visit petsuppliestips.com - a popular site about needs for your beloved pet - such as <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.petsuppliestips.com/pet-treatment.shtml">pet treatment</a> - <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.petsuppliestips.com/pet-lover-gift.shtml">pet lover gifts</a> - and many more!</p>
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<p><small>© Lisa for <a href="/">Collie Dog Owners</a>, 2008. |
<a href="/11-tips-for-achieving-a-long-happy-collie-life/">Permalink</a> |
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Post tags: <a href="/tag/bacteria/" rel="tag">Bacteria</a>, <a href="/tag/flat-collar/" rel="tag">Flat Collar</a>, <a href="/tag/health-concerns/" rel="tag">Health Concerns</a>, <a href="/tag/heart-guard/" rel="tag">Heart Guard</a>, <a href="/tag/heartworm/" rel="tag">Heartworm</a>, <a href="/tag/ivermectin/" rel="tag">Ivermectin</a>, <a href="/tag/mentality/" rel="tag">Mentality</a>, <a href="/tag/obedience-training/" rel="tag">Obedience Training</a>, <a href="/tag/parasites/" rel="tag">Parasites</a>, <a href="/tag/pet-sitters/" rel="tag">Pet Sitters</a>, <a href="/tag/pet-treatment/" rel="tag">Pet Treatment</a>, <a href="/tag/play-time/" rel="tag">Play Time</a>, <a href="/tag/practice-obedience/" rel="tag">Practice Obedience</a>, <a href="/tag/preventive-measures/" rel="tag">Preventive Measures</a>, <a href="/tag/proactive/" rel="tag">Proactive</a>, <a href="/tag/puddles/" rel="tag">Puddles</a>, <a href="/tag/tooth-decay/" rel="tag">Tooth Decay</a>, <a href="/tag/undivided-attention/" rel="tag">Undivided Attention</a>, <a href="/tag/veterinarian/" rel="tag">Veterinarian</a>, <a href="/tag/veterinarians/" rel="tag">Veterinarians</a><br/>
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		<item>
		<title>Finding a Pet Sitter / Dog Walker for Your Collie</title>
		<link>http://colliedogowners.com/finding-a-pet-sitter-dog-walker-for-your-collie/</link>
		<comments>http://colliedogowners.com/finding-a-pet-sitter-dog-walker-for-your-collie/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 05 Dec 2008 17:00:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Collie Care]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Animal Lover]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Company Policies]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Dog Walkers]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Pet Sitters]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Pet Sitting Business]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Proof Of Insurance]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Trustworthy People]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://colliedogowners.com/?p=333</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Photo by FaceMePLS
As a animal-lover myself, I know that hiring someone to take care of your collie is like hiring someone to take care of your child. You need to feel safe and comfortable in your selection because that person will be entering your home and interacting with your family, all while you are not [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/facemepls-sable-rough-walking.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-334" title="facemepls-sable-rough-walking" src="/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/facemepls-sable-rough-walking.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="267" /></a><br />
<small>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/faceme/2263880984/">FaceMePLS</a></small></p>
<p>As a animal-lover myself, I know that hiring someone to take care of your collie is like hiring someone to take care of your child. You need to feel safe and comfortable in your selection because that person will be entering your home and interacting with your family, all while you are not at home. Rest assured that there are trustworthy people out there that can help you with your collie care. Here are some tips for finding the right pet sitter and walker for you:</p>
<p><strong> Make sure they are Bonded &amp; Insured</strong></p>
<p>This step is easy. Just ask for proof of insurance. The potential sitter should not get offended for you being careful. If the sitter makes excuses, this is a red flag that the person may not be insured and is being dishonest. If that is the case, keep on with your search.</p>
<p><strong> Ask for references</strong></p>
<p>If the sitter does not give references during the consultation, be sure to ask for some. Don&#8217;t be shy. Call the references and ask them what ever questions you want. You should feel comfortable with your selection and talking to other customers will help. In fact, your sitter should encourage you to call upon their references.</p>
<p><strong> Read all policy information</strong></p>
<p>Most accredited pet sitters and walkers have some type of company policies that suggest rules for the owner and rules for the sitter. These help for your collie&#8217;s safety and the safety of the sitter. Your collie&#8217;s sitter will usually have you sign and agree to the terms so be sure to read them thoroughly and if anything seems questionable bring it up, otherwise keep looking.</p>
<p><strong> Ask all the questions you want</strong></p>
<p>Don&#8217;t hesitate in asking questions. Your collie&#8217;s sitter should be experienced and have answers for any type of situations you may have questions about. Even those that are just starting their pet sitting business should have some experience in dealing with animals. If you find this is not the case, you may want to keep looking. Example question: What would you do if our collie got away from you during a walk? Or, what are backup procedures if you cannot make it to our house to care for our collie?</p>
<p><strong> Spend some time watching your collie and sitter interact.</strong></p>
<p>Again, don&#8217;t be shy. If it makes you more comfortable to walk with the dog walker or casually interact with your collie&#8217;s sitter before making your decision, feel free! Your pet sitter should be open to it and gladly spend some time around with you and your pet, either for a short walk or game of tag. This will show you how experienced the person is with animals and will help you feel more comfortable in leaving your collie with someone besides yourself. Your collie will likely let you know if he enjoys walking with the sitter. Your sitter should also be open to sharing his/her experience with your pet. Suggest that your they leave you notes on how the day went with your collie.</p>
<p>Being thorough in your hiring process will make you feel more comfortable with trusting your pet sitter or dog walker with your collie.  Good luck in your search!<br />
<strong>About the Author:</strong><br />
Mary Hickman is the owner of selectpetcare.com and offers <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.selectpetcare.com/">pet sitting plano tx</a>. Visit<a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.selectpetcare.com/" target="_blank">http://www.selectpetcare.com</a> for all of your pet sitting needs.</p>
<hr />
<p><small>© Lisa for <a href="/">Collie Dog Owners</a>, 2008. |
<a href="/finding-a-pet-sitter-dog-walker-for-your-collie/">Permalink</a> |
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Post tags: <a href="/tag/animal-lover/" rel="tag">Animal Lover</a>, <a href="/tag/company-policies/" rel="tag">Company Policies</a>, <a href="/tag/dog-walkers/" rel="tag">Dog Walkers</a>, <a href="/tag/pet-sitters/" rel="tag">Pet Sitters</a>, <a href="/tag/pet-sitting-business/" rel="tag">Pet Sitting Business</a>, <a href="/tag/proof-of-insurance/" rel="tag">Proof Of Insurance</a>, <a href="/tag/trustworthy-people/" rel="tag">Trustworthy People</a><br/>
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		<title>How to Support Your Local Animal Shelter</title>
		<link>http://colliedogowners.com/how-to-support-your-local-animal-shelter/</link>
		<comments>http://colliedogowners.com/how-to-support-your-local-animal-shelter/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 04 Dec 2008 17:00:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[All About Dogs]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Acts Of Kindness]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Animal Shelters]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Cats And Dogs]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Cats Dogs]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Charitable Donations]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Homeless Pets]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Humane Society]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Responsible Pet Owner]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Spay And Neuter]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Spay And Neuter Your Pets]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Spay Neuter]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Veterinarian]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Winter]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://colliedogowners.com/?p=328</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Photo by Kimbospacenut
Tis the season when we bundle up in our big coats and hurry from store to store in search of gifts for our friends and family. Many of us will remember to toss coins into the red kettle as we dash past the bell ringers. While we are sharing the joy of the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/kimbospacenut-dog-nose-rescue.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-329" title="kimbospacenut-dog-nose-rescue" src="/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/kimbospacenut-dog-nose-rescue.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="300" /></a><br />
<small>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimbospacenut/2753926448/">Kimbospacenut</a></small></p>
<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/kimbospacenut-dog-nose-rescue.jpg"></a>Tis the season when we bundle up in our big coats and hurry from store to store in search of gifts for our friends and family. Many of us will remember to toss coins into the red kettle as we dash past the bell ringers. While we are sharing the joy of the season with our neighbors and co-workers, the coming winter months are difficult times for stray and homeless pets.</p>
<p>This is a crucial time of year to remember your local animal shelter.</p>
<p>A few simple acts of kindness and generosity can make a big difference. Here are some of the ways you can help:</p>
<p><strong>Give to your local animal shelter.</strong></p>
<p>Charitable donations are tax-deductible. Animal shelters are locally operated, so your money will stay in your local community. If you are financially embarrassed to be a little short on cash, there are many other items that most shelters need. Call your local animal shelter and ask what you can offer, but most shelters need food, old blankets, towels and newspapers.</p>
<p><strong>Volunteer to help for a few hours at your local animal shelter. </strong></p>
<p>You don’t have to be a veterinarian or have a lot of specialized knowledge to lend a hand. Animal shelters need help with bathing and grooming the animals, walking the dogs, and many other tasks. Recently, we have been going to our local shelter just to help by petting the cats, and everybody has loved it (especially the cats). Offer to stuff envelopes for a mailing. Ask what needs to be done.</p>
<p><strong>Adopt your next pet from your local animal shelter. </strong></p>
<p>Then, be a responsible pet owner. Spay and neuter your pets. Keep ID tags on your cats and dogs at all times, even on indoor animals. Supervise your pets so that they can’t stray out of your yard. Teach your children to treat all animals with kindness, and set an example in your own behavior.</p>
<p><strong>Share these ideas with your neighbors and friend</strong>s.</p>
<p>Encourage them to donate to your local animal shelter, too. (The Humane Society of the United States is NOT affiliated with your local shelter and does NOT provide funds for maintaining and operating any animal shelters!) Encourage each other to report suspected animal abuse to local law enforcement.</p>
<p><strong>Help raise funds for your local animal shelter.</strong></p>
<p>Join in a fundraiser &#8212; or start your own event &#8212; to help your local animal shelter. Need ideas? How about a car wash? Or better yet, host a DOG wash! Sponsor a ‘pet party’ (with or without costumes) with prizes for “Best tricks” or “Pet / Owner Look-Alike” or other events. Host a bake sale to benefit your local shelter, with homemade pet treats.<br />
Two thirds of American households have pets. So while we are wishing <em>“Merry Christmas”</em> to our neighbors, let’s remember our furry friends. They depend on us to make their homes happy and comfortable.</p>
<p>To find a collie rescue mission in your area, visit <a href="http://www.collierescue.us">www.CollieRescue.us</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>About the Author:</strong></p>
<p><img class="author-img alignleft" src="http://www.articlesbase.com/images/authors/78701_trf11h.jpg" alt="Ann Wamack" />Ann Wamack is a writer for <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.c2paws.com/">Caitlyn&#8217;s Two Paws Up Pet Site</a>. The website is sponsored by a petsitting service in White County, Arkansas.</p>
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<p><small>© Lisa for <a href="/">Collie Dog Owners</a>, 2008. |
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Post tags: <a href="/tag/acts-of-kindness/" rel="tag">Acts Of Kindness</a>, <a href="/tag/animal-shelters/" rel="tag">Animal Shelters</a>, <a href="/tag/cats-and-dogs/" rel="tag">Cats And Dogs</a>, <a href="/tag/cats-dogs/" rel="tag">Cats Dogs</a>, <a href="/tag/charitable-donations/" rel="tag">Charitable Donations</a>, <a href="/tag/homeless-pets/" rel="tag">Homeless Pets</a>, <a href="/tag/humane-society/" rel="tag">Humane Society</a>, <a href="/tag/responsible-pet-owner/" rel="tag">Responsible Pet Owner</a>, <a href="/tag/spay-and-neuter/" rel="tag">Spay And Neuter</a>, <a href="/tag/spay-and-neuter-your-pets/" rel="tag">Spay And Neuter Your Pets</a>, <a href="/tag/spay-neuter/" rel="tag">Spay Neuter</a>, <a href="/tag/veterinarian/" rel="tag">Veterinarian</a>, <a href="/tag/winter/" rel="tag">Winter</a><br/>
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		<title>Collie Breed Profile</title>
		<link>http://colliedogowners.com/collie-breed-profile/</link>
		<comments>http://colliedogowners.com/collie-breed-profile/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:00:38 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Intro to Collies]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Breed Profile]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Collie Breed]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Comb]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Dead Hair]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Dense Undercoat]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Hot Spots]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Pair Of Scissors]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Pin Brush]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Roughs]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Shedding Dogs]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Slicker Brush]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Smooths]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Spray Bottle]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Thick Undercoat]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Topcoat]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Underbelly]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://colliedogowners.com/?p=325</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Photo by Tsuacctnt
Collies come in two different varieties, &#8217;smooth&#8217; and &#8216;rough.&#8217; Rough collies require much more grooming, but smoothes do need to be groomed regularly to keep their coats healthy. Collies have a double coat of hair, meaning there is a thick undercoat and an outer coat of thinner and flatter hair.
A smooth collie has [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/tsuacctnt-rough-sable-running.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-341" title="tsuacctnt-rough-sable-running" src="/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/tsuacctnt-rough-sable-running.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a><br />
<small>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cedwardmoran/2624025231/">Tsuacctnt</a></small></p>
<p>Collies come in two different varieties, &#8217;smooth&#8217; and &#8216;rough.&#8217; Rough collies require much more grooming, but smoothes do need to be groomed regularly to keep their coats healthy. Collies have a double coat of hair, meaning there is a thick undercoat and an outer coat of thinner and flatter hair.</p>
<p>A smooth collie has shorter hair like that of a Labrador or Dalmatian. The hair is short and smooth with a thick undercoat. Rough collies have a long and flowing topcoat and a dense undercoat. You can keep your collie looking good, no matter what the variety, with regular brushing.</p>
<p>You&#8217;ll need a pin brush, a slicker brush, a comb, scissors and a spray bottle filled with a conditioner spray. You can buy a commercial conditioner spray, or make your own using 1 to 2 tablespoons of dog conditioner diluted with water. Make sure it is diluted well or the spray will make your Collie&#8217;s coat greasy.</p>
<p>Make sure to spray your dog&#8217;s hair thoroughly before you start to brush. Never brush a Collie&#8217;s coat dry because it will break their hair. If you have a rough collie, part the dog&#8217;s hair and brush from the roots out. The pin brush can be used if your dog is not shedding and is free of matting.</p>
<p>The slicker brush and comb are helpful for shedding dogs and for removing mats. If a mat cannot be brushed out of the Collie&#8217;s hair, you can cut it out. Collies most often have matted hair behind their ears, underneath the front legs and on their underbelly so make sure to check those areas carefully. For a smooth collie, a slicker brush will suffice for both the undercoat and outer coat.</p>
<p>You should brush your collie everyday during shedding seasons, and at least once a week when they are not shedding. Regular brushing is important to remove the dead hair. If left alone, the dead hair will cause hot spots on your dog&#8217;s skin.</p>
<p>Collies generally do not require all over trimming, but you might want to keep their feet trimmed. With a small pair of scissors, carefully trim the hair around each footpad.</p>
<p>This will keep your collie&#8217;s feet clean. While you are working with your collie&#8217;s feet, you can also trim the nails. This should be done every 1 to 2 weeks to keep the nails from getting too long.</p>
<p>If your collie is a puppy, you can train them to be used to a Dremel tool with a sandpaper attachment. Apply light pressure with the Dremel and grind down to just before the pink quick.</p>
<p>The alternative to using the Dremel is to use a standard dog nail trimmer. Before you clip the dog&#8217;s nails, find the pink quick and cut just before that point. Cutting into the quick will make the dog&#8217;s nail bleed. If this happens, styptic powder is helpful to have on hand to stop the bleeding.</p>
<p>Finally, remember to clean your Collie&#8217;s ears about once a week. You can purchase a canine ear cleaner at any pet store. Squirt the ear cleaner into your dog&#8217;s ear canal and then rub the base of the ear. This will help the ear cleaner coat the inside of the ear canal. You can use a cotton ball to remove the excess cleaner and then allow the ear canal to dry naturally.</p>
<p><strong>About the Author:</strong><br />
<em>Written by John Williams<br />
For more information on the </em><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk/collie.html"><em>collie</em></a><em> or a complete list of </em><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk/dog_breeds.html"><em>dog breeds</em></a><em> visit this </em><em><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk/"></a></em><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk/" target="_blank"><em>www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk</em></a><em>website.</em></p>
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		<title>Top Ten Facts about Rough &#038; Smooth Collie Dogs</title>
		<link>http://colliedogowners.com/top-ten-facts-about-rough-smooth-collie-dogs/</link>
		<comments>http://colliedogowners.com/top-ten-facts-about-rough-smooth-collie-dogs/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:10:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Collie FAQs]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[athletics]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[barking]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Blow Dryer]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Collie Grooming]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[collie lists]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[herding]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[intelligence]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Roughs]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[sensitivity]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Serious Health]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Smooths]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[training]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Undercoat]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://colliedogowners.com/?p=224</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Photo by Cristobal

Twice a year Rough Collies &#8220;molt&#8221; their undercoat. As with many long haired breeds, you must rake/brush this fur out. If you are a very neat person, then you had better know how to use a vacuum cleaner! (They are not a good house pet if someone in the family has allergies ..get [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/cristobal-sable-collie.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-239" title="cristobal-sable-collie" src="/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/cristobal-sable-collie.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="338" /></a></p>
<p><small>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ctam/2576516871/">Cristobal</a></small></p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Twice a year Rough Collies &#8220;molt&#8221; their undercoat. </strong>As with many long haired breeds, you must rake/brush this fur out. If you are a very neat person, then you had better know how to use a vacuum cleaner! (They are not a good house pet if someone in the family has allergies ..get a poodle if you want a<br />
hypoallergenic doggy). If the &#8220;tons of hair&#8221; molting bothers you, you might prefer a Smooth Collie. However, when it comes to year round shedding, collie owners say that the Smooths actually have a bigger problem than the Roughs in that aspect! Either way, you must brush both kinds of collies frequently to keep their coat beautiful.</li>
<li><strong>Collies must be kept well groomed.</strong> A good brushing every day will keep your collie beautiful! If you are a busy person, you should figure in at least half an hour to an hour a week if you want your dog to look good and, at bare minimum, a monthly brushing is essential to at least prevent matting (where the hair bunches together in knots&#8230; this can lead to serious health problems). Bathing a Collie (needed perhaps a couple of times a year for a regular pet collie) is a fair amount of work, and unless you have a special high-power doggy blow dryer, they can take hours to dry. More frequent bathing will make him smell fresher, ease brushing, and reduce the chance of problems from allergy. You should NEVER bathe a collie if he is matted&#8211;a wet mat turns to harsh felt, and you&#8217;ll never get it out then! (Well, short of shaving the poor thing!)</li>
<li><strong>Collies bark.</strong> Bored collies bark even more! Some collies may stand in your yard and bark almost unendingly. He may not even be barking at anything- he&#8217;s barking because he&#8217;s a Collie. They are not usually noisy in the house, however, because they have a<br />
tendency to be very low-active when indoors.</li>
<li><strong>Collies herd &#8212; everything!</strong> Kids&#8230; ducks&#8230; and almost near anything that will move. Some Collies even nip at the heels of the &#8216;herd.&#8217; They won&#8217;t hurt anything, but if there is a nearby mom who has the<br />
tendency to call her lawyer whenever her kid cries, a Collie (or any other of the herding breeds) may not be the best choice!</li>
<li><strong>In the warmer parts of the country, summers are too hot for a Collie. </strong>An air conditioned home with brief outings is okay, though. Some people advise to clip collies&#8217; coats shorter in the summer &#8212; but others state that you should never clip a collie because their fur provides protection against the heat as well! Others say that keeping them thoroughly brushed out removes enough hair to make them comfortable. Remember to always provide shade and cool, fresh water anytime your collie is outdoors.</li>
<li><strong>Collies are very sensitive and will ask for attention.</strong> They don&#8217;t do well in families that treat a dog like a pet rock with fur. They must be provided with plenty of attention and loving&#8211;every day of the week!</li>
<li><strong>Collies are partners.</strong> A Collie will meet you, look into your eyes, accept your introductory rub of his chest and chin, and decide you&#8217;re his for life. Feed him, care for him, and you&#8217;ll never be alone while he lives.</li>
<li><strong>Collies are smart. </strong>Make that <em>extremely</em> smart&#8230; more like<br />
genius!! They make mistakes but generally not the same mistake twice. Just one look into their gorgeous eyes will let anyone know how brilliant a collie is!</li>
<li><strong>Collies are extremely trainable. </strong>They were bred specifically to be obedient to man. Most don&#8217;t need too much training because they&#8217;ll figure out what you want almost before you ask (some puppies nearly housetrain themselves!)&#8230; but if you should get the training urge, your Collie is willing and ready!</li>
<li><strong>Collies are athletic and make good outdoor companions.</strong> Just be sure not to over-exert them in hot weather, however!</li>
</ol>
<hr />
<p><small>© Lisa for <a href="/">Collie Dog Owners</a>, 2008. |
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Post tags: <a href="/tag/athletics/" rel="tag">athletics</a>, <a href="/tag/barking/" rel="tag">barking</a>, <a href="/tag/blow-dryer/" rel="tag">Blow Dryer</a>, <a href="/tag/grooming/" rel="tag">Collie Grooming</a>, <a href="/tag/collie-lists/" rel="tag">collie lists</a>, <a href="/tag/herding/" rel="tag">herding</a>, <a href="/tag/intelligence/" rel="tag">intelligence</a>, <a href="/tag/roughs/" rel="tag">Roughs</a>, <a href="/tag/sensitivity/" rel="tag">sensitivity</a>, <a href="/tag/serious-health/" rel="tag">Serious Health</a>, <a href="/tag/smooths/" rel="tag">Smooths</a>, <a href="/tag/training/" rel="tag">training</a>, <a href="/tag/undercoat/" rel="tag">Undercoat</a><br/>
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		<title>Fun Collie Agility Rules</title>
		<link>http://colliedogowners.com/fun-collie-agility-rules/</link>
		<comments>http://colliedogowners.com/fun-collie-agility-rules/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 08 Nov 2008 06:07:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Fun Articles]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Herding &amp; Agility]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Consistency]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Dogs]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Ears]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[humor]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Obstacle]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[obstacle course]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[rules]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Score]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Shoulders]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Train Dog]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://colliedogowners.com/?p=223</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Photo by Sprungli
When approaching an obstacle, take your time. Your dog will fail if he doesn&#8217;t have time to focus!
Your shoulders are your dog&#8217;s guide. Be sure the &#8220;tell&#8221; the dog where to go.
For some dogs, accidental &#8220;blocking&#8221; will draw their attention to another wrong obstacle. Make sure your dog is focused on the right one.
Remember, most [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/sprungli-agility.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-234" title="sprungli-agility" src="/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/sprungli-agility.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="266" /></a><br />
<small>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sprungli/2054019293/">Sprungli</a></small></p>
<p>When approaching an obstacle, take your time. Your dog will fail if he doesn&#8217;t have time to focus!</p>
<p>Your shoulders are your dog&#8217;s guide. Be sure the &#8220;tell&#8221; the dog where to go.</p>
<p>For some dogs, accidental &#8220;blocking&#8221; will draw their attention to another wrong obstacle. Make sure your dog is focused on the right one.</p>
<p>Remember, most problems are caused by you.. not your dog.</p>
<p>Weave, Weave, Weave. Jump, Jump, Jump.  Practice, Practice, Practice!</p>
<p>No matter which method you use to train your dog, consistency is always a must! Don&#8217;t confuse your dog by always trying different techniques.</p>
<p>The more time and energy you put into your dog, the more your dog will give you back in the long run.</p>
<p>Just when you think your routine is down pat, and you&#8217;ve walked the course enough, go back and walk it just one more time.</p>
<p>Just like people, all dogs are individuals; what works for one may not work for the other.</p>
<p>You can always learn something new if you just keep your mind and ears open. Sometimes your dog will even teach you things.</p>
<p>If you find yourself not enjoying the routine, the dog won&#8217;t either. Find one you like, and you will both succeed!</p>
<p>There are no hard and fast rules.</p>
<p>Always check your score before the a class is over. Mistakes happen and it&#8217;s easier to correct if the class hasn&#8217;t ended.</p>
<hr />
<p><small>© Lisa for <a href="/">Collie Dog Owners</a>, 2008. |
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		<title>Control Dog Barking</title>
		<link>http://colliedogowners.com/control-dog-barking/</link>
		<comments>http://colliedogowners.com/control-dog-barking/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:55:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[All About Dogs]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Obedience]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[barking]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Control]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Earplugs]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Sleep]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Spare Time]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Toys]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[training]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://colliedogowners.com/articles/?p=221</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Photo by Dale Hugo
Is trying to control your dogs barking getting a bit of a pain when all you want to do is get a decent sleep, leave your dog for 5 minutes, or have some respected guests round without having to get the earplugs out?
Training your dog to stop barking doesn’t have to be [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/dalehugo-collie-bark.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-237" title="dalehugo-collie-bark" src="/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/dalehugo-collie-bark.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="300" /></a><br />
<small>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/dalehugo/242504444/">Dale Hugo</a></small></p>
<p>Is trying to control your dogs barking getting a bit of a pain when all you want to do is get a decent sleep, leave your dog for 5 minutes, or have some respected guests round without having to get the earplugs out?</p>
<p>Training your dog to stop barking doesn’t have to be stressful, no one likes the loud barking sound coming from your dog, especially at 3 in the morning so lets go through some tips to control dog barking.</p>
<p><strong>1. Need Attention huh? </strong></p>
<p>Don’t give your dog the attention he wants from barking at you. if I was getting everything I wanted just for barking id probably do it too. You’ve got to teach your dog that barking won’t get him anywhere. If he wants something wait till he has stopped barking first.</p>
<p><strong>2. Time to bark yet?</strong></p>
<p>If your dog barks when you leave the house, 8 times out of 10 it will be because you’re making to much fuss over them when you leave. Dogs can’t fully grasp the idea of saying goodbye and may find it upsetting when you give them cuddles and play then go out the door and leave for 8 hours while you’re in work. For a dog that’s a good enough reason to bark and howl the house down for you to come back and play. Try leaving the house without any fuss, Leave the house without drawing any attention to yourself and the barking will lessen and stop.</p>
<p><strong>3. Bored with nothing to do!</strong></p>
<p>Dogs enjoy barking, it’s something they like to do. The barking sound might not be completely to your taste but dogs enjoy it and it’s a completely natural thing for them, so if your dog has nothing to do in his spare time then barking passes the time like nothing else. Keep your dog busy with lots of exciting toys if he seems to bark a lot at night, something to chew and play with when you’re not around will help comfort the dog and keep him from barking and waking the neighbours. With nothing else to do your dog will bark through the night until you wake up.</p>
<p><strong>4. Visitor time</strong></p>
<p>When visitors come round it’s an exciting time for your dog, new faces, new smells and more attention than usual. This often causes dogs to bark, they want all the attention they can get in the form of cuddles and play time. You can solve this by using the ‘Stop’ command, teach him this and praise him when he listens to you and you should have no more problems with your over excited dog.</p>
<p><strong>5. Be Consistent </strong></p>
<p>Unfamiliarity can trigger your dogs barking off a lot of the time so keep constant with the times he barks most, for a lot of dog owners this is at night time. Decide where your dog or puppy sleeps. If one night your dog is out in the cold and the next he’s all snug and warm in bed with you or your kids you can guarantee he won’t want to be back out in the cold getting no attention from anyone again. Stick to consistency with your dog and you won’t go far wrong, otherwise you may be in for another sleepless night shouting at your dog.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><em><strong>About the Author:<br />
</strong></em></p>
<p><em>Written by John Williams<br />
For more information visit our dog training website at this link&#8230; </em><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk/"><em>Dog Training</em> </a></p>
<hr />
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		<title>Bathing Your Collie</title>
		<link>http://colliedogowners.com/collie-bathing/</link>
		<comments>http://colliedogowners.com/collie-bathing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:51:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Collie Grooming]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Fur]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Matted Hair]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Paws]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Pet Shampoo]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Ph Level]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Shampoo And Conditioner]]></category>

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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://colliedogowners.com/articles/?p=220</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Photo by Agiledogs
Dog bathing is a must when living with a dog.  Dogs naturally get smelly and are not like cats in being able to wash themselves well and be hygienic, this is why collie owners have to look after their collie&#8217;s hygiene for them once in a while.
Dog bathing should take place when your [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/agiledogs-mud-collie.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-246" title="agiledogs-mud-collie" src="/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/agiledogs-mud-collie.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="294" /></a><br />
<small>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/agiledogs/2585263467/">Agiledogs</a></small></p>
<p>Dog bathing is a must when living with a dog.  Dogs naturally get smelly and are not like cats in being able to wash themselves well and be hygienic, this is why collie owners have to look after their collie&#8217;s hygiene for them once in a while.</p>
<p>Dog bathing should take place when your collie starts to smell or is very dirty. Running around every day rubbing yourself up against trees, bushes, benches and rolling around on grass or getting drenched head to paws in rivers or puddles are all common occurrences in a collie&#8217;s life and all contribute to collie smelliness.</p>
<p>It is important to make sure you brush your collie&#8217;s coat and fur through before every bathing session to remove all bits of debris that may have got caught up in your collie’s fur since their last bath along with tangles or matted hair that may have formed. If you ignore this step any tangles and matted hair will get worse after bathing and make it an impossible task to rid of them.</p>
<p>You will need to use special pet shampoo and conditioner to clean your collie; human shampoo uses a different ph level and can be bad for your collie’s skin. Starting off by letting your collie get used to running water, warm water should be used to wash your collie, it is best to use a jug or&#8217; container to gently pour water on your collie. Be sure not to put water directly on your collies face to be sure not to frighten them off or scare them.</p>
<p>When your collie is wet, keep reassuring them and rewarding them if the behaviour is good to get the message across that bathing is not a bad thing. Rub the shampoo and conditioner onto your collie gently and being sure to do a proper job of getting all the smells and everything else out.</p>
<p>To finish off, rinse all the soapy water and shampoo of your collie and dry your collie in the same way you would yourself or if your collie has easily matted hair use patting only to dry your collie, when this is all done reward your collie with praise and rewards for being cooperative with you.</p>
<p> </p>
<div id="AuthorBox"><em><strong>About the Author:<br />
</strong><br />
Written by John Williams.<br />
For more information visit our dog training website at this link&#8230; </em><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.dog-behavior-training.co.uk/"><em>Dog Training</em> </a></div>
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		<title>Dog Years / Human Years</title>
		<link>http://colliedogowners.com/dog-years-human-years/</link>
		<comments>http://colliedogowners.com/dog-years-human-years/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:46:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[All About Dogs]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Collie Health]]></category>

		<category><![CDATA[Average Life Span]]></category>

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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://colliedogowners.com/articles/?p=219</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Photo by Gwyrah
The life expectancy of any dog is commonly expressed in terms of dog years by us and it depends entirely on the dog&#8217;s breed, size as well as the dog&#8217;s surroundings. Various other factors affect the life expectancy of a dog. A dog&#8217;s life span changes according to the diet provided to him [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/gwyrah-tri-collie.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-243" title="gwyrah-tri-collie" src="/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/gwyrah-tri-collie.jpg" alt="" width="400" height="266" /></a><br />
<small>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gwyrah/28018948/">Gwyrah</a></small></p>
<p>The life expectancy of any dog is commonly expressed in terms of dog years by us and it depends entirely on the dog&#8217;s breed, size as well as the dog&#8217;s surroundings. Various other factors affect the life expectancy of a dog. A dog&#8217;s life span changes according to the diet provided to him and also by the number of medical problems the dog tends to face over the years.</p>
<p>The average life span of the small dog like Chihuahua is about 15 to 16 years, while medium sized dogs like Collies have a life span of 10 to 13 years. It can be noticed big dogs like Great Dean live up to only 7 to 8 years. The calculation of the life expectancy of particular dog can be accurately done with the help of &#8220;size or the specific breed calculator&#8221;, which is said to be one of the most accurate age measurement schemes available. The size or specific breed calculator gives approximate results about the dog&#8217;s predictable lifespan based on the size as well as the breed of the dog.</p>
<p>It is generally assumed that, on an average, &#8220;one human year equals to seven dog years&#8221;. This statement may not be appropriate, since the first two years are jointly represented by 18-25 years in such schemes and because the entire ratio cannot be generalized for all the dogs though, they belong to different sizes and breeds. An exact ratio of dog years vs. human year cannot be formulated. However, some obvious features remain similar between both aging humans and dogs.</p>
<p>It is generally assumed that the human equivalent of a one-year dog is supposedly fully grown by both mental and physical aspects. Dogs like humans tend to develop advance muscular features as they grow along with a similar mental development. Through a major dog study, it has been estimated for dogs of all breeds and sizes that, nearly &#8220;64 percent of dogs&#8221; were euthanized because they were affected with some kind of diseases. Only 8 percent of the total dogs live beyond 15 years and nearly 16 percent of them die yearly due heart diseases and cancer. Human lives are not terminated even if they suffer from rare and incurable diseases; and this is the main reason why the lifespan of an average human being is reasonably long.</p>
<p>The effects of aging in dogs is said to be dormant for several years. But like humans, dogs to undergo physical changes as well. The first sign of aging in dogs is said to be the decrease in its activity levels. The sleeping period in these dogs also becomes longer. The canines experience a drastic change in their skin condition, limb usage, appetite and they experience tooth loss as well. Their sense of hearing and vision also diminishes gradually. Older dogs tend to experience stiffness in their body. All these obvious signs of aging can even be found in humans. The human years are extended only because of advance modern medicine and various other drugs that are designed to deal with symptoms of old age.</p>
<p>Dogs and humans may not have the same physiology, yet some obvious similarities can be noticed when both species age. Dog years and Human years may not be directly related by some advance equation, but to the naked eye the equivalence of corresponding features of Dog years and Human years are quite visible.</p>
<p> </p>
<div id="AuthorBox"><em><strong>About the Author:</strong><br />
Now that you know dogs grow old faster than we do, learn </em><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/how_to_care_for_a_dog_with_a_broken_leg.php"><em>how to care for your dogs</em></a><em> the best you can and give them a good life. They deserve it. Learn more at: </em><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/how_to_care_for_a_dog_with_a_broken_leg.php"></a><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/how_to_care_for_a_dog_with_a_broken_leg.php" target="_blank"></a><a onclick="urchinTracker('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href="http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/how_to_care_for_a_dog_with_a_broken_leg.php" target="_blank"><em>http://www.2knowabout.com/dog/how_to_care_for_a_dog_with_a_broken_leg.php</em></a></div>
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Post tags: <a href="/tag/average-life-span/" rel="tag">Average Life Span</a>, <a href="/tag/big-dogs/" rel="tag">Big Dogs</a>, <a href="/tag/calculator/" rel="tag">Calculator</a>, <a href="/tag/diet/" rel="tag">Diet</a>, <a href="/tag/heart-diseases/" rel="tag">Heart Diseases</a>, <a href="/tag/human-equivalent/" rel="tag">Human Equivalent</a>, <a href="/tag/life-expectancy/" rel="tag">Life Expectancy</a>, <a href="/tag/lifespan/" rel="tag">Lifespan</a>, <a href="/tag/medical-problems/" rel="tag">Medical Problems</a>, <a href="/tag/medium-sized-dogs/" rel="tag">Medium Sized Dogs</a>, <a href="/tag/physical-aspects/" rel="tag">Physical Aspects</a>, <a href="/tag/surroundings/" rel="tag">Surroundings</a><br/>
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		<title>Collie Puppy &#038; Dog Information</title>
		<link>http://colliedogowners.com/collie-puppy-dog-information/</link>
		<comments>http://colliedogowners.com/collie-puppy-dog-information/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:41:22 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Lisa</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Intro to Collies]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[ Photo by Tsuacctnt

The Collie is a wonderful family dog. They come in two varieties, smooth coated and rough coated. They are generally good with kids and other animals and love their adopted family. The most famous Collie is Lassie. 
They may not be suitable for an apartment as they need room to exercise. A properly fenced [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p> <small>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cedwardmoran/1425793980/">Tsuacctnt</a></small></p>
<p><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-251" title="tsuacctnt-2sable-roughs-tall" src="/wp-content/uploads/2008/11/tsuacctnt-2sable-roughs-tall-200x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="300" /></p>
<p>The Collie is a wonderful family dog. They come in two varieties, smooth coated and rough coated. They are generally good with kids and other animals and love their adopted family. The most famous Collie is Lassie. </p>
<p>They may not be suitable for an apartment as they need room to exercise. A properly fenced in yard would be ideal.</p>
<p><strong>*Approximate Adult Size.</strong></p>
<p>The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Collie is 24 to 26 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 60 to 75 pounds. The female ranges from 22 to 24 inches to the withers and 50 to 65 pounds.</p>
<p><strong>*Special Health Considerations.</strong></p>
<p>Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Collie is no exception. Be on the look out for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), canine hip dysplasia (genetic based looseness in the hip joint that can lead to arthritis pain and lameness), and they can be drug sensitive. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list. She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog s</p>
<p>weets.</p>
<p><strong>*Grooming.</strong></p>
<p>The Collie comes in two varieties, smooth and rough. In general, the outer coat is harsh to touch and straight. The inner coat is soft and dense. She is prone to shed and should be brushed regularly. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat, avoid mats and help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with her. Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease. Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net. *Life Span. The Collie can live between 12 and 14 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.</p>
<p><strong>*History.</strong></p>
<p>The Collie comes from the Scottish Lowlands as a sheepdog. They were first registered by the American Kennel Association in 1885.</p>
<p><strong>Some Registries:</strong> *Collie Club of America *UKC United Kennel Club *NKC National Kennel Club *CKC Continental Kennel Club *APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc. *AKC American Kennel Club *FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale *NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club *KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain *ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club *ACR = American Canine Registry</p>
<p><strong>Litter Size:</strong> 6 to 10 Collie puppies</p>
<p><strong>Category:</strong> Herding.</p>
<p><strong>Terms To Describe:</strong> Intelligent, noble, kind, sensitive, loyal, trains easily, playful, gentle, friendly,</p>
<p><strong>*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS</strong></p>
<p>Good watch dog. Easy to housebreak. Very obedient. Highly intelligent. Can be protective of children. A high desire to please. Easy to train.</p>
<p><strong>*SPECIAL BAD POINTS</strong></p>
<p>They can be poor guard dogs, in that they are bred <em>not </em>to attack. Tend to shed. May suffer in hot weather. Nose may sunburn. Puppies may nip at heels, going back to herding instinct. Can be a barker. A heavy shedder. Does not have a strong <em>fighting</em> disposition.</p>
<p><strong>*Other Names Known By:</strong> Scottish Collie, Lassie Dog, Scotch Collie</p>
<p><strong>REMEMBER&#8230;</strong> Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only.</p>
<p> </p>
<div id="AuthorBox"><em><strong>About the Author:</strong><br />
Written by Mitch Endick.<br />
Mitch Endick is a short article writer, editor and website developer for the popular pet site petpages.com. </em><a href="http://www.petpages.com/"></a><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.petpages.com/" target="_blank"><em>www.petpages.com</em></a><em> is a pet information site with free pet ads, dog classifieds, and puppy for sale info Petpages.com also offers information on cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs.</em></div>
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