cowanbree

Describe what is happening, I have had just about everything

I am very sorry to hear the news, I have always liked Shelby. At least she had a wonderful last couple of years and what a way to go, in the arms of someone who loved her

I believe that is too long to leave any dog alone but I would seriously consider 2 older dogs, perhaps 4 years and over. They would keep each other company during the day and generally be a lot happier. Even then I would employ someone to visit daily to take the dogs for a walk or even just spend some time together. It does depend greatly on how much you want it. Personally I can’t see myself being away at work for 11 hours daily and then feeling like spending quality time with the dog when I get home but we are all different

Please tell me you mean 11 month old. There is no way a 11 week old baby should be on 2 meals a day. At that age my puppies are thinking about coming down from 4 meals a day to 3

No trainer here but I did have a similar problem and solved it. I always walk in a choker and when she was going through a stage of going off at dogs behind fences I would deliberately heel her past known dogs (that definitely couldn’t get out) and the minute I felt her attention start to leave me I would do a very sharp right turn. This was before she started going off and made her focus exclusively on me. It didn’t take long at all before we could walk right past those dogs in perfect heel position.

There are Collies not very far back in the make up of Shelties which means they come in all sizes. 15 1/4 is only slightly oversize, I have bred a 17 1/2 inch one

Please don't just leave this pup. Imagine have something constantly rubbing on your eye. If you can't see or don't feel comfortable pulling them out, take her to the vet. She is in pain

About every 6 weeks here, as inside dogs I like them clean

As a breeder I am extremely concerned about eyelashes, I have never knowingly bred from an affected dog but as it is a extremely common issue in my breed and all my puppy owners are advised of the problem. As for your comment about it not growing back, I can assure you it does in a very high percentage of cases, every single time they recoat. The first time I struck it I had the dog operated on, 6mths later they were back. It is a lot simpler and safer to simply pluck them out

It is very easy. Sit outside on a sunny day or use a lamp to shine on the eye (not too close), this highlights the hair. Pull the lid away from the eye so ther is no danger of touching the eye and then very carefully pull the hair out. Generally it comes out very easily and is a lot easier to pull than the likes of our eyebrows. Be very careful and only use blunt ended tweezers, they do have to be good ones that close completely or the hair can be difficult to grasp. I have never had any problems. Please don't leave your dog with ingrown eyelashes. If you can't do it take it to the vet, these are very painful for the dog. Imagine having something rubbing on your eye

Nutrigel, I can't rave about it enough. It is a high energy vitamin concentrate that you just put on the roof of their mouth so they don't have the choice to eat it. Not only does 10gm per 5kg give them enough of everything for the day it also helps them feel better and in my experience they normally start eating within 24-36 hours on this stuff. I will never be without it

I have had mine for years but only really use it on the show dogs as find it doesn’t get through the coat of the desexed pets as well as a slicker. It is very kind to the coat.

My friend has owned and shown afghans for years and has always told me never to brush them. She baths them at least weekly and they look gorgeous so I tend to follow her lead and seldom brush. I bath the shelties about every 6 weeks and apart from a comb behind the ears and in the elbows seldom touch them in between unless they are molting

If possible go back to your breeder. She will show you how to pluck them out. Quick, easy and free. It is a very common problem in shelties and will most likely reoccur ever time she recoats.. No real need for an operation

I think it is a little bit unfair but if you are otherwise happy with them it is just money, a good vet is hard to find. I possibly would have mentioned I was a little surprised to be charged a consult but not pushed it past there. Times are definitely changing and yes they are getting more money focussed. When I had my old boy pts recently it is the first time I have ever been charged for it. I spend quite a lot of money there and while I didn't expect it I did appreciate it

I have this one, which barrels do you use? The ones like wee stones or the ones you can put sandpaper on?

Just make sure it is cordless, makes life a lot easier

I also don't encourage playing inside but outside I let them place the limits. My only limitation on them is rough play with other dogs esp if one of them is bigger. In my experience that is when a lot of accidents and injuries happen

Everyone has different views on this but I don't believe in exercising puppies at all. A romp round the yard should be enough for them, formal walks just place a lot of stress on bones and joints and is unnecessary. I do however take them everywhere with me to socialise them. To each their own but I know I have fit and heathly dogs well into their teens while my fellow breeder who starts roadworking her dogs very young has cripples at 9-10. Around 9mths I might start taking them for a gentle stroll but no long walks until they are fully mature.

Your mother will know when the time is right and as long as the dog is not in any pain there is no hurry, don’t let anyone else pressure her into making a decision before she is ready as she is the one that will have to live with the regrets. I believe in quality of life not quantity but just because an old dog sleeps more doesn’t mean they are not enjoying their life.

I was under the impression that you were not meant to leave these collars on for more than 12 hours a day so that is possibly what has caused the sores. If the salt water isn't clearing it up after a couple of days a vet visit may be in order

I am a not clip person, coat grows back all fuzzy and curly and looks terrible. A border is a double coated breed and the undercoat should keep it cool. If you must clip it just do the underneath bits a bit shorter. I have only ever clipped the one sheltie when he was 16 and didn’t like me grooming him and I didn’t find it made any difference to how hot he got

It does very much depend on the height and bone of the sheltie but I would say a normal 15 1/2 inch sheltie should be around 9-10kgs. I have a 16 inch very solid boy who is 12kg and not fat but 25kgs is very very overweight unless he is a very tall sheltie. Simply put he has to go on a diet or walking on his hocks will be the least of his problems. I recommend adding vegs to his diet and cutting back the rest of what he is getting fed

My Kayla had one directly below the eye. I had it removed and 18mths on no more trouble with it. I find they get all sorts of lumps and bumbs and while I will always get them checked and removed if possible so far I haven't had any real problems with them.

And the Dyson has a wee turbo head especially for doing chairs etc, just perfect for doing the car and getting into all the corners. You have to buy it seperately but still, go Dyson.