| Grooming your Collie takes very little time. (once you get good at it) Brush at least once a week, though your dog will love it more often, and he will look like a million dollars! BRUSH THE ARMPITS, HAIR ON THE REAR OF ALL FOUR LEGS (called feathers) THE BELLY AREA, AND BEHIND THE EARS, & THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TAIL. These areas are very important to brush out. Begin grooming your dog as soon as you get him. Brushing distributes natural oils leaving a beautifully shiny and health coat. Brush him daily at first. This is not absolutely neccessary, but gets the dog used to the process, especially puppies. (I use this time to teach my dog, that every minute with me is not playtime!) All that is really needed is to run the brush over the dog's body so that he becomes used to it. The actual brushing is not as important as is the repetition. Your dog will become used to the brushing and sit or lay still as he becomes more comfortable with it. ** NOTE: If your puppy or dog cannot tolerate brushing at first, brush only for a few seconds in an area that does not bother him, such as over his ribs, or his back or chest. Over time you will brush larger and larger areas until you can brush all of him. I make a big fuss over my dogs when I brush them...talking, and telling them how good they are, rubbing and petting them as I brush. In time, you will be able to brush your Collie in five to ten minutes or less and do a good job of it. Use a very wide-toothed comb to go all over your dog to check how good your work is. BATHING Collies tend to have nice clean coats when they are kept brushed. Wet coats will brush out nicely, after they dry. Wash as needed. Flea baths, as needed, though your vet will have great new treatments to keep your beautiful Collie free of them. I use whatever shampoo is handy. I mix a small amount of soap in a gallon jug of warm water so that I do not have globs of soap in the coat. This way you can distribute the shampoo over the entire dog. I like to wash the dog twice and rinse three times..... the last one for the soap I missed the second time! SHEDDING Most Collies shed only once a year, some shed twice. A female, about six weeks after she whelps (has puppies) will begin to shed her coat. She will look quite naked while her pretty fluffy coat sheds, until her new one grows in. Brush at least every two or three days to keep up with the shedding. This period lasts from one to two weeks.... and having that beautiful Collie is worth every stroke!! Brushing allows the new hair to growing in quickly. Once shedding is over, your brushing routine can return to the once a week minimum. **REMEMBER THOUGH....your gorgeous Collie LOVES every touch from you. So brush him with love and care, and maybe twice a week. -------- UNDER CONSTRUCTION -------- PHOTOS & MORE SHOW GROOMING COMING UP! Don''t let things get too out of hand....even the worst of mats can be removed without shaving your collie, I'll show you how.....but it is a lot more work than brushing once a week. |
| COLLIE GROOMING |
| "Why groom regularly?" - hair stays cleaner and odor is kept to a minimum - skin is healthier - removes tangles before they becomes mats - the coat will be glossier and glow with health and good care - fewer baths - your dog loves it! |
| "Should I shave my collie?" No, please do not shave your collie. The collie coat is specially designed to keep him cool in the summer and warm in the winter. The same elements that keep him warm, also keep him cool. Shaving may be neccessarry if mats form to prevent the skin from becoming irritated. |
| I am trying to find a collie matted enough to use for my demonstration. |
| COMING NAIL TRIMMING TOOTH CLEANING BATHING EAR BRACING |
