That's not to many toys at all. What you should do tho, is only put a few out at a time and rotate them each week so there is always 'new' and 'intresting' toys they can play with and don't get bored and go looking for other things to chew on.
Invest in a kong for each dog as well then, stuff them each day with kibble and peanut butter or something else they like and it'll keep them busy.
Or invest in a feed/treat ball. It's a small ball you place kibble in and each time the dog pushes it with it's nose or paw it drops a few pieces of kibble. It'll keep your dog busy, make him eat slower and get him moving.
Great way to apply shampoo or conditioner is to use a spray bottle. 50/50 of water and shampoo or conditioner and then simply spritz it on and lather. Much more economical (You waste less shampoo then drizzling down the back) and it's easier to work down to the skin for double coated breeds. ... View related article.
To me it sounds like your dog could very well be suffering from health issues. I would be sure to test his tyroid as well as other health issues. He very well could be from bad breeding. But that's no reason to get rid of him. It just means you must be responsible. Keep him away from your child, seek a professional behaviourists advice and do what is best for your family and the dog.
As for grooming, that's your responsibility. Dogs don't have thumbs to brush them selves, they arn't cats either. They are a double coated breed that needs regular weekly brushings.
If you feel you just cannot give this dog a proper home, seek out collie rescues. They may be willing to help your boy work through his problems and find him a loving home without children. If you take him to a shelter, he will most likely be put down. ... View related article.
A no bark collar doesn't truly correct the problem, it's a quick and easy fix.
Honostly, you get what you put into your dog. If you don't train them, don't expect much.
By the way, bark collars are alright as a last resort, but I'd much rather work with my dog then take their voice and punish them with a zap each time they barked. What happens if there's a intruder and you want your dog to bark? If he has the collar on, he will not bark. They also learn to bark when the collar is off and to be quiet when it's on. So it's not really 100% effective.
Why not take the time, train the dog and save your money? Your dog will enjoy it a heck of a lot more then the alternative.
Dogs enjoy training so long as it's positive. It strengthens your relationship and you have a dog with manners and is easier to live with. Just because the dog is small does not mean it shouldn't know basic obedience or manners.
Never use a electric collar without first knowing how to use it, this also goes for choke chains, pinch collars and halti's. It's best to seek a professional trainers advice first. Your dog may not need it. ... View related article.
Easy method to give pills in a pinch if you have no treats, or have a dog that detects pills in treats like mine. I place the pill as far back as I can and hold the muzzle shut and blow in thier nose. Be sure to allow enough room for the dog to lick it's nose. If he licks his nose, he's lickly swallowed it. If he hasn't you can use a clean spritz bottle with plain water and squirt water in the corner of his mouth so it runs down the back of his throat. Do it slowly, so the dogs don't asperate the water and it should incourage them to swallow the pill. Be sure to praise afterward.
My dog hates pills, and refuses at all costs to swallow. But we are persistant and now, he swallows without the water or having to blow in his nose, simply place the pill in the back of the throat and wave a satin ball under his nose and it's gone and he's off with his cookie.
It's quite easy to correct. Provided you are consistant in the training. If your dog is not obedience trained, I -highly- recommend you train them. It will make it so much easier. There are two methods you can use. Owning a talkative breed myself. I first teach my dog to 'speak' on command. Then I teach 'quiet'. So that way they may bark once or twice to alert me to a guest, but when I say quiet or enough. They must stop.
To go about training them to speak on command, do something you know will cause your dog to bark and as they bark give the command and the minute they bark, reward them. I use a bit of food at first, then wean them off food and simply praise them for obeying. At first your dog will think this is a nifty game, and may bark a bit more for the week you are training. Be patient, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Once he has the command down consistantly, you should work with him on it for maybe 10-15 minute intervals throughout the day for a week. When you can give the command and he follows through without having to do anything to get him worked up, you are ready to teach, quiet.
As always, start with some treats and tell him to 'speak' when he does, praise him lavishly. Then tell him 'quiet' and as quickly as you can offer him the treat. You may have to time it right to do it between barks, he may only be quiet for half a second while he eats his treat, but reward him and gradually he'll catch on and will be able to be quiet longer.
The other method is to take a empty pop can, rinse it out and let it dry. Drop a few pennies in it and tape the top shut with duct tape. When they start barking, shake it and tell them quiet. The -instant- they stop, praise and treat like mad. It will take them several days to understand, just be consistant, because if you are not consistant, it will not work. Basically your shaking the can to distract them, not to scare them but to get them to stop barking and look to see what made the sound.
