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Health Testing

According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, the minimum health requirements for a CHIC number is Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), MDR1 gene mutation, and Dermatomyositis (DMS). However, we require that for our breeding dogs and the current recommendations according to the Collie Health Foundation.

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All Breeding Dogs through Iuvo Kennels include:

  • All Collie Recommended Tests for the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)​​

    • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)​

    • Dermatomyositis (DMS)​​

    • MDR1 Gene Mutation​

  • Additional Collie Recommended Tests through Collie Health Foundation, Collie Club of America, and our Personal Health Goals

    • ​​Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA)​

    • OFA and/or PennHip Hip Results​

    • OFA Elbows

    • Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)

    • Cyclic Neutropenia

    • Color Testing​

      • Merle Testing​

    • ​Temperament Testing
      • Done by an OUTSIDE trainer not affiliated with our kennel or program

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If any dog has either a failing test or a result that we unapprove of, those dogs will be removed from the breeding program and found a new forever home, temperament depending.  

Socialization Protocol

We pride ourselves in our socialization protocol. We treat all puppies as if they are going to service dog homes so they are prepared just in case that is their destiny. We use a mix of materials from board-certified veterinary behaviorists and Puppy Culture©. 

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What is the socialization protocols?

  • Early Neurological Stimulation

  • Safe Handling Practices

  • Temperament Testing 

  • Habituation Habits

    • Sounds​

    • Sights

    • Scents

    • Surface Variations

  • Novel Items

  • Eating from Various Bowls and Containers

  • Socialization to

    • People​

    • Safe Dogs

    • Moving Objects

    • Riding in Vehicles

    • Getting Used to the "Unexpected"

  • Handling Practices

    • Daily Handling​

    • Basic Husbandry 

    • Home Medical Care

    • Veterinary Care and Procedures

    • Clothing, Gear, and Materials

  • Activities for their Fur-Ever Homes

    • Potty Training

    • Crate Training

    • Resource Guarding Prevention

    • Separation Anxiety Prevention

    • Leash and Collar Introductions

    • Clicker Introductions

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Trialing

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  • Conformation

Conformation is another name for "show dogs". They walk around a ring and are judged against their breed standard, not each other. Conformation shows just how well the dog's structure and outside appearances matches their breed standard. ​

  • Lure Coursing

We allow our dogs to have fun with FastCat and Lure Coursing to get some of their natural instincts out to run. ​

  • Temperament and Fitness Testing

We test all of our dogs against the Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test, going as far as Canine Good Citizen Advanced and Urban. We also do AKC Temperament Testing (ATT) when available in our area. Unfortunately, they do not come around too often but we get it done when they come to the Iuvo Kennel area. We like to see how far we can get with our dogs in trick dog titles. Iuvo Kennel Collies also does Fit Dog titles through the AKC. ​We also do fitness classes with our dogs to strengthen their bodies!

  • American Working Collie Association Titles

"The American Working Collie Association (AWCA) is dedicated to promoting the working ability of the Collie" -AWCA. We work through the Versatility titles that recognizes the working versatility of a Collie. ​

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Service and Therapy Dogs

  • Therapy Dogs

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Therapy Dogs are dogs that go with their handlers to various locations in various social settings such as schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and churches that volunteer to provide comfort to people other than their owners. All of our dogs have long lines of Therapy work. It could be said that it's "The Family Business". They have worked primarily in schools in  reading and generalized comfort ability. However, we have also gone into nursing homes, hospitals and assisted living facilities.

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  • Service Dogs

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Although Collies are apart of the "Fab 4" for service dogs, we have to remember that they are slower to mature and generally take 2-3 years to mature alongside a lot of training. We have had three generations (so far) of active service dogs, including our foundation dogs. All of our puppies, regardless of home are socialized and trained as if they are going to a service dog home. Collies can struggle with psychiatric tasks. With that being said, we will only sell to psychiatric service homes with a trainer on board that understands Collies and their training needs. We highly recommend using a professional and certified trainer regardless of the type of service dog you need. 

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If needed, we do virtual training. We also do in person training for those close to the Central Indiana area.

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Blood Donors

Through the emergency and specialty hospital in our area, our spayed and neutered dogs are blood donors. This is a voluntary program that allows our dogs to give blood and give back to the hospitals in need. If you are interested in blood donation programs, let us know and we will look up canine blood donation hospitals near you.

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As a gentle reminder, make sure your specialty hospital knows of your dog's MDR1 status prior to donating as the dogs due need to be sedated.

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TYPICAL Requirements for blood donation:

  • Up to Date on Vaccinations

    • Rabies​

    • DHPP

    • Bordetella

    • Sometimes Influenza

  • Annual Bloodwork

  • Up to Date on Heartworm test

  • Monthly Heartworm medications

  • Appropriate size and weight

  • Ages 1-8 years old

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