"Tess" <manuel RemoveThis @austchart.com.au> wrote in message
news:75d11e24.0403111715.223e66@posting.google.com...
> Hi guys,
>
> I will be getting a collie in about 6 months time (he will be 6 months
> old - the breeder isn't sure if he or his brother will be better for
> showing, so I get the reject) and want some time to prepare.
>
> I have always wanted a collie, they are my favourite dogs in the world
> and so I have read a few general things about them - their sensitivity
> etc.
>
> Is there any behaviours I should be worried about and try and correct
> straight away? What are they *really* like to live with?
>
First & foremost? Barking! If you don't want a barker, teach him
to not bark early on. Collies are notorious for being barkers, but
I know some that aren't. So they obviously either aren't all barkers
or have been taught otherwise! :-)
And, learn to groom that coat, if you're not already familiar with grooming
heavy, double-coated dogs. If you're not showing in
conformation, weekly grooming session should be fairly easy.
Start young, hopefully the breeder has already well introduced grooming
to the pups. They should be used to being brushed, combed,
bathed & dried w/ a dog dryer (since their coats are so thick, it's not a
coat that I'd personally allow to dry naturally--it could take days! :-)),
having their nails done, and their ears cleaned. Have the breeder
show you how they groom their pets, or retired dogs. Heavy coated
dogs can be a bit much to groom, but having a dog that doesn't fight
you while you're doing it makes the job much better!
If you don't have a copy of _Collie Concept_ by Bobbi Roos (IIRC, it's
in my car!), get one. I know that copies are available at
www.alpinepub.com.
I do not have a Collie, but a Belgian Sheepdog, and it is actually
the book many Belgian people recommended to me to learn grooming
techniques.
Also, make sure they get a lot of playtime & socialization with other
dogs of other sorts. I've met a few Collies that get
along well with other Collies, but not-so-well with other breeds of
dogs. Most I've met don't go much for the rough & tumble type of
play that some breeds are famous for (like Labs, Goldens & Boxers,
for example), so they shouldn't be allowed to be bullied by rough
dogs. Many Collies however, are simply happy just playing with
their owners. Find a good obedience class that emphasizes positive
training methods. Not only do they teach the dog, but more importantly,
it should teach the handler how to teach their dog things. Teaching, IMHO,
equals Bonding time. :-)
Consistent, firm yet nowhere near harsh training is important for these
dogs.
Collies are generally very biddable and eager to please their handlers.
Just don't "spoil" a puppy too much by letting them get away with
things that you'd never dream of allowing an older dog to do. Afterall,
they aren't exactly small when full-grown. If you don't allow dogs on
furniture, establish that early on & stick with it. Consistency is key.
At 6 mos of age, I should hope that the breeder has been doing his/her
share of socializing the puppy with lots of people, environments,
other dogs & such. Early socialization is critical in developing puppies.
I know it's not an uncommon practice for Collie breeders to keep
their puppies longer than many other breeders of other breeds would
to see how they grow out. It's what the breeder has been doing
with the pups during that time that is important.
I adore Collies, they're such a "comforting" breed to me.
And, getting a new puppy can be such a rewarding and exciting time!
Best of luck with your new boy! :-)
Shelly & The Boys:
Coda (4 1/2 yr old Collie-somethin')
Bodhi (18 mos. old Belgian Sheepdog)
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