Is a Collie right for you?

4 Step Tutorial Guide

1. Questions to ask yourself
2. Do I want a puppy?
3. How about adopting an older Collie?
4. How do I go about getting my own Collie?

Questions to ask yourself

Something special about the collie has caught your eye. Was it their beautiful coats? Their loving demeanor? Or do you know someone who has a collie dog and you want one too? Perhaps, you might just be interested in Lassie and want a dog like that! Whatever the reason, you shouldn't make a snap decision to purchase a collie puppy. Lots of thought must go into the preparation for bringing a new life into your home!

Questions to ask yourself

• Do you have enough money? Collies are big dogs! You can very easily feel like you spend your whole paycheck just to keep their bowls full. They also require regular (and emergency) visits to the vet, inoculations, toys, comfy blankets to sleep on, a dog house and fence if staying outside, leashes, collars, ID's, and grooming tools.



• Do you have time to train a collie? Collies are very intelligent and require high mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.



• Do you have time to groom your collie? Rough collie coats get matted very easily if not brushed a few times a week. Once the tangles are there, you'll have a hard time getting them out (plus they hurt your collie!)



• Does your family situation permit the addition of a new pet? If you have just gone through birth of a child, it would not be wise to add a new collie simply because of all the attention each would need.



• What kind of place do you live in? Remember, collies do well living indoors, but they do not do well with an inactive lifestyle. They need plenty of exercise and lots of space to let off energy. If you are unable to provide them with the bare minimum of a routine "walk" around the neighborhood, then the collie is not for you.



• Are you forgetful? Collies need routine feeding, watering, training, and lots of other things! You can not go for days and then suddenly "remember" that your collie is in the backyard and hasn't been fed for a week.



• Does other family members actually want a collie in the household? This may seem like a simple question, but it is one of the most important! If your spouse or any other person in your home is at odds with the idea, and you bring home a collie anyway, then your relationship could be in for a rough road ahead. Always respect others wishes and ideas - after all, it is their home too!

NEXT: Do I want a puppy collie?