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?

Do I want a puppy?

The collie puppy is a beautiful site to behold. However, this little ball of fur will soon turn your house upside down if you are not prepared. Like all breeds, the collie puppy needs great amounts of attention. You will also find yourself spending plenty of money those first few months!

The biggest thing you must do is to "puppy-proof" your house. Go through the house on your hands and knees to catch a view of what your puppy is going to see. Remove any household cleaners that your pup could accidentally spill (then drink!), make sure all nails and tacks are up as these can puncture your pup's insides if eaten, and remove any electrical cords or cover them with bitter apple lotion (found at your local pet shop.)

Do the same procedure if your pup will be living outside, except you should also look for holes under your fence (you do have a fence, right??!!), make sure none of your plants are poisonous to dogs, remove or fix anything that your pup could get trapped in or harmed on, predetermine a "potty" area, and get your dog house ready.

Remember, before he arrives you need:
• Crate for house training
• Comfy place for him to sleep
• Chewing toys (his own! not your old shoes!)
• Books to teach you how to train a puppy
• Camera & Film for those funny moments
• Puppy Potty pads if you must be gone for long hours
• Plenty of patience
• Food, bowl, water dish
• Brush, comb, shampoo, conditioner
• Knowledge of a local veterinarian
• ...Over a decade of time to spend with your collie!

NEXT: How about an older Collie?