Before purchasing your collie, certain equipment is needed, especially if you are a first time dog owner.

Basic Necessities

Food – a premium, dry dog kibble is a good start (read the lable!), and yes, healthy human food is a perfectly fine companion in their diet (notice, this does exclude junk food and fried foods)

Shelter – collies should live indoors, and have plenty of outdoor playtime with a companion in the day

Fresh Water – sticking a bucket outside will not work!  Collies are “nosey” and love to play in their water.  Make sure they have a separate place for water play and ensure their water container is cleaned daily.  A dripping water spigot attatchment, designed for dogs, is a great addition for outside.

Companionship – collies are “people dogs”; they wither away without devoted human companionship!  be sure you have plenty of time to spend with them each and every day of their lives.

Comfortable Place to Sleep – collies are large animals; make sure they have a comfortable spot to rest!  Old pillows, folded blankets, or even your own bed corner (if it suits you!) will work just fine.

A Knowledgeable Veterinarian – if you are a first time dog owner, please be aware that not all vets are the same.  Use your judgement with your new vet just as you would with a doctor your child is going to.  If they do or say anything that makes you feel uncomfortable or feel that the care of your collie is compromised – leave!

A Knowledgeable Owner – you should read everything you can about the rough and smooth collie breed so you can get a good grasp on why they act like they do, what their body language is saying, and how they are supposed to look at certain stages of their life.  For instance, an unknowing collie owner could mistake a collie’s bred in “nippiness” towards a group of running children as an agressive attack – when all it means is they’re having fun herding the group!  You also need to learn all you can about dogs in general and their ways of communicating.  All dogs have a set of instincts that they use to communicate with their world – for instance, a dog who’s ears are flat against his head and teeth showing is displaying a sign of great fear and submission rather than an offensive attack threat.

Equiptment for Collies

Crate (if you plan to use one)
Large Bowls for food & water
Shampoo & Conditioner
Wide Tooth Comb
Detangle Spray
Nail clippers
Slicker brush
Storage Box
Pin brush
Flea Comb
Collar
Leash
ID Tag
Balls
Toys
It is not recommended that you use a choke collar on the sensitive collie.  Choke collars are designed for more stubborn, independent breeds.  A harsh word from you will have the same effect as a choke collar on your collie.

If you do not plan on showing your collie you should make plans to have him/her spayed or neutered by 6 months of age.  If your female will be kept intact, you should obtain special doggy heat diapers for her to wear around the house, or fashion one yourself out of an old towel and rolled up rags.

Remember, most all dog products on the market are suitable for collie use.  When buying products, just be sure that it suits a large dog.  For instance, some balls may get logded in an excited collie’s throat if they’re on the smaller side.  Also, the type of brush you use most often will depend on your collie’s coat (Rough or Smooth).  With the Rough Collie, your pin brush and comb will be constant companions, while the Smooth Collie will have you using the bristle brush more often.  Store-bought bed sizes will also be quite larger!

And finally, always remember that if you have nothing more to offer than food, water, shelter and home-made items, your collies most desired wish is to be loved.  If he’s loved he’ll ignore anything perceived wrongdoing in his life.  He is your best friend!

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