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Rough Collie Puppy Care: Tips & Tricks for Raising a Happy, Healthy Puppy

Bringing home a Rough Collie puppy is exciting - and a little overwhelming! These intelligent, sensitive dogs grow quickly and benefit from early routines in training, feeding, grooming, and socialization. This guide gives you practical tips and tricks to help your Collie puppy grow into a confident, healthy adult.

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Feeding & Nutrition..

Collie puppies need the right balance of nutrients to support growth.

  • Choose a high-quality puppy food (ask your breeder or vet for recommendations). Some kibble feed, some feed freshly cooked and others feed raw diets.

  • Feed 3–4 small meals per day until about 6 months old, then reduce to 2 meals.

  • Avoid overfeeding: Collie puppies should grow steadily, not too quickly.

  • Always provide fresh water.

  • Supplements are usually unnecessary if your puppy is on a complete puppy diet but your breeder may provide recommendations.

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Preparing for your puppy..

Before your puppy arrives:

  • Puppy-proof your home: remove hazards like cords, small objects, toxic plants.

  • Set up essentials: crate, puppy bed, water/food bowls, toys, grooming tools.

  • Plan your schedule: puppies thrive on routine for meals, potty breaks, and sleep.

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House Training & Early Routines..
 

Rough Collies are quick learners but sensitive to harsh correction.
 

Tips for success:

  • Take your puppy out frequently (after meals, naps, playtime).

  • Praise and reward immediately when they potty outside.

  • Crate training helps build bladder control and keeps your puppy safe when unsupervised.

  • Stick to a consistent routine to reduce accidents.

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Training your puppy..

Collies are intelligent and eager to please- but they can also be sensitive.
 

  • Use positive reinforcement (treats, praise, play).

  • Start with basics: sit, stay, come, leash manners.

  • Keep training sessions short (5–10 minutes) and fun.

  • Avoid harsh corrections - it may damage trust.

  • Mental stimulation is as important as physical exercise.

  • Find your local puppy classes. The KC do an amazing good citizen scheme and have a puppy foundation course.

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Socialization & Exposure..
 

Early experiences shape your puppy’s confidence:
 

  • Introduce your Collie to different sounds, smells, textures and environments during the first 16 weeks. 

  • Keep sessions positive and gentle-never force scary situations.

  • Puppy classes can help with both training and socialization.

  • Do not let every dog and person approach/greet your puppy. This can be overwhelming. You want them to experience calm, monitored interactions.

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Grooming a Rough Collie Puppy..
 

Even puppies have thick coats that need attention! Desensitize your puppy to grooming straight away to ensure less stress and hassle once their coat starts growing and changing.
 

  • Brush gently a few times per week to get your puppy used to grooming. We have a grooming guide, here.

  • Focus on behind the ears, under legs, and belly where tangles form.

  • Use grooming sessions as bonding time - reward calm behavior and persevere. 

  • Bathing should be occasional and only with dog-safe shampoo.

  • Trim nails regularly and check ears/teeth as part of the routine.

  • Getting your puppy used to being groomed can also be done at your local recommended dog groomer who will have puppy sessions offered. We have a list of recommended rough collie groomers, here.

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Common Collie Puppy Challenges..
 

  • Nipping/chewing: Redirect to chew toys, avoid rough play.

  • Shyness: Build confidence with positive exposure.

  • Barking: Collies are vocal - teach a “quiet” cue early and ignore attention barking. 

  • Herding instincts: Redirect chasing behaviour into safe play. A flirt pole or herding ball can work well.

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Exercise and Play..

Collie puppies have energy bursts but also need plenty of rest.
 

  • Provide short play sessions and age-appropriate walks.

  • Avoid high-impact exercise until growth plates close (around 12–18 months).

  • Offer safe toys that encourage problem-solving and chewing.

  • Gentle games like fetch and tug build coordination and confidence.

  • Snuffle toys are brilliant as slow feeders for kibble; they tap into their natural instincts to forage and use their powerful sense of smell, providing significant mental stimulation and enrichment.

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Veterinary Care & Health Checks..
 

  • Schedule a vet visit within the first week.

  • Follow vaccination and deworming schedules provided to you by your breeder and vet.

  • Discuss breed-specific health concerns like MDR1 with your vet, even if your dog is clear for MDR1. Collies are a sensitive breed and some can have reactions to certain medications.

  • Everyone has their own stance on spay and neutering, however it is generally advised not to spay or neuter your dog until they are at least 2 years of age to ensure they have fully developed. Some owners have found that the Rough Collie coat changes significantly and can become unmanageable after neutering. Please be advised, speak to your breeder and your vet in depth before considering.

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Building a Lifelong Bond..

Raising a Rough Collie puppy takes patience, love, and consistency- but the reward is a lifelong companion. With the right care in training, grooming, feeding, and socialization, your Collie puppy will grow into a confident, happy adult ready to share in all of life’s adventures.

Tip: Keep a puppy journal to track training progress, growth, and funny milestones — you’ll treasure it later!

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