So, you've purchased a collie puppy for your family. You've made an excellent breed choice, as collies are gentle and sweet dogs that are very loving and loyal to their families. But, as with any breed, your collie requires training in order to be the best family pet possible. Here are some things you need to know about owning a collie in order to make them the best family pet possible.
Collies need to be with people
This is not a dog that can live happily in the backyard while your family is indoors. Collies can suffer from separation anxiety, and they'll be quite unhappy if they are isolated from the rest of the family. When isolated, they are prone to being destructive.
Collies don't like loud noises or hostile environments
Collies are one of the most sensitive breeds when it comes to loud noises. Many are afraid of thunder and other loud or sudden noises. They are also very uncomfortable around arguing and fighting; so this is not the breed for the family in turmoil. Your collie will be happiest if he's spoken to softly and treated to a calm and harmonious environment.
Collies like to bark
Collies are natural barkers, using their voices to alert you to anything going on around them. Their attention to the goings on around your home can be a good thing but constant barking can be a bad thing. Train your collie early on regarding when it is appropriate to bark, and when it isn't.
Collies need positive reinforcement
All dogs need basic obedience training, and this includes correction when their behavior is inappropriate. But, be careful about overly harsh correction when training your collie, as they can be very sensitive to it. Giving treats and praise when he is behaving well is a much more effective way to train a collie than harsh correction when he misbehaves.
Children must be taught
Collies are generally very good with children. But, particularly if you have small children, they must be taught how to interact with the puppy and they should be supervised. Collies are herders by nature, and part of herding behavior includes nipping at the animal being herded when it gets out of line. Your collie puppy may nip a child who is playing too rough with him, so it's important that children be taught how to appropriately interact with the dog to avoid such mishaps.
Collies make wonderful family dogs, but they must be given some consistent and gentle training to make them so. Take your collie to obedience classes, work with them consistently and make them a true part of your family and you'll have the best family pet you could hope for.
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