I am a Puppy: My intelligence and capacity for learning is the same as an 8-month-old child,
and English is NOT my first language.
I am a Puppy: I will chew EVERYTHING I can find. I am teething, and it feels good on my gums. This is one way I learn about the world. HUMAN children put everything in their mouths too. Please help me to learn what is mine to chew and what is not.
I am a Puppy: I cannot hold my bladder for longer than 1-2 hours. I cannot "feel" that I need to poop until it is actually beginning to come out. I do not yet know how to tell you that I need to go NOW, and I cannot have "bladder and bowel control" until 6-9 months. Do not punish me if you have not let me out for 3 hours and I tinkle. It is your fault. Remember that I NEED to go potty after: Eating, Sleeping, Playing, Drinking and about every 2-3 hours additionally. A crate may help me learn to housebreak easier, but I still cannot hold it if you forget to take me out, though maybe you can avoid getting angry with me for being just a baby.
I am a Puppy: Accidents WILL happen, please be patient with me! It takes time for me to learn.
I am a Puppy: I like to run around, play, chase your feet, and may 'play attack' you, other pets, and small kids. It is puppy play. IT'S WHAT I DO! Please teach me what is acceptable. Do not be mad at me or expect me to always be quiet, and sleep all day.
If a high energy puppy is too much for you, consider an older Collie from a breeder, rescue, or shelter. My play is essential to my physical, mental, and emotional well being. We, Collies, are interactive people dogs. Engage me with lots of chew toys, and activities: chasing a ball, or gentle tug games.
I am a Puppy: If I nip you, use "dog talk"; a loud YELP to tell me that I hurt you. This is how dogs talk to each other. If I start to play rough simply tell me, "No" and ignore me for a few minutes, or put me in my crate with an appropriate chew toy.
I am a Puppy: You wouldn't yell at, slap, punch, kick or beat a 6-month-old baby. Please do not abuse me either. I am very sensitive and impressionable. If you're harsh now, I will learn to fear being hit, or beaten. Please teach me with gentleness, patience and encouragement. I live for your praise. If I am chewing something wrong, say, "No chew!" and hand me a toy I CAN chew. Pick up ANYTHING that you do not want me to get into. I can't tell the difference between your old sock and new sock, or an old sneaker and your $200 Nikes.
I am a Collie Puppy: I require daily brushing, weekly nail trimming, ears cleaned, a bath sometimes, vet visits, and lots of love always. I AM high maintenance. I am a Collie so I hope you like brushing me. Do not neglect me; you will break my heart, at any age.
I am a Puppy: I am a gentle, trusting creature with feelings, NOT a human in a dog suit, who instantly understands all you say to me. You are my world and I truly DO want to please you, and be a forever part of your life and family, in good times and bad. You bought me (I hope) as a loving partner and companion. Please do not relegate me to the backyard or ignore me when I get bigger. I still need your company, and want to do your bidding. Mold me with gentle training into the loving family member you want me to be.
I am a Puppy: I am not perfect, but YOU are perfect in my eyes. I love you unconditionally. Please, learn all you can about Collie puppy behaviors, breed characteristics, and proper care of me from your Breeder, who has raised Collies for decades. Collie books written by breeders, will give you more insight into WHY I do the things I do. Your vet knows how to treat pet diseases, worm and vaccinate, but he is NOT a Board Certified Surgeon, an Ophthalmologist, or a breed expert. Look to your breeder for advice too. Always use love, and patience, to teach me how to behave correctly. Socialize me with a puppy obedience class. I promise that we'll BOTH have a lot of fun.
I am a Puppy: l love you and want more than anything to be with you, and please you. I WOULD give my life for you. Please take time to understand how I see and experience things? We are different and must try to understand each other's language, body signals, wants and needs. Someday I will be a gorgeous dog, hopefully one you can be proud of and one that you will love as much as I already love you.