Rough Collie Training: A Gentle, Sound-Sensitive Family Dog

Rough Collies make excellent family pets since they are affectionate, calm, and easy to train. Unlike their Border Collie cousins, they are generally less physically demanding and can usually be content with a shorter daily walk, as well as time spent at home playing and receiving some mild mental stimulation.

Easy to train and settle at home

Since Rough Collie puppies are usually curious and intelligent, early training and house training can go well if you maintain a consistent routine. Puppies reared in a home environment will likely already have some useful experience with ordinary sights, sounds, and household activities. They still benefit from having something to think about each day. Simple scent games, food puzzles and calm training sessions can be a good fit. Our guide to Border Collie training through enrichment has ideas that can be adapted for Rough Collies too.

Sensitive hearing and new experiences

Rough Collies are likely to be sensitive to sudden or strange noises. You can help a puppy get used to household sounds like the vacuum cleaner, the washing machine, and the hairdryer. Nevertheless, even a well-socialised dog might have difficulty with fireworks or other loud events. Some Rough Collies are naturally reserved with unfamiliar people. Calm, pressure-free introductions usually work better than expecting immediate confidence. Sensory enrichment can help sensitive dogs feel more settled and in control of their environment.

Health and coat care

Before you buy a puppy, make sure you ask the breeder about relevant health testing; Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) is an inherited eye condition, and responsible breeders should be able to talk about the screening and give you the test results of the parents. Many herding dog breeds, such as Rough Collies, have a mutation in the MDR1 gene, which influences how they react to some medicines. Before starting a new medication, let your vet know your dog's breed, and if you're unsure of its condition, consider getting it DNA tested. Their thick double coat also requires frequent brushing. It is usually sufficient to brush them a couple of times each week, especially outside the heavier periods of seasonal shedding, to keep the coat comfortable and tangle-free. Although Rough Collies are often calmer than Border Collies, every dog is different. If you are comparing the breeds, our guide to how much exercise Border Collies need may help put their activity levels into context. For more tailored support, see our Rough Collie training page.