Bearded Collie Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

Preparing Your Home for a Bearded Collie Puppy

Bringing a Bearded Collie puppy home is an exciting milestone, but these energetic, intelligent dogs require specific preparation. The Beardie's herding instincts, boundless energy, and long coat mean you'll need both safety measures and the right supplies in place before pickup day.

Home Safety Checklist

• Secure all electrical cords and cables out of reach — Beardie puppies are chewers
• Install baby gates to restrict access to stairs and off-limit rooms
• Remove toxic houseplants (list available from ASPCA)
• Store cleaning products, medications, and chemicals in locked cabinets
• Ensure the yard fence is secure — check for gaps at the bottom where a puppy could squeeze through
• Remove small objects from floor level that could be swallowed
• Designate a safe, confined area (exercise pen or puppy-proofed room) for unsupervised time

Essential Supplies to Have Ready

• Appropriately sized crate (should accommodate adult size — use a divider for puppies)
• Soft bedding for crate and sleeping area
• Stainless steel food and water bowls
• Age-appropriate puppy food (consult breeder for recommendation)
• Flat collar with ID tag engraved with your phone number
• 4–6 foot leash for walks and training
• Long line (15–20 feet) for safe off-leash practice
• Pin brush, slicker brush, metal comb, and detangling spray
• Puppy-safe chew toys and interactive toys
• Enzymatic cleaner for accidents

Contact your veterinarian before the puppy arrives to schedule a first health check within 48–72 hours of bringing the puppy home. Have the breeder's health records ready to share.

First Week Setup

The First Week with Your Bearded Collie Puppy

The first week with a Beardie puppy sets the tone for the months ahead. Focus on establishing routines, beginning gentle introductions, and starting basic house training.

Daily Routine Framework

• Morning: Take puppy outside immediately upon waking — puppies need to eliminate right away
• Meals: Feed 3 times daily for puppies under 6 months, 2 times daily thereafter. Pick up uneaten food after 15 minutes
• Nap time: Young Beardie puppies sleep 16–18 hours per day — enforce nap time in the crate to prevent overtiredness
• Outdoor potty trips: Every 1–2 hours while awake, immediately after eating, and immediately after waking from naps
• Short play and exploration: 5–10 minute supervised play sessions several times daily
• Evening: Last outdoor trip right before bed; crate overnight

Grooming Introduction

Begin gentle grooming handling from day one. Touch the puppy's paws, ears, and mouth daily. Use a soft brush for brief 2–3 minute sessions paired with treats. Building positive associations with grooming now prevents problems later — the Beardie's coat will require regular brushing for its entire life.

Socialization Priorities

Start socialization immediately within safe parameters (avoid dog parks until fully vaccinated). Introduce the puppy to different surfaces, sounds, people of various appearances, and gentle handling. The critical socialization window closes around 12–16 weeks, so this time is precious.

Veterinary Care in Week One

• Schedule first vet visit within 72 hours of arrival
• Bring all health records from the breeder
• Discuss vaccination schedule, deworming, and parasite prevention
• Ask about spay/neuter timing (most vets recommend 12–18 months for larger breeds)

Training

Starting Training With Your Bearded Collie Puppy

Bearded Collies are intelligent and capable learners, but their independent herding dog nature means training must start early and be consistent. The good news: Beardie puppies are highly motivated by food and play, making positive training enjoyable for both dog and owner.

Basic Training Priorities (Weeks 8–16)

• Name recognition: Say the puppy's name and reward eye contact. This is the foundation of all training.
• Sit: First formal command — lure with a treat moved over the puppy's head
• Come (recall): Critical safety command. Practice many times daily in a low-distraction environment. Never call the puppy to you for something negative (like a bath or nail trim) in the early weeks.
• Leave it: Prevents grabbing dangerous objects — teach before the puppy starts exploring more independently
• Loose-leash walking: Start leash manners early; Beardies can become strong pullers if allowed to develop the habit
• Crate training: Associate the crate with meals and treats. Build duration gradually. Never use the crate as punishment.

Puppy Class

Enroll in a puppy socialization class (often called 'puppy kindergarten') as soon as the vaccination series allows. Group classes provide socialization with other puppies and owners while a professional trainer guides you through foundational skills. Beardies typically shine in these classes — they're social and eager to engage.

Training Tips Specific to Beardies

• Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes maximum) and end on a success
• Vary rewards — Beardies enjoy play rewards as much as treats
• Avoid repetitive drills; this breed gets bored and will disengage
• Be patient with the 'teenager phase' (6–18 months) when independence peaks
• Consistency between all family members is critical — decide on rules and stick to them

Exercise Guidance for Growing Puppies

Do not over-exercise Beardie puppies — their growth plates are vulnerable until 12–18 months. A general guideline is 5 minutes of structured exercise per month of age, twice daily. Free play in the yard is fine; long runs and repetitive jumping should wait until the dog is fully grown.