Grooming a pet rough collie

Question
How does one groom a pet rough collie? There are so many conflicting answers! Do you use a 35 mm pin brush, or a slicker brush, or a radial nylon brush or a comb? Do you brush with the grain or against the grain? Do you spritz the coat with water first or brush it dry? Do you groom daily, a few times a week or weekly? Do you bathe the dog once a month, 4 times a year, once a year or only as needed?  As you can see, there are so many conflicting answers - what do you advise?  Thank you. Cathy

Answer
Cathy- what is your purpose here?
Is this dog a show dog?
A working dog or a pet?

If you are showing the dog you have to everything you described and then some. The purpose of these methods is to make the most of the coat.  If this is a pet then monthly grooming/baths are sufficient with regular brushing and combing, nails and ear cleaning, depending on how much outdoor activity your dog enjoys.
A working dog needs basic maintenance.

All the tools and methods you describe are legitimate show routines but it all depends on your dogs coat any way. Each dog has it's own quality of coat but some are better then others and in order to make the best of it these are all methods professional handlers use to enhance the dog's appearance. Not practical for a pet.
A good pin brush and metal comb are essential- providing that you actually use it! A good quality shampoo that is diluted in order to get through to the skin and rinse easily out of a dense rough coat- the most important thing to remember when doing it yourself. Working outdoor dogs need the natural oils to help protect the dog form the elements. Pets however can become overly ripe smelling if not bather regularly and living indoors on your furniture and in your bed.

Since this dog is bred to be a working dog I hope you are committed to working with the dog in either obedience, herding or agility. Just as important as grooming for this breed.
good luck