How to Take Care of an Australian Shepherd Puppy

Australian shepherd dogs and puppies, often referred to as "Aussies," are highly intelligent and full of energy. If you are considering an Australian shepherd pup or have recently acquired one, it is essential that you begin from the start to properly care and train your puppy. Your Australian shepherd pup is like an extremely intelligent, precocious child, taking in and recording every experience, both good and bad. Correct training and care at the young puppy stage will have your Australian shepherd pup growing into a well-behaved and balanced dog you will enjoy for many years.

Things You'll Need

  • Leash
  • Dog crate
  • General puppy training book
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase your Australian shepherd puppy from a reputable Australian shepherd dog breeder. The breeder should have a clean facility with happy puppies and dogs. Ask about your puppy's registration and what shots have already been given to your pup. Be sure the tail is docked and the dew claws have been removed. Find out if the breeder has begun any training for your puppy. Australian shepherd puppies are like sponges, absorbing everything from 4 weeks old on. The earlier basic training of commands such as sit, come and stay are introduced to an Australian shepherd pup, the more ingrained those commands will be.

    • 2

      Set up a dog crate in a specific, secure spot in your home--such as a laundry room--for your new Australian shepherd puppy. This is where your puppy will learn to sleep; it is his room, so to speak. Place bedding in the crate so you puppy will be comfortable and it will be inviting to him. Australian shepherd pups like sleeping in a crate because, instinctively, it feels safe, like sleeping in a cave in the wild.

    • 3

      Make an appointment with your veterinarian soon after you have brought your Australian Shepherd puppy home. The breeder where you purchased your pup should have already given your puppy its first shot in a series of puppy vaccination shots. It is best to have a trusted veterinarian do a complete checkup on your new Australian shepherd puppy soon after you get it to make sure it is healthy, to set up a schedule to complete the series of shots every four weeks, and to discuss a proper feeding and care plan.

    • 4

      Use a collar and leash with your puppy anytime your puppy is outdoors for the first few weeks. Even if you have an enclosed yard, use a leash with your Australian shepherd puppy to indicate to him that you are the boss. Your Aussie pup has a high level of energy and curiosity, plus a dash of stubbornness. Using a leash will keep control of him and teach him to obey you. Be sure to always praise your pup when he does what you want. Australian Shepherd puppies and dogs live to please their master.

    • 5

      Begin to expose your Australian shepherd puppy to different situations and people so your puppy becomes socialized and excepting of a variety of situations and people. Australian shepherds have a reputation for being protective of their "pack" (you and your family), so it is important that at a young age you introduce your puppy to different situations and people so he is able to later accept visitors to your home.

    • 6

      Read and apply the training techniques from a puppy training book as soon as you bring your Australian shepherd puppy home. You cannot start with training your puppy soon enough. Start with simple tasks and commands. Work every day with your puppy on training. Because of their intelligence, Australian shepherd puppies and dogs love to have "jobs," or tasks, to do, so the commands and training you do with your puppy will benefit both of you.