Preparing for your puppy
Australian Shepherds are a high energy breed of dog. They bond closely with their owners and require high amounts of training and attention to be happy. Be sure to research this breed thoroughly before committing. On our interest form we ask you many questions to help you think through this decision.
To prepare for your puppy to come home there are a few things you should do and purchase:
A kennel or crate that will be inside your home. We will begin crate training before puppies leave.
A soft blanket or pad in the kennel for secure sleeping
IF FLYING INTER-ISLAND: Airline approved soft sided crate, or this larger carrier that is allowed on Southwest, puppy water bottle or pop up water dish, wipes for paws, and pee pads. We only recommend flying with Southwest Airlines. Hawaiian has been difficult to work with and denied pets from flying recently unless they are smaller than 5 pounds. Our puppies are between 7-10 pounds when flying.
Pee pads (and holder) for the kennel if needed for overnight.
Water and food bowls. Ceramic works well for washing and keeping bowls germ free.
High quality, grain free puppy food. 4-Health from Tractor Supply, Taste of the Wild, Victor, and Blue Diamond are excellent brands. Our puppies are used to 4-Health grain free puppy kibble and will be sent home with a small bag.
We also recommend this dog shampoo for pups living in wetter climates like Hawaii to prevent ringworm.
Leash, collar (this one is our favorite because they print your dog's name and your phone number on the collar), walking harness.
House Line for training (see video below)
Chews like Canine Naturals Chicken or Honest Kitchen Fish Skins (no rawhide or bones)
Large Toy set so you can rotate 2 sets of toys every few days to avoid boredom
Treat Lick Mat (these are great for peanut butter frozen)
Food or Treat Snuffle Mat. Great boredom buster, scent work tool, and slow feeder
Small reward treats for training
Dewormer (Pyrantel Pamoate) - this is the only type that is safe for Australian Shepherds up until 12 weeks old (due to the MDR1 Genetics in this breed). Puppies will need Dewormer every 2 weeks until they are 12 weeks old. Do not use Ivermectin. Talk to your vet about switching to a heartworm preventative that also covers intestinal worms when they are over 12 weeks old. (again, NO IVERMECTIN). We use Interceptor Plus for our adult dogs.
Flea and Tick prevention for puppies (monthly topical) Be sure to get the dosage for weight correct. (you will need the 11-20 lbs dosage for your pup's first few months)
Puppy proof your house for safety, including making sure there is no access to power chords that could be chewed or chemicals/paints/etc.
Choose a room or area in your house that the puppy will have free range. It should be small and not have any carpeting or hazards like chords or chocking hazards. Your pup will learn to enjoy the rest of your house once they are potty trained and no longer chewing on things non-stop. Setup baby gates or a playpen as needed to keep your puppy in an area that is small and safe.
In addition, these learning/training resources are highly recommended:
Baxter & Bella Online Training Program.
Use our code HAS25 to receive 25% off your lifetime membership
Serving Oahu and Big Island, Hawaii; and Southern Highlands, New South Wales, Australia. We provide balanced dog training services, boarding, AKC certifications, workshops, e-collar training and on/off leash skills. We can give you and your dogs the confidence, skills and freedom you deserve to enjoy life together! We have personally worked with Dusty's Dog Training and are impressed with their high level of dog training skills and problem solving, particularly for very smart breeds. We highly recommend them! Please mention us if you call Dusty's Dog Training.
BOOKS / Youtube Channels
Setup with your vet
It is important to setup your puppy's first vet visit in your care before receiving your puppy. If you are a new client at a clinic, appointments may be more difficult to obtain. When your puppy turns 5 weeks old, we will remind you to setup their 10-12 week appointment for the vaccination schedule.
At your puppy's first appointment, ask your veterinarian about getting your puppy on heartworm medication. This is a prevention medicine. It can only be prescribed by a vet. The dewormer (Pyrantel Pamoate) does not prevent heartworm. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquito bite and may take years to show issues in your dog. The treatment for this is very severe and dogs with heartworm live shorter lives. In Hawaii, with the tropical weather and mosquitos, it is highly encourage to get on heartworm meds as soon as it is an option.
Parvo!
"Parvo in puppies is caused by the canine parvovirus. This virus is highly contagious and spreads through direct contact with an infected dog or by indirect contact with a contaminated object. Your puppy is exposed to the parvovirus every time he sniffs, licks, or consumes infected feces. Indirect transmission occurs when a person who has recently been exposed to an infected dog touches your puppy, or when a puppy encounters a contaminated object, like a food or water bowl, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs.
The Merck Veterinary Manual classifies the virus as a disease of the stomach and small intestines, as this is where the virus does the most damage. The virus prefers to infect the small intestine, where it destroys cells, impairs absorption, and disrupts the gut barrier. Parvo in puppies also affects the bone marrow and lymphopoietic tissues, and in some cases can also affect the heart.
Why Do Puppies Get Parvo?
Puppies ages six weeks to six months are the most susceptible to parvo. Puppies younger than six-weeks-old still retain some of their mother’s antibodies, assuming that the dam received her full series of parvo vaccinations. Puppies are vaccinated against parvo at approximately 6, 8, and 12 weeks of age. They are vulnerable to the disease until they have received all three shots in their vaccination series, which means owners need to take extra precaution during this time to prevent their puppies from contracting the virus. Puppies should receive a dose of canine parvovirus vaccine between 14 and 16 weeks of age, regardless of how many doses they received earlier, to develop adequate protection." -read more
In short, Parvo is preventable if you take precautions and do not let your puppy touch ground where an infected dog may have access. Do not bring your puppy to dog parks, or any public spaces where he may contact the virus. Most importantly, finish your puppy's vaccination schedule.