Puppies are here and more on the way! Updated 5/28/25

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    • Available
      • PUPPIES
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      • Purchasing Process
      • Past litter photos
    • The Dogs
      • Our Boys
      • Our Girls
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      • ABOUT US
      • AUSSIE BREED
      • PUPPY CARE
    • CONTACT
  • Home
  • Available
    • PUPPIES
    • Adults for sale
    • Purchasing Process
    • Past litter photos
  • The Dogs
    • Our Boys
    • Our Girls
  • About
    • ABOUT US
    • AUSSIE BREED
    • PUPPY CARE
  • CONTACT

Puppy Behavior

Sleep

Puppies sleep a lot. At 2 months of age, they average a total of 20 hours per day. Even as an adult they may be sleeping over 12 hours a day. 

Teething

  • First set of teeth are very sharp and they want to chew on everything. Start letting them know right away what it is OK to chew on and what is not. If you are playing and feel teeth, push them away with a stern “No”. You may to do this repeatedly but they will get the idea. When you catch them chewing on a shoe, give a stern “No” or “Leave it”. 
  • Then give an acceptable chew toy.  My other dogs have liked rope toys, rubber squeaky toys, stuff-free plush toys, yak cheese and billy sticks. I try to avoid rawhide, especially in younger as it tends to swell in their stomachs.

Coat Changes

Around 4 months the puppies lose their puppy fuzz. This is followed by 6 months of “puppy uglies” with a thinner coat until the heavier adult coat comes in.

Socialization

  • The idea of socialization is helping your puppy become acclimated to all types of sights, sounds, and smells. This can prevent a dog from being fearful of things like children, riding in a car, strange dogs or other animals.
  • Before leaving our home, your puppy will have spent time interacting with dogs of different sizes and ages, people and cats. However, their only trips out will be to the vet and travelling to meet you.
  • Now is the time to take them places to meet all sorts of people and other dogs, but WITH CAUTION if vaccine series not yet completed. Consider carrying them around to keep off floors and ground. Avoid places where dogs may be that may not be appropriately vaccinated like dog parks and pet stores. Invite others to to visit and bring their vaccinated pets. 
  • More ideas at https://www.gooddogsantacruz.com/11-ways-to-safely-socialize-before-your-pup-is-fully-vaccinated/ and https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/puppy-socialization/.
  • Take a puppy class! It is time well spent with your new family member. 

PUPPY Health

Water and Food

  • Unless crated, water should always be available. Some puppies like to play in their water bowls so they may dry up quickly. Consider a water dispenser that will only need to be refilled every few days. 

  

  • At 2 months, puppies are ready to eat 2 to 3 times a day. Depending upon size, pups are eating ¾ to 1 ½ cup per day.  We are typically feeding Purina Pro Plan Puppy or Royal Canine puppy depending upon availability.


There are many quality puppy foods out there. Things to look for are:

  • Grain inclusive (grain free has been associated with heart problems)
  • Kibble size small enough for puppy to manage
  • Formulated for puppies or all life stages.
  • Supplements are not needed.
  • Try to keep treats to a minimum. Frequency is more important than size. Just a little bit is a good reward.

  

First few days at home they may not eat so well because of all of the excitement. Tricks to try are mixing kibble with a little minced meat or canned tuna. Can also mix with canned puppy food.

Veterinary Care

Puppies should be examined by your vet within 2 business days of joining your family. This ensures the puppies health and allows you to ask questions. Should leave appointment with plans for at least 3 things: vaccinations, flea/tick control and worm/heartworm prevention.

Vaccinations

  • Please check with your veterinarian because vaccination protocols can vary. We currently give DHP at 5 weeks and DHPP at 7, 10, 13 and 16 weeks. (DHPP= distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza, parvovirus).
  • Puppies are not considered protected until 2 weeks after the 10 week vaccine.
  • Rabies is given as early as 12 weeks.
  • I also encourage getting Leptospirosis, Bordetella, flu and possibly Lyme vaccines in their first year.
  • Routine vaccines are usually boosted every 1-3 years.
  • More information at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/puppy-shots-complete-guide/

Grooming

  • Grooming should start right away to get puppies used to baths, blow dryers, brushing and nail trimming.  When playing with puppies take a moment to tickle their toes, look in ears, raise lips to look at teeth. This can make them comfortable with grooming in the future.
  • Bathing frequency can be every 2-3 weeks depending upon how dirty the puppy gets. I usually bathe adults monthly. Mild puppy shampoo diluted in water is the easiest to use and makes it easier to make sure all soap is rinsed out. Next I towel them off and use blow dryer on warm to get them dry enough to stop shivering.  Some dogs instinctively roll all over towels and dry themselves. 
  • Nails have been clipped weekly since around 3 weeks. Clip nails as needed, maybe weekly when really young. Infant nail clippers work well at first and then small clippers.
  • More info at https://www.asca.org/the-australian-shepherd/about-aussies/grooming/
  • Also, many videos available on YouTube to learn how.

Flea and Tick Prevention

  • This is more than just a bug nuisance issue! It really important for your dog’s health because fleas and ticks carry diseases and worms. This is how to prevent infection.
  • Again, speak with your vet as there are many ways to do this. 
  • My routine (2019), is to start topical fipronil at 8 weeks and repeat monthly. Will switch to oral Nexgard when puppy is over 4 pounds. Once 6 months old, I switch to Bravecto every 3 months.

Deworming

  • The puppies receive pyrantel pamoate at 2, 4, 6, 8 weeks. Ivermectin is added at 6 and 10 weeks for heart worm prevention. Stool testing is done at 7 weeks. Ask your vet for the long-term worm and heartworm strategy.
  • Puppies are usually carry some worms from birth and tend to pick them up from the environment. Treatments are to suppress active infection. Stress, such as moving to new home, can bring out infection. Report any diarrhea to your vet. 

puppy training

Guide To House Training

  • Crate training is most commonly used. Dogs instinctively avoid eliminating where they sleep. Use a cage just big enough for them to stand and stretch out. Old towels work well for bedding.
  • In general, puppies can hold their bladders for their age in months plus one. For example, if a puppy is 2 months old, it should be able to “hold it” and remain in its crate for 3 hours.
  • This will mean taking them out a couple times at night.
  • At first, puppies may cry in their crates because of new environment and missing their litter mates. This will not go on forever. We keep the puppy crate in our bedroom so they can see they are not alone. Some have cried for many hours for a week, some for 15 minutes for 2 nights.
  • Once they are accustomed to the crates, they may start whining during the night just to be let out. Make sure that going out at night is only for potty break- not snack or play time.
  • Taking them out on a leash at first is helpful for them to learn what they are supposed to do. Tell them what a good dog they are in a high pitch voice and be excited for every pee and poop outside. Use the word your family has decided to use for this like "Go potty".
  • During the day, look for signs of sniffing around to take them out.
  • There will be accidents. Unless you catch them in the act, scolding will not be beneficial at a later time.
  • Link to bell training is below. Your dog learns an easy way to signal their need to go outside. 


House training https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/how-to-potty-train-a-puppy/ 


Bell training https://www.rover.com/blog/bell-training-dogs-really-works-heres/ 




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