Your Puppy's First Months: A Guide to Bringing Them Home
I often receive inquiries about the essential items we suggest for families welcoming their new Australian Shepherd puppy or Mini American Shepherd puppy (also known as Mini Aussie puppy) into their homes. To help make this exciting transition run smooth, I've put together a comprehensive list that includes both must-have essentials and a selection of items that can greatly benefit both you and your new furry family addition. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Additionally, I've incorporated valuable insights on training and recommended best practices to ensure the happiness of both you and your Australian Shepherd puppy!
Must Have Essentials
Puppy food is for growing Australian shepherd puppies and Mini Australian Shepherd puppies!
At Painted Blue Aussies, our feeding philosophy centers on efficacy for both our adult dogs and puppies, avoiding the assumption that pricier options are always superior. While the prospect of transitioning to another food remains open in the future, we request that you maintain the same diet for the crucial first 3 months as the combination of adjusting to a new home and adapting to a new diet simultaneously can be overwhelming for your Australian Shepherd puppy or Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy / Miniature American Shepherd puppy.
Please note that we recommend refraining from feeding grain-free or raw foods. Should you have Questions about potential diet changes in the future, please reach out via text or email. We are committed to assisting our families in selecting the most suitable formula for their puppies' well-being at any stage of life.
Recommended Puppy Formula #1
Our puppies are fed Nutrena True Chicken puppy food formula and will come with a sample to last you the first week.
Recommended Puppy Formula #2
Should the Retriever puppy chicken and rice be hard to find in your area, we recommend Authority Chicken and Rice All Life Stages or puppy formula.
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Recommended Puppy Formula #3
If your puppy experiences continued GI upset with either of the previously recommended diets, we suggest trying Purina Puppy Lamb & Rice. Switching to a different protein source can often help settle their digestive system.
Canine Rebound Recuperation Formula
– a lifesaving rehydration remedy that proves invaluable whenever your beloved dog or puppy faces stress or illness. With a decade of personal use for my own dogs, I wholeheartedly endorse ALWAYS keeping this formula on hand.
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Are you flying home with your new Australian Shepherd puppy or Mini Australian Shepherd puppy?
Puppy Travel Essentials
There are various travel carriers designed for flying with your puppy, but we've discovered one that stands out as the ideal choice for our furry companions. This versatile carrier can be worn on your back like a backpack or in front while navigating the airport. We've noticed that our puppies seem most at ease when worn in front, allowing us to easily reach in through the openings to give them soothing scritches and pets. This carrier will accommodate your Australian Shepherd puppy or your Australian Shepherd mini size puppy, with comfort and ease.
Airline Approved Travel Carrier
Potty Pads for a Clean & Comfortable Journey Home
We recommend using disposable puppy pads to line the travel carrier for absorption during potential accidents.
Disposable Wipes for a Clean & Comfortable Journey Home
We recommend using disposable wipes for easy cleanup of accidents.
Crate Training Guide: Essential for Your Australian Shepherd or Mini Aussie Puppy.
Selecting the Perfect Crate Size with Divider
Painted Blue Aussies wholeheartedly recommends crate training for your new Australian Shepherd puppy or your new Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy. Beyond safeguarding their security, this practice enhances your own peace of mind and aligns perfectly with dogs' innate fondness for having their own cozy den. By embracing crate training, you're establishing a foundation of safety and comfort for your puppy.
To help acclimate your puppy to their new crate, Painted Blue Aussies recommends initially feeding meals in the crate, as well as always offering a high value treat or chew when they go in. Crate games are a great way to create a positive association, as well.
Medium Crate
30" Crate with divider for your Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy and/or Miniature American Shepherd puppy
Large Crate
36" Crate with divider for your Australian Shepherd puppy
Pillows and Blankets? Bedding - Keep it simple
When you bring home your Australian Shepherd puppy or your mini size Australian Shepherd puppy from Painted Blue Aussies, they will arrive with a comforting blanket that carries the familiar scent of their mother and siblings. Alongside this, we suggest providing a straightforward bolster bed for their crate. In the initial stages, we advise against introducing extra bedding into the crate. Puppies are prone to accidents during their early stages, and minimizing bedding can simplify cleaning and help maintain your peace of mind. We recommend purchasing 2 bolster beds if feasible, so a clean bed is always ready and on hand.
Medium Crate Pad
30" Crate pad for your Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy and/or Miniature American Shepherd puppy
Large Crate Pad
36" Crate pad for your Australian Shepherd puppy
Slip Leash
At Painted Blue Aussies, we advocate for the use of slip leashes during training and walks. Unlike a basic flat collar, slip leashes prevent accidental slipping, providing enhanced control over your dog for a safer and more effective training experience.
Visit page 2 for additional recommendations!
Explore our suggestions for treats, chews, and training tools on page 2