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Your Aussie Puppy
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When you pick out a Aussie puppy as a pet, don't be hasty; the longer you study puppies, the better you will understand them. Make it your ultimate concern to select one that glows with good health and spirit and is lively on his feet, whose eyes are bright, whose coat shines, and who comes forward eagerly to make your acquaintance.
Don't fall for any shy little darling that wants to retreat to his bed or his box, or plays coy behind other puppies or people, or hides his head under your arm or jacket appealing to your protective instinct. Pick the Aussie puppy that picks you! The feeling of attraction should be mutual!
When you purchase an Aussie puppy, you should receive a transfer of ownership, registration material, and other "papers" (a list of the immunization shots, if any, the puppy may have been given; a note on whether or not the puppy has been wormed; a diet and feeding schedule to which the puppy is accustomed; a copy of the parents health clearance (i.e. hips and eyes), a copy of the parents' champions, a copy of the pedigree). You should also receive some sort of statement saying you will get your puppy spayed or neutered, if you are getting a pet quality puppy.
You have chosen to own a particular Aussie puppy. You have chosen it very carefully over all other breeds and all other puppies. So before you ever get that Aussie puppy home, you will have prepared for its arrival by reading everything you can get your hands on having to do with the management of Aussies and puppies. Although you will run into conflicting opinions, at least you will not be starting "blind." Read, study, digest. Talk over your plans with your veterinarian, other "Aussie people,'" and the seller of your puppy.
When you get your puppy, you will find that your reading and studying are far from finished. You've just scratched the surface in your plan to provide the greatest possible comfort and health for your puppy; and, by the same token, you do want to assure yourself of the greatest enjoyment possible of this wonderful creature. You must be ready for this puppy mentally as well as physically.
If you are taking your new puppy home by car, protect him from drafts, particularly in cold weather. Wrapped in a towel and carried in the arms of lap of a passenger, the puppy will usually make the trip withough mishap. If the pup starts to drool and squirm, stop the car for a few minutes. Have newspapers handy in case of carsickness. A covered carton lined with newspapers provides protection for the puppy and car, if you are driving alone. Avoid excitement and unnecessary handling of the puppy on arrival. A puppy is a very small "package" to be making a complete change of surroundings and company, and he needs frequent rest and refreshment to renew himself.
When you get your Aussie puppy home, put him down on the floor and don't pick him up again, unless it is absolutely necessary. He is a dog, a real dog, and must not be lugged around like a rag doll. Handle him as little as possible, and permit no one to pick him up and baby him. To repeat, put your puppy on the floor or the ground and let him stay there except when absolutely necessary to do otherwise.
It is possible your puppy will be afraid for a while in his new surroundings, without his mother and littermates. Comfort him and reassure him, but don't console him. Be calm, friendly, and reassuring. Encourage him to walk around and sniff over his new home. If it's dark, put on a light. Let him roam for a few minutes while you and everyone else concerned sit quietly or go about your routine. Let the puppy come back to you.
If your puppy is going to have a playmate, either children or another pet, take the introduction slow. This is especially true if you have another pet in the house. It was their house first, and there is an invader. If you have another pet at home, read the section in introducing a new dog. If you have children read the section on children and dogs.
For his first night with you, your puppy should be put where he is too sleep every night-say in the kitchen, since its floor can usually be easily cleaned. Let him explore the kitchen 'til his heart is content; close doors to confine him there. Prepare his food and feed him lightly the first night. Give him a pan with some water in it-not a lot, since most puppies will try to drink the whole pan dry. Give him an old blanket to lie. Make sure it is one that you have used a lot, but won't mind if it gets wrecked. This will have a strong human scent, he will pick it out to lie on, thus furthering his feeling of security in the room where he has just been fed.
For housebreaking tips go to the housebreaking section. Housebreaking