Bringing your Puppy Home:
It is always an exciting time when you welcome a new puppy into your home. You need to remember, though, that it can also be a stressful and confusing time for the new pup. You should provide a sleeping area, preferably near the activities of the household, but also quiet and out of the way. A dog crate would be a good investment at this time. Let the puppy know this is his bed and a safe place to be. If there are children in the family, they will want to play with the new puppy a lot. While puppies play and are active, they also require a good deal of sleep. Do not fall in the trap of going to the puppy to comfort him after making noise. He will learn that crying is a good way to get attention. You might take him out to play with him and tire him out just a little before bedtime so he will be ready to sleep. 


Nutrition and Good Health:
A name brand puppy food is the best choice for your puppy until he is over a year old. It is a good idea to feed what the breeder has been feeding and not change his diet, since changes can lead to digestive problems and diarrhea. Also, your puppy does not need table scraps, which may likewise cause problems. Never give your puppy bones or chocolate. We suggest three feedings a day, because this is what they are used to. You can switch the pup over to two meals a day, but you will need to keep the same amount of food in their diet. While he is eating, your puppy should allow you to be present and to take away his food. They should not growl or nip at you when you try to make them do something. Fresh water should be available to the puppy at all times. Watch your puppy to make sure he does not get overweight. An overweight puppy is not a healthy puppy and obesity is hard on developing bones and joints. Be sure you keep your puppy's vaccinations up-to-date. Distemper and Parvo are both killers and if your puppy should survive these dreaded diseases, they may still ruin his health for the remainder of his life. Talk to your vet about heartworm/flea & tick preventative care. 


Housebreaking:
Aussies generally housebreak quite easily. The key to good housebreaking habits is consistency by the owner. The puppy should, if he must be left alone, be in the yard (with shelter and water) or in an area where he is not expected to refrain from relieving himself. When the puppy is in the main part of the house, the owner should be present. When the puppy wakes from a nap, he should go outside and be praised when he relieves himself. Watch the puppy for sniffing and circling in the house; this probably means he is looking for a place to go. Take him outside and again praise him/her. If you catch him too late, "in the act," do not spank him but scold him slightly and take him outside or to a place where he is allowed to potty. Soon the puppy may go to the door and "ask" to be let out. Praise the puppy for this action. A crate is a handy tool for housebreaking. Most dogs do not like to relieve themselves where they sleep and this teaches some control. Remember that a puppy does not have a great deal of control and use the crate only for short periods of time. When he comes out of the crate, he should be immediately let outside and, after he relieves himself, allowed to play in the house. 


Crate Training:
To some people, a dog crate seems like cruelty to the dog. However, if presented correctly, it is just the opposite. It gives the dog a place that belongs to him, a safe den where he can go if he wants to be left alone or rest. It also gives you a place to keep your dog at times when you do not want him underfoot, like a dinner party. And is also a safe way of traveling with your dog. Remember it is extremely dangerous to leave your dog in a closed car in any weather or riding loose in the back of a truck. Also if you should have an auto accident, your dog is not likely to be thrown out of the car or escape in the confusion if they are in a crate. Hotel rooms generally prefer crated dogs as well. To crate train your dog, first select a crate that will be large enough to fit him as an adult. The puppy should be encouraged to sleep in it with the door open. He may be left with the door closed for short periods of time once he is used to it. Avoid leaving a puppy in a crate for extended periods of time. NEVER use the crate as a punishment. The location should be out of the way but near family activity. 


Socialization:
The Aussie is by nature a one-family or one-person dog. They do not accept all people as their natural "friends" as do some breeds. They are selective. This is not a fault. It makes them a better protector of their home and their family. Because of this part of their nature, it is a good idea to expose them to different situations and strangers often and at an early age. While they may not go tail-waggingly up to every stranger on the street, they should be taught to be mannerly and accept the presence of non-threatening people and situations. 


Discipline:
The Aussie is an overall easy dog to train. Being a working herding dog originally, he has been bred to learn to take directions and listen to his owner. He is also bred to be able to think on his own and make decisions for himself. It is up to you, the owner, to teach the dog what is, and is not, allowed. When he is a puppy, he must learn to look to you as his leader or you could be in for trouble when he becomes an adult. This does not mean you need to treat your puppy roughly. If trained correctly, Aussies readily accept the authority of their masters and a harsh word is often as effective as physical punishment. Calming them and being firm are two ways to control your puppy and adult dog. Praise is an excellent tool when teaching new things as well as reinforcing what you love about your pup/dog. Aussies are very intelligent and will test you from time to time. You should be firm and let them know who is in charge. The earlier you do this, the less trouble you will have later. 


Obedience:
It is highly recommended that you teach your puppy some obedience. It is much more enjoyable to have a well-mannered dog that can go out for a walk, other than a lurching/wild dog that pulls you along or runs away when off the leash. It is also a satisfying experience to train your dog and have a dog that listens to you and minds you. The Aussie is an extremely quick learner and enjoys the attention and the mental challenge of learning what you have to teach him. Even a young puppy, if taught in a positive manner, with no force, can learn basic obedience. Look for obedience training classes in your area and read some of the many good books on this subject. For your peace of mind, and your dog's safety, he should know at least these basics: sit, down, stay, come, and be able to walk at your side. 


Can an Aussie live in town?
Unlike many breeds, Aussies don't need a lot of space to run or a big yard to play in but having the extra space is a win win for the new puppy. What they DO need is LOTS of social interaction and things to do. They need to be a member of the family, as they are very pack-oriented dogs. In short, they need a job to do, whether that job is working livestock, protecting the family, or going to obedience/agility classes. The more time you spend with them, the better companions they will be. As long as these needs are met, Aussies can make wonderful suburban pets.

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What should I pay for an Aussie/Our Prices?

Proper raising of a litter of healthy, happy Aussie pups takes time and effort on the part of a conscientious, informed breeder and is an expensive proposition if done properly. The breeder has invested in good nutrition, good veterinary care, along with a great deal of time and love in the hope of producing better specimens of the breed and quality dogs for the prospective buyer.Price should be consistent with the quality of the pup and the time and expense it has taken to raise that pup. For these reasons, it is unlikely that an inexpensive puppy will be the result of conscientious breeding and careful upbringing. Remember too that your initial investment in a puppy is going to be next to nothing in comparison to the investment you are going to make in that puppy's future.-ALL of our puppies are placed/sold with *limited registration. Breed standard quality puppies/dogs are priced as such: Tris $2800--- Merles $3000--- Double Blue Eyed puppies are $3200. Some are Companion Quality puppies and their prices are up to our discretion. ***FINAL SALES ARE SUBJECT TO SALES TAX*** **** Limited Registration: A puppy or adult dog that has limited Registration means that they will have a complete Registry with AKC, but on the original registration form the box provided will be checked off or blackened by the breeder depending on registry form- to indicate that this dog may not be used for breeding. The sales contract will reflect this. Again all puppies will have limited registration.All Companion Quality puppies can continue in agility trials with AKC. It would be dependent on whether or not they have any appearance faults and only than would they be restricted from Conformation in the show ring. All Companion Quality puppies will have the same health guarantees as the breed standard quality puppies.*** Sales Tax is based on the current tax for Riverside County***