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Bringing home a new puppy?
Bringing home a new puppy?
Congratulations!!
Congratulations!!
Here is a list of helpful tips, tricks, and shopping lists that we have put together for you and your new little family member. We know that the first time can be a little crazy finding what works and what doesn't, so we went ahead and made a list to save you time and money. We use our affiliate links so when you buy our favorite things we get paid to buy them for our pups as well.
What to expect when bringing home a new puppy!
What to expect when bringing home a new puppy!
Bringing your new puppy home is a very exciting and rewarding experience! We work very hard to create a foundation for these puppies to ease the transition to their new home. Even with all the preparation and foundation we create with these puppies, it can be pretty scary to have your whole world change overnight. Be patient with your puppy and take it slow the first couple of days introducing them to new things one at a time, making each new experience a very positive rewarding experience. Above all else, have fun with them, and focus on bonding. Try to bond with your puppy first and get them familiar with their new home before introducing them to other pets in the house. They will feel more safe, confidence, and it will help them creat a better relationship with your excising pets if you have any.
Potty Training your new puppy!
Potty Training your new puppy!
We work very hard to potty train these puppies before they go home. Although our puppies come potty trained and doggy door trained, it is up to you to continue and maintain that training. They’ll need you to show them where the potty area is at your house.
When your puppy first gets home, they may be a little confused about where to go to the bathroom because they’re in a new environment. Their internal clock may also be off, and their tummy a little upset. To avoid accidents, take them out every hour on the first day and try to spend as much time as possible bonding with them as they settle in and de-stress.
If dinner is at 5 p.m. your time, remove all food and water afterward (except for chews and small treats) to help the puppy fully eliminate before bedtime (around 9:30 p.m.). You should only need to wake up once during the night on the second night home, and not at all by the following week. Most puppies will start sleeping through the night by the second week as their internal clocks and new habits begin to form.
We recommend training your puppy to use a bell or another signal to let you know when they need to go out, especially if you don’t have a doggy door. Start by giving your puppy access to a small area in the house. As they begin to recognize it as their home or den, you can gradually expand the area they’re allowed in to avoid accidents. Do not give them full access to your house right away or they will just find a corner away from you to go.
Socialization & Training
Socialization & Training
Socialization and Training are very important for this breed. We recommend you work closely with a dog trainer and go to a group dog training class, they are very fun and will help you socialize your dog the right way. Please be selective on where you go and make sure your puppy is up to date with vaccinations first. Please keep up with crate training, make it fun and a happy place to be. One of our favorite ways to do that is by giving them their kongs, Buffalo Horns, and other treats in there to enjoy. In my home, their crates are their safe places like their dens. They go there to get away from everyone else to nap or to take a break. Crate training is fabulous for the safety of your puppy and your things. It helps with potty training immensely as well. Our favorite trainer to watch on YouTube for crate training is Susan Garret! Make sure to have plenty of "cookies" around (Training treats!). I have searched high and low for the best ones because I love training and treating my dogs. I found the perfect ones, they are teeny tiny and smell so strong so my pups will do anything for them. I also like that they don't make my hands gross like other treats out there do. You'll find these treats and all my other favorite dog items on my shopping list for your puppy.
Grooming
Grooming
Aussies are known for their beautiful low-maintenance coat. This breed does shed seasonally due to their double coats and lose fur throughout the week like we lose hair; however, with some simple tips, it can be easily managed. We recommend bathing your Aussie once every other week and getting in touch with a groomer near you to help blow all that undercoat out up to 4 times a year during their seasonal shedding. During their seasonal shedding bathe them once a week. When you bathe them you should clean their ears with the earwell solution and ear wipes we recommend, brush their teeth, and dremel their nails. If you do these things regularly it will become a habit for your puppy and easier as they get older. Once you're done bathing them, blow dry them completely dry, which will help blow all that undercoat out, and brush brush brush with a metal comb and when they are older with a sticker brush to prevent matting. If you are feeling ambitious you can use thinning shears to trim around the Aussie's ears, paw pads, and genitals. There are plenty of videos on YouTube on how to do this safely and it keeps them looking sharp, however, it is not necessary.
Miniature American Shepherd & Mini/Toy Aussie breed information
Miniature American Shepherd & Mini/Toy Aussie breed information
Why Choose a Mini Aussie as Your Next Furry Companion?
Are you considering adding a loyal, intelligent, and affectionate pup to your family? Meet the Miniature American Shepherd—also known as the Mini Aussie or Toy Australian Shepherd—a small dog with a big personality.
What is a Miniature American Shepherd?
What is a Miniature American Shepherd?
The Miniature American Shepherd (MAS) is a compact, intelligent, and versatile breed. Originally developed in the United States as a smaller version of the Australian Shepherd, they were bred to be travel-friendly companions for equestrians. Despite their reduced size, they’ve retained the energy, drive, and loyal temperament of their larger cousins.
Where Did Mini Aussies Come From?
Where Did Mini Aussies Come From?
Mini Aussies first gained recognition through registries like the American Stock Dog Registry (ASDR). As their popularity and unique traits became more widely appreciated, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized them as a distinct breed—the Miniature American Shepherd—highlighting their American roots and differentiating them from the standard Australian Shepherd.
Why Choose a Miniature American Shepherd?
Why Choose a Miniature American Shepherd?
Mini Americans are beloved for many reasons:
Ideal Size: Their smaller stature makes them perfect for apartments, RV life, or families looking for a manageable, portable dog without sacrificing the spirit of a working breed.
Loyal Companionship: These dogs form deep bonds with their families. They’re affectionate, protective, and eager to please.
Versatility: MAS excel in a wide range of roles including service and therapy work, dog sports (like agility and obedience), herding, and of course, being wonderful family pets.
Big Personality, Small Package: With a confident, outgoing temperament, Mini Aussies offer the presence of a big dog in a cuddly, travel-sized body.
Great with Kids: Their gentle nature and strong instincts make them excellent companions for children when trained properly.
Work Ethic & Intelligence: Highly trainable and eager to work, they thrive in environments where they’re mentally and physically stimulated.
Whether you're looking for a hiking buddy, a loving family pet, or a partner in canine sports, the Miniature American Shepherd is an exceptional choice. Energetic, devoted, and delightfully compact—this breed truly offers the best of both worlds.
Let's Talk Tails
Let's Talk Tails
One of the most common questions we get is, “Do Mini Aussies have tails?” The answer is: Yes, they absolutely can! While many people are used to seeing Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds with docked (shortened) tails, this isn’t always the natural state of these incredible dogs.
Mini Aussies can be born with:
Naturally Bobbed Tails (NBTs) – These are tails that are genetically short from birth. Some are only a few vertebrae long, and some are a bit longer, but they are never the result of docking.
Naturally Long Tails – Flowing and expressive, long tails are just as natural and healthy for the breed.
In our program, we’ve made the intentional choice to keep tails natural, whether bobbed or long. Why?
Function: Tails are an extension of the spine and serve an important purpose in balance, communication, and movement, especially for active, agile dogs like Mini Aussies.
Health: Docking is a cosmetic procedure that removes part of the tail, typically performed when puppies are just a few days old. While it’s been traditional in herding breeds, modern science and veterinary guidance are increasingly recognizing the value of preserving tails for the overall well-being of the dog. Every once in a while, a naturally bobbed-tailed puppy is born with a kink of sorts in their tail, which can break off or be broken more easily. In those cases, a veterinarian will remove parts of the tail for medical preventative purposes.
Individuality: Every pup is unique, and we love celebrating that — whether they’re born with a little nubbin or a full plume!
In choosing to preserve tails, we’re honoring both the function and integrity of the breed, and raising puppies who can express themselves naturally — whether they’re working on the farm, hiking the mountains, or cuddling on the couch.
So yes — around here, we’re proud of our tail-wagging, happy, healthy Mini Aussies.
Past pups
Past pups
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