CT AUSSIES

There are many things to remember when getting a puppy, including: Puppy-proofing: Make your home and garden safe for your puppy by removing things they can chew on, like cables and book covers. Veterinarian: Find a veterinarian before you bring your puppy home so you can have them regularly check in with a qualified professional. Walking: Take your puppy for walks every day to keep them healthy, happy, and socialized. Collar or harness: A collar or harness is essential for safely taking your puppy on walks and to the vet. A reflective collar can help keep your puppy visible to drivers and pedestrians at night. Training: Consider puppy training classes to bond with your puppy and give them exercise. Socialization: Make sure your puppy gets plenty of socialization. Nutrition: Provide your puppy with balanced nutrition and clean fresh water.  You should also be prepared to give your puppy lots of love, patience, and guidance

When getting an Aussie puppy, remember they're highly intelligent, energetic dogs with a strong herding instinct, requiring a dedicated owner who can provide consistent training, ample exercise, mental stimulation, and proper socialization to prevent boredom-related issues; be prepared for regular grooming due to their longer coat, and consider their potential to be stubborn due to their high intelligence.

Key points to remember about Aussie puppies:

• High energy level: Aussies need a lot of physical activity, including daily walks, playtime, and possibly dog sports like agility or herding trials. 
• Mental stimulation: Beyond physical exercise, they require mental challenges like puzzle toys and training sessions to keep their sharp minds engaged. 
• Herding instinct: This breed has a natural tendency to herd anything that moves, so early socialization with other animals and proper training are essential. 
• Training commitment: Due to their intelligence, Aussies can be stubborn and require consistent, positive reinforcement training with a firm, patient handler. 
• Grooming needs: While not excessive, their medium-length coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. 
• Socialization is key: Early and frequent socialization with different people, animals, and environments is crucial to prevent behavioral issues.
• Potential for separation anxiety: Aussies can become attached to their families and may experience anxiety when left alone for extended periods. 

Australian Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but they can develop a number of health issues, including:

Eye problems :Hereditary cataracts and iris coloboma are common eye problems in Australian Shepherds. Early eye exams are recommended. ( We prescreen our parents to avoid this) 

Liver problems: Australian Shepherds are more likely than other dogs to have portosystemic shunt (PSS), a liver disorder that prevents the liver from getting enough blood flow.

Drug sensitivity: Australian Shepherds are more sensitive to the negative effects of certain medications due to a mutation in the MDR1 gene.

Cancer: Cancer or cancer-related problems are a leading cause of death in Australian Shepherds, accounting for approximately 30% of all deaths. (please note while we do genetically test our dogs, cancer can be unpredictable.)

Australian Shepherds are an active breed that need plenty of exercise to maintain a healthy weight and reduce stress. Regular physical activity can also help with digestive health.

The short answer is sadly no. While dog food may be covenant studies are linking the food your dog eats to its health problems. At CT AUSSIES are dogs diets consist on 90% well balanced home cooked meals. While it may sound expensive you'd be shocked how much we save while providing a better diet four our babies. We understand this may not be doable for everyone and are happy to recommend healthy options. Below is a link of "healthy" dog foods that the FDA now says aren't. This list makes up 98% of dog food and treats.