Your Mini Aussie Puppy's First Day
Give your dog a head start on a happy life by making his first day a great one. Your puppy's first day in your home is one of the most important times in his young life. Try to make it one of his best days.

It's very important for your dog to be wearing an ID tag from the first day he is at your home. Before you bring your new dog or puppy home, have the tag ready for him. If you haven't chosen a name for your dog yet, just put your address and phone number on it.

The first thing you are going to want to do is hold your puppy. You might want to hold him all the time. But it is very important for your puppy to have a chance to meet the other people in your family. He also needs to explore his new home. Holding your puppy is important so he learns to love you, but on the first day, hold him only a few minutes at a time.

You should get your house ready before your pup comes home. Puppy-proofing your house will keep your new pup safe from danger.

Puppy-proof your house:

• 1. Make sure cords and wires are not where your dog can reach them.

• 2. Place trash in cupboards or have your parents get trash cans with lids.

• 3. Ask your folks to remove dangerous liquids, like cleaners and antifreeze.

• 4. Clear off tables that your pup might reach.   

Have a couple of toys ready for your dog to play with. He may not want to play the first day, but they will be there if he does.

Have a place for your dog to sleep. A crate makes a great bed. When your puppy is resting, he can be in a private place where no one will bother him. If you don't have a crate, put his bed somewhere that is cozy, comfortable, and private for him.

Your pup will probably need to go to the bathroom soon after he arrives. It would be a good idea to take him outside before he begins to explore your home. Praise him when he goes.

Give your new dog time to explore your house, but don't leave him alone. You can stand behind him and follow him to the places he wants to go. Be very gentle. Only hold him a little bit.

Joining the Family
The best place for your new dog to meet your other dog for the first time is outside--in your yard (fenced) or in a park (on a leash). When they are comfortable with each other, bring them indoors.  

Quiet, please!  Your puppy will do better if your house is quiet. Loud noises may scare him. Later, when he is used to your house, you can introduce new sounds slowly.

Give your pup some water right away if he's thirsty. Wait and give your dog some food after he has been home for a while and is feeling more comfortable. Don't forget to let him outside every time he drinks or eats.

It is very important to know what Humane means: Humane means acting kind, gentle, and generous toward your pets. Your new puppy needs to feel safe at all times. You can help him to feel that way by being humane to him.
TIP: Don't start any training on this first day. This is your pup's day to meet everyone.

It might be very tempting to take your dog out and show him off to your friends, but you need to wait a few weeks. First, let your pup get comfortable at home and with everyone that lives in your house. Then, after your pup has had it's shots to protect him from illness, take him out for short walks not very far from your house. Always remember to tell your pup he is doing a great job.

Make sure kids aren't teasing or tormenting the puppy.  Always supervise them.  Don't let the puppy have bones with a young child in the room just in case.  When the puppy has had enough be sure he has his own 'space' to rest. 

PUPPY DON'TS
 

• Don't put your puppy on the ground where unknown animals have been until he's had all his puppy shots. This is how he picks up diseases.

• Don't allow your puppy to become unnecessarily frightened in his first few months of life. Introduce loud noises (vacuum cleaners, hair driers, etc.) carefully and slowly. Lifetime phobias for your puppy are imprinted during these early months. 

• Don't overtax your new puppy. He needs lots of sleep and tires quickly. Be aware of signs of hypoglycemia in small puppies.

• Don't allow your puppy around dogs you don't know to be safe and friendly or around rough children. Your puppy is breakable.

• Don't ignore your puppy's whining when confined in his crate. Take him out to potty, even if it hasn't been long since his last visit outside and you suspect he just wants attention. If he goes to the bathroom, praise him and allow him to remain out of his crate for a while. If he doesn't, return him to the crate. However, don't reward your puppy for whining by taking him out of his crate just to play or cuddle. Wait until he's quiet--then take him out!

• Don't allow your puppy to expect to always be held or played with. Accustom your puppy to quiet times and being alone for short periods of time. This will prevent separation anxiety later.  Don't allow the puppy to beg.

• Don't allow your puppy to feel abandoned by leaving him unattended for long periods of time. Know that love and attention are just as important as food and air to an animal who was born to be a companion to his master. 

• Don't forget to praise your puppy. Praise is a stronger motivator than harsh words or discipline for a puppy who lives to please.

Be sure to read about the drug sensitivity Mini Aussies can have. Although most of our pups are N/N for the MDR1 gene, it's recommended to treat them as if they are susceptible to drug sensitivities.

It is very important to know what humane means. Humane means acting kind, gentle, and generous toward your pets. Your puppy needs to feel safe at all times. You can help him to feel that way by being humane to him.