Toy and Miniature Australian Shepherd
care before your puppy goes home...
2 weeks of age – Your puppy is started on a worming program, with Pyrantel Pamote. They are then wormed 
every two weeks until they go to a new home. We recommend you maintain that schedule until they are 6 months old. Puppies are weighed for the first time. This starts a chart of growth that aids in determining the adult size of the puppy. While this is not an absolute guarantee, it is a guide. You will receive a copy of your puppies chart at the time of your adoption.
4 weeks of age – Your puppy should be eating our custom gruel (boiled chicken with rice, no artificial ingredients or hormones). Your puppy receives the Neopar© vaccination. NOTE: Until they have that vaccination, they are not allowed outside nor do we allow people outside the household to handle the puppies. Puppies are weighed and wormed again at this point.
5 weeks of age – Your puppy may be weaned and ready for rudimentary house training and socialization. NOTE: In good weather, beginning house training is made easy by putting the puppies in an exercise pen outside after meals and keeping your puppies cage clean. Your puppy will be handled lovingly every day, with attention to ears, toes, coat and teeth to facilitate socialization. Your puppy is brushed with a soft brush or rubbed with a soft cloth to stimulate the skin and prepare for a lifetime of grooming and handling.
6 weeks of age – Your puppy is playing vigorously, enjoying toys and seeking human attention. We introduce new areas to explore. 
Your puppy receives it’s second vaccination. We use a vaccine that contains Distemper, Corona, Adenovirus 2, Para influenza and parvovirus. Your puppy is started on a five day course of Albon® (sulfadimethoxine) to aid in the transition from mothers milk to solid food. Your puppy is weighed and wormed again.
7 weeks of age - We know which puppies are dominant or submissive. We know which ones are outgoing or are more reserved. We know which ones have the best potential as future working stock, breeding stock or show dogs. Your puppy receives the first flea and tick treatment in the warmer months of the year. They are treated with Advantage® (imidacloprid).
8 weeks of age –Your puppy will have developed a strong personality. This is the week we take your puppy to our veterinarian for a well puppy check. Puppy checks include an eye exam, ear exam, heart exam, hernia check, and fecal exam. In general, a puppy check is like an annual physical for humans. Your puppy is weighed and wormed again. While they can be ready for new homes at eight weeks of age we will only place those pups that are eating dry dog food, healthy and emotionally ready. 
9 weeks of age – Your puppy receives its next vaccination. We highly recommend your puppy, at this age, stay with remaining litter mates and Mom for another 3 weeks. Toy and Miniature Australian Shepherds often go through a separation anxiety stage.
10 weeks of age – Your puppy is very much honing its skills. It becomes easy to tell which puppies are best suited for agility, Frisbee, or ball playing, or have a strong herding instinct. Your puppy is weighed and wormed again.
11 weeks of age - Your puppy receives its second flea and tick treatment with Frontline Plus (fipronil).
12 weeks of age – Your puppy receives its first "adult shot" and is wormed with Parziquantel. Your puppy receives its first heart worm prevention medicine and is weighed again. 
16 weeks of age - Your puppy receives another flea and tick treatment, is weighed and wormed again and given a heart worm treatment. We continue this course of treatment every 4 weeks.
4 to 6 months of age - Your puppy goes back to the veterinarian for a check up and rabies vaccination. This is a good time to spay or neuter your puppy.
