So what happens next? Here are some things you can expect-and what to do about them.

Diarrhea is a promise. Have on hand low-fat small curd cottage cheese and/or nonfat plain yogurt. For your puppy’s first meal home, mix in about 2 tablespoons cottage cheese or 1 tablespoon yogurt. Continue for three days at every meal. Should the diarrhea become really out of control, Imodium liquid, Peptol Bismol or Kaopectate, in the child’s dose, can be used.

Feeding: Your puppy is currently on two feedings a day.  As your puppy grows, feed him/her all she will eat in two sittings a day. Feeding time is first thing in the morning, and around 6 p.m. at nite. At 5 months of age, start taking your puppy off of puppy food and transitioning onto adult maintenance food. For good health and a happy dog, get a good, natural treat to use in training and also as a snack. Puppies, when introduced to fruits and veggies early on, can develop a taste for them. Some of our dog’s faves are apples, cherries, strawberries, carrots, peaches and bananas, all of which are good for them.

Sleeping: Your puppy is used to a crate at this time. He has never slept the night in one tho. Your best bet the first few nites in the crate is to find a room in the house where he isn’t going to bother anyone and put the crate there. Someone will need to let him out at least once during the nite for a potty break!! Please don’t forget that!! And also - the crate is NEVER used as a punishment tool!! The crate should be a safe, warm and happy place for your dog for his entire life. Stuff the crate with rawhide chews and toys and a blanket. Toss some kibble or a few treats in the crate at nite. Eventually, your puppy will be perfectly fine at nite in the crate.

Training: We have a saying. If you don’t train, don’t complain!! Schooling, especially for a bright, energetic Aussie, is a MUST!! Start with the all important puppy kindergarten and work your way up to Utility training even if you never show in obedience. You’ll have an awesome dog who is an absolute joy to live with!! Also, Karen Pryor’s book "Don’t Shoot The Dog" is a must have.

If you don’t want it, leave it where puppy can get it. If you want it, and you leave it where puppy can get it, you won’t have it anymore. Best rule of thumb I ever heard. Puppy proof your house!! Pick up and put up and close closet doors. This line is a line of thieves - they won’t necessarily eat things, but they will run thru the house joyfully with a pair of your underwear while your party is in progress. If you find puppy with an inappropriate item, take it from him with a firm AHH!, and substitute it with one of his toys. Lots of praise when he takes his toy from you!!

Leashes are a must! Until your puppy bonds with you firmly, is totally trained to voice recall in spite of distractions, he will need to be on a leash for his own safety. Love and leash your pet!

Medical care: If in doubt about your puppy’s health, see a vet!! Your vet should be open and honest with you. If he/she can’t figure out what is wrong, he/she should not hesitate to send you to another vet who might be able to help.

Worming/shots: Your puppy is still at this time passing a few adult roundworms. He will need to be wormed at least twice more. I use liquid Nemex II which is usually available at Petco and PetSmart . It is extremely safe, and you can use it on all your dogs. I worm twice a year here. Nemex has no expiration date.

Your puppy comes with his shot record. Depending on when you pick your puppy up, he has had at least his first set of shots. Consult with your vet for his future shot needs. Every area has different requirements - Coronavirus may be necessary in some areas and not in others. Parvo is definitely needed in all areas!!

Your puppy will go thru a "juvenile delinquent" stage no matter how well you raise him!! He will test you; ignore you; defy you. Just imagine a 15 year old human boy, with slightly less hair and 4 feet. You get the picture. Be firm, be consistent in your training and commands, and above all - be the boss without violence!! Again, refer to Karen Pryor’s book and if you have problems, don’t hesitate to call me or your trainer.

Giving your new puppy lots of love and firm but fair discipline will help make those puppy years tolerable. You have brought a very intelligent animal into your life. Make the best of it by giving him the best you have to give!!