Here is a breakdown of everything you'll need to get started, including what should be setup prior to bringing your new puppy home, and what you need to know and have ready so that you can get started training and playing with your new Aussie puppy.
We've broken down your potential shopping list into four main categories and included links, descriptions and personal use applications for each product below!
Home & Potty Training
Soft Fleece Blankets - (Amazon.com)
These blankets are great for lining your puppy's crate and providing a soft spot for them to cuddle up. Our Australian Shepherd puppies will come with a blanket that has been washed, but allowed to rotate in the puppy whelping box, so it will smell like mom and the pack.
Extra Large Two Door Dog Crate w/ Removable Tray (Walmart)
This create (fromWalmart) comes in several sizes and is what I've used to crate train all 3 of my Australian Shepherds. I have the large and the extra large sizes. I love that it's easy to open up "assemble" and break down — no loose parts or tools needed, just use the clasps and clamps on the crate to lock it in place. It has two doors, which allows you to face the crate horizontally or vertically, depending on your space.
Soft Crate Mat Pet Bed, Large, Gray, 42", (Walmart)
All of my dogs love this soft crate mat from Walmart and it's certainly stood the test of time — 2 years and going strong! It's also easy to wash and quick to dry as it's not as bulky as some dog beds. It's also a great bed in general if I'm not using the single crate, I'll keep it out on the floor by my desk for my dogs to lay on while I work from home. Don't get me wrong, they also love these softer beds below. They even love cuddling up all snug on the smaller one, which was originally for my smaller dog London — a true testament to withstanding time!
Dog Beds (Amazon.com, Amazon.com)
Pee Pads (Amazon.com)
If you're choosing to go the route of potty training using pee pads, then I recommend these on Amazon — they come in bulk, and apparently now also have a lavender scented option.
Pee Pad Holder w/ Grate (Amazon.com) & (PetSmart)
If you're choosing to go the route of pee pads, I also highly recommend this pee pad holder and grate — puppies love to chew pee pads, so do yourself a favor and grab one of these! They're super easy to clean/spray down with a water hose if needed.
Potty Bags (Amazon.com)
Whether you're using pee pads or not, you'll likely need dog potty bags. I recommend these in bulk from Amazon, and they have several scent options! I also find these on the cheap in the pet section at Home Goods sometimes.
Training Clicker (Amazon.com)
I've used these to train all of my dogs to do tricks and leash behavior training — they come with a wrist loop to make it easy on you and is perfect to use with training treats 😋.
Water Dispenser Bowl (Amazon.com)
Admittedly, I didn't have the water dispenser station for my dogs until recently and with 3 dogs in the house — it is a game changer when it comes to how often you have to refill a water bowl for your dog. I had a different one I won't list here, which broke quickly after purchasing. This is the one I've had for a few months and it's going great so far.
Puppy Food (Petsmart)
This is the food I fed my Australian Shepherd puppies up until the proper weight, and also what I feed the puppies as they wean from Bella.
Adult Food (Amazon.com)
I've been through a couple different foods for my adult dogs, but this one is their true favorite —clean, happy bowls every single time! I get it delivered on Amazon Subscribe & Save, which works out well for us.
Training Treats (Amazon.com)
These treats are perfect for training, easy to hold, loved by the pups and affordable in bulk.
Bones (Bully Sticks) (Amazon.com)
My dogs go crazy over these — and they're a rare and special treat, due to how expensive they are. I highly recommend these Bully Sticks for the best good dogs — they will gobble it up so fast!
Leash (Amazon.com)
I'm not super particular about leashes, but I recommend these purely based on durability — I've had them since each of my dogs was a puppy and they're hanging in strong.
Harness (Amazon.com)
I prefer to use a harness on my Australian Shepherds, as opposed to a regular collar. My Aussies have pulling problems on the leash sometimes when they get excited, and the harness will help keep them and you safe when walking.
Toys & Treats
Puppy Play Toys (Amazon.com)
I had ordered these for Bella when I first got her and they lasted quite a while — some almost a year! So, when Bella had her first litter I bought them again for the little puppies once they started playing. I love the variety here, and I think only one of these squeaks — for those owners who prefer non-squeaky toys.
Stuffed Animal Lovey (Amazon.com)
I used these for puppy pack #2 and will use them again for puppy pack #3! They're so soft, easy to wash, and the newborn puppies love them. Because they spend time with in the whelping box, I send each of them home with one so that they can smell the pack and momma — even after being washed! Please note, they will get to an age where they'll be able to chew through and possibly pull the stuffing out of something like this, so keep that in mind when it comes to finally taking it away.
Adult Dog Toys (Amazon.com)
It's important to note the difference in toys suitable for puppy-age and those for adult dogs. As they throw and their jaws become stronger, they need more durable toys — especially through teething and beyond. These toys are loved by all my dogs and are SUPER durable. We've had the cactus and hand grenade for more than a year and they're still hanging in solid! The dogs love the tougher texture for when they're feeling like chewing and these are the perfect toy to redirect that attention to when training.
Grooming
Dog Shampoo (Walmart)
I live at the beach and this shampoo is great for cleaning up after the dogs get sandy and also is soothing on their skin, protecting them from the saltwater drying out their skin.
Dog Dry Shampoo (Amazon.com)
This stuff is great for when they get a little stinky between baths and smells AMAZING!! I've had no issues with my Aussies feeling itchy after using this.
Nail Clippers (Amazon.com)
Bella and Maverick will both let me trim and file their nails, unfortunately I have to take Ranger to a groomer because he has to be harnessed 🙄 However, my other two will let me use these clippers on them and they work great!
Shed Brushes (Walmart)
The Furminator is great for shedding, but sometimes I find we need the regular grooming brush on the left to work through any knots. Recommending both of these!
Pet Wet Wipes (Amazon.com)
These are great for when it's muddy outside, also I've used these a TON on the puppies during weaning as they're learning to use the food bowls. Also great for clean up in the car — puppies tend to get sick quite a bit on car rides their first few times.
Ear Wipes (Amazon.com)
These have helped with keeping ear infections at bay since we're out in the water quite a bit — their ears get dirty and these are great for keeping them clean and yeast-free!
Accessories
Travel Water Bowl (Amazon.com)
Perfect for on-the-go with your dog — don't forget they always need water too!
Dog Hiking Backpack (Amazon.com)
I bought this for Bella when she was a puppy and we've used it so much — she loves hiking! We live in Florida now, but we still use this for days out so she can carry her water, potty bags, treats, etc. We take it off for when it's time to play because it can be difficult for her to run fast in it.
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