Many people think that having a dog is a lot of work. However, if you have a pet for a companion, it is no work at all. In fact, you will think of your Australian Shepherd like a child of your own.

One thing that many people have problems with once getting an Australian Shepherd is how to care for them. However, caring for your Australian Shepherd is actually quite simple. In fact, one thing that many people will have to remember when bringing home their puppy is everything they will need. For many puppies going to a new home is very stressful; therefore, you will want to make it as easy as possible. The most important thing to get or provide is a sleeping area, such as a dog crate. No matter what you choose, make sure you put it where the whole family spends their time; it will make the puppy interact with you.

Another very important thing to get for your new bundle of joy is his/her own water and food dishes; it is very important for each dog to have their own dishes. Next to choosing which kind of dish to get him, you will have to pick out the right kind of food for him. Most importantly when choosing a food for your puppy, you will want to make sure it is a puppy food, and keep him on it until he is over a year old. Also, you will not want to feed your puppy table scraps, bones, and especially chocolate.

To ensure that your Australian Shepherd stays healthy, you will want to make sure that he/she stays healthy right from the beginning. By doing so, you will want to take him/her to the veterinarian regularly for basic check ups as well as the annual shots that they need. Keeping up on the dog's shots is one of the most important things you can do for them. If you choose to give your dog a heartworm medication, you should not give your Australian Shepherd "Heartgard" brand of heartworm medication. Heartgard uses Ivermectin which as a result should not be used by Australian Shepherds or any other type of collie breed.

All within the first week or so, you and your Aussie puppy should get down on a specific schedule (that is if you set one). However, it is very easy to teach your puppy what you want; you just have to stay strict. Once you achieve what you want with your puppy, then the fun will begin. It is at this stage that most people start enjoying their dog. Not only can the dog be trusted but they can also be played with. However, many times when people get an Australian Shepherd, they will use the dog as a working dog for herding farm animals. In fact, most Aussies will use them as a herding dog.

It doesn't matter what the reasons were for getting an Australian Shepherd, the only thing that matters is that the dog gets treated and cared well for.