Spend Time with your Dog - Bringing a dog into your family is essentially just that - you are adding a family member. The life expectancy of a well cared for Aussie is 13-16 years, and your dog will spend the majority of those years loving you and trying to please you in a productive manner. But - a dog that is left by itself all the time with no socialization and minimal human contact is probably not going to turn out like you want. The more time you can spend with your dog, the better. Get to know him - take him with you whenever possible, especially when doing chores. Even if not a "house dog", allow him to come inside for periods of time, for instance, at night when the atmosphere is relaxed. He will enjoy a little conversation and attention, and will learn how to behave inside. CAUTION: NEVER let your dog ride in the back of a pickup unless it is restrained or in a crate.

Confinement - You should never let a dog run loose. First of all, it is dangerous for the dog (poison, communicable diseases, autos, other dogs, irate neighbors, etc.).  Second, in today’s society most of us have fairly close neighbors, within easy visiting distance for a dog. Be courteous to others and do not allow your dog to become a nuisance. If he does, he may meet with an unpleasant accident, especially if he gets into someone else’s stock. We emphatically recommend that if you don’t already have a kennel, build one. Contrary to what many people think, it is not cruel to confine a dog. It is for the dog’s (and your, and your neighbors’) best interest.

Crate Training - We highly recommend that you purchase a large size Vari-Kennel or "dog crate" and teach your puppy at an early age to stay inside it without whining or barking. Again, contrary to what many people think, it is not cruel to ask a dog to stay inside a crate for reasonable lengths of time (not all day long when still a young puppy). From its wild ancestry, dogs inherit a desire for a hole, or den, to go to so that they feel safe, secure, and protected. Once your puppy gets used to the crate it will view it as its "den" and go inside readily. Many people use them as indoor dog houses.  When used properly they are an excellent housetraining aid.  Crates are invaluable when your dog is ill and must be confined; those times when the dog doesn’t need to be underfoot; trips to the veterinarian, traveling in general, and as a housetraining aid. Speaking of vets, yours will certainly appreciate your puppy being used to a crate. Then if it is ever boarded, or has to stay at the vet’s because of illness, no one will have to listen to continuous howling and barking.  

Basic Obedience - Every dog needs basic obedience. Short, simple lessons can begin as early as eight weeks. Obedience does not have to be taught in a structured environment such as obedience classes, although your dog will benefit from the socialization these classes offer.  Your puppy should be taught what we consider the "good manners" basics - walk on a lead, sit, lie down, quiet, come when called, stay, and no. It should also be taught not to jump up on people, using the command "off".  Even simple obedience training will make the dog a much more enjoyable companion for you.