Puppy Basics 101!
Please review the following page for some foundation training for your new Miniature American Shepherd/ Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy (and even adults)!
Herding Breed Tendencies:
First, let's briefly discuss common characteristics of herding dogs and Mini American Shepherds / Mini Aussies. Herding breeds are very smart! My dogs love to learn and work for their people. If they aren't physically or mentally stimulated by their owner, they will usually find things to do... whether it's good or bad 😉. It's also important to know that herding breeds are often times very aware of their surroundings. At home they are very in tune to their person. This breed is also very aware of other people and other dogs whether at home or outside of the home. They are listening to sounds in the environment and watching movement (living things or something blowing in the wind). Movement can be exciting for them. It's helpful for you as their handler to be observant about things going on in the environment when you are with your pup, especially in a new environment. It helps you make better training choices for your pup when you can see/predict distractions from a distance.
Herding breeds can also be protective of their people and of their home and may bark. They are also usually very attached to their people and want to go and do activities with their family whenever they can. We lovingly call them "velcro" dogs. I joke that once you get a Mini American / Mini Aussie, you will never go to the bathroom alone again! Haha. Because they can be so attached to their people, some may also struggle with separation anxiety. Gradual crate training with building value for their crate and teaching them they can be alone and be comfortable are excellent tools.
The first topic I will explore is a pretty commonly discussed topic for new puppies.
Herding breeds can also be protective of their people and of their home and may bark. They are also usually very attached to their people and want to go and do activities with their family whenever they can. We lovingly call them "velcro" dogs. I joke that once you get a Mini American / Mini Aussie, you will never go to the bathroom alone again! Haha. Because they can be so attached to their people, some may also struggle with separation anxiety. Gradual crate training with building value for their crate and teaching them they can be alone and be comfortable are excellent tools.
The first topic I will explore is a pretty commonly discussed topic for new puppies.
Socialization:
When you hear “socialize your puppy”, what do you think of?
I believe most people think of puppy socialization as exposing that puppy to every single person or dog that they can and taking them everywhere that they go. I'd like to suggest that socializing does NOT mean passing a puppy around from person to person and greeting and playing with every dog they see.
I’d like to propose a safer way to “socialize” your pup.
Young puppies are VERY impressionable. They are highly influenced by positive experiences but even mores by negative experiences. Unfortunately, one negative experience that a puppy has leaves a bigger impression than one positive experience. It is important for your pup to have many more positive experiences as they are learning about their world with us.
How can you tell if your pup is having a positive experience?
It is a great idea to be in tune with what your puppy is trying to tell you. What is their body language like? Are they hunched/cowering? Is their head snapping from one sound to another over and over? Are their ears pinned back and tail nub tucked? Slow to walk or approach something new? These can be signs that your puppy is feeling overwhelmed or uncomfortable. If they are happy, gaiting casually or excitedly, readily approaching new objects and smelling new things while having relaxed body language, they are doing well!
Keep in mind, puppies go through “fear periods” as they grow. During this time, they can be more hesitant or nervous about new things. There is no magic age, but fear periods can happen around 8-12 weeks old and again around 6-14 months old. Be mindful of your puppy’s needs during these times. It is better to take a step back and not put them in a scary situation if they are not handling it well.
Keep in mind, puppies go through “fear periods” as they grow. During this time, they can be more hesitant or nervous about new things. There is no magic age, but fear periods can happen around 8-12 weeks old and again around 6-14 months old. Be mindful of your puppy’s needs during these times. It is better to take a step back and not put them in a scary situation if they are not handling it well.
How can I help my Miniature American Shepherd puppy have more positive experiences?
Starting socialization at home as soon as your pup comes home! Instead of thinking of what most do as “socialization," think of introducing your puppy to NOVELTY which helps them build CONFIDENCE. What does "novelty" mean? Novel items are anything new, different, or strange to your pup than what they have seen or experienced before. These things can be literally ANYTHING. Set down the novel item and let the puppy explore the object AT THEIR PACE. Most of the time they will be curious and check it out without much hesitation. If for some reason they are hesitant or don't show interest, you can sprinkle some food/treats to encourage them to explore but do NOT force them. Let them make the choice to explore. Then remove the novel object after a little bit if it something they should not chew on.
I would recommend offering AT LEAST ONE novel object or experience EACH day as a puppy! :) I offer novel objects constantly when they are with me to start building their confidence.
I would recommend offering AT LEAST ONE novel object or experience EACH day as a puppy! :) I offer novel objects constantly when they are with me to start building their confidence.
What are some examples of novel items at home that can help build confidence?
- New floors or textures such as tile, cement, gravel, fuzzy rugs, grates, etc.
- Boxes/containers (flip them different sides up or filled with different things to offer more ways to explore)
- Garage tools/supplies
- Holiday decorations (Christmas, Halloween, etc)
- Kitchen supplies
- Yard items (chairs, decorations, textures)
- New smells in a new home or environment are also novelty.
- Furniture they haven't seen before in a new environment is novel.
- New sounds they haven't heard before or not in a while.
- Children's toys (though make sure they don't ingest any pieces)
- New rooms in the house they haven't explored, yet.
- New people and pets in the home (and out in public).
Socialization outside of home:
How do you socialize your Miniature American Shepherd puppy outside of your home?
When your puppy is fully vaccinated at 16 weeks, or has had at least 2 sets of vaccinations at 8 weeks and 12 weeks, you may consider taking your puppy out in public. As long as you take precautions to keep them safe, there are some ways you can help your puppy learn about the big world they live in.
I recommend teaching your dog about the world and about your relationship with them WITHOUT other dogs initially. This reason is two-fold. First, because places with other dogs put your puppy at risk for parvovirus despite vaccinations. Second, other dogs are a big distraction for your pup when they should be learning to focus on you first. First, you can start with exploring around your neighborhood on leash. Just be aware that parks where dogs visit can put your pup at risk while young.
If you want to do some training and exploring novelty out in public, I recommend some pet friendly stores that do NOT have a high traffic of dogs.
I recommend teaching your dog about the world and about your relationship with them WITHOUT other dogs initially. This reason is two-fold. First, because places with other dogs put your puppy at risk for parvovirus despite vaccinations. Second, other dogs are a big distraction for your pup when they should be learning to focus on you first. First, you can start with exploring around your neighborhood on leash. Just be aware that parks where dogs visit can put your pup at risk while young.
If you want to do some training and exploring novelty out in public, I recommend some pet friendly stores that do NOT have a high traffic of dogs.
Examples of pet friendly stores that are less traveled by dogs include:
Michaels, JoAnn’s, Hobby Lobby, HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, At Home, Duluth Trading Co., Ace Hardware, Dick's Sporting Goods.
**Pet friendly stores vary from location to location - PLEASE call ahead of time to ask if they allow dogs on leash in store**
**Pet friendly stores vary from location to location - PLEASE call ahead of time to ask if they allow dogs on leash in store**
What does an outing in public look like with your puppy?
First, remember that it is always most important that your puppy have POSITIVE experiences to build their confidence. As mentioned earlier, you want to watch their body language in any new environment. Are they handling it well or are they overwhelmed or uncomfortable? If they are having a hard time in a new environment, maybe they are not ready for that experience. We do not want to push them into a bad experience.
If they are comfortable in the new environment, it is a great opportunity for your pup to explore all of the novelty around them. Let them approach things at their comfort and sniff/check things out. Sniffing is a form of enrichment and will both build their confidence with novelty and reduce some stress naturally.
As you are out in public, it is likely that you will come across strangers who are enamored by your beautiful puppy. You see their eyes widen and often times hear an “awww…”. I mean, who can't resist the charms of an adorable puppy? Okay, maybe not everyone – but you get the idea! While we often want to make them happy by offering them to pet our puppy, I have learned how important it is for us to let our puppies decide what they are comfortable with! Not every puppy wants to greet or be pet by strangers and that is OKAY! If a stranger asks if they can pet your puppy, here is what I tell them:
“Thanks for asking. Let’s see if he/she would like to say hi today. If you stay where you are and kneel down, I will let my pup CHOOSE.”
If your puppy is happy to go say hi on their own, that’s great! You can praise them for saying hi and begin to teach manners like sitting for attention.
If your puppy is hesitant and does not want to approach the stranger, that is OKAY. Stick up for your puppy and do not force it!! Tell them, “It looks like he/she isn’t feeling it today but thanks for asking!” If your pup is comfortable standing near, you can even chat with the stranger while smiling and relaxed without the pressure of attention on your pup. If they are still uneasy, give yourself some distance from people for that day. Remember, we want to avoid bad experiences at this age.
If they are comfortable in the new environment, it is a great opportunity for your pup to explore all of the novelty around them. Let them approach things at their comfort and sniff/check things out. Sniffing is a form of enrichment and will both build their confidence with novelty and reduce some stress naturally.
As you are out in public, it is likely that you will come across strangers who are enamored by your beautiful puppy. You see their eyes widen and often times hear an “awww…”. I mean, who can't resist the charms of an adorable puppy? Okay, maybe not everyone – but you get the idea! While we often want to make them happy by offering them to pet our puppy, I have learned how important it is for us to let our puppies decide what they are comfortable with! Not every puppy wants to greet or be pet by strangers and that is OKAY! If a stranger asks if they can pet your puppy, here is what I tell them:
“Thanks for asking. Let’s see if he/she would like to say hi today. If you stay where you are and kneel down, I will let my pup CHOOSE.”
If your puppy is happy to go say hi on their own, that’s great! You can praise them for saying hi and begin to teach manners like sitting for attention.
If your puppy is hesitant and does not want to approach the stranger, that is OKAY. Stick up for your puppy and do not force it!! Tell them, “It looks like he/she isn’t feeling it today but thanks for asking!” If your pup is comfortable standing near, you can even chat with the stranger while smiling and relaxed without the pressure of attention on your pup. If they are still uneasy, give yourself some distance from people for that day. Remember, we want to avoid bad experiences at this age.
Lastly.... but IMPORTANTLY...
Be mindful of YOUR emotional state when you are teaching your pup!
Be mindful of YOUR emotional state when you are teaching your pup!
It is important to consider how YOU, as the handler, are feeling when you are with your pup. Our emotions and level of stress can be felt by our puppies. I highly encourage YOU to be confident, happy, relaxed, and enjoying your time with your pup. When you are nervous, anxious, or stressed, you're increasing the chances that your pup may also feel the same way.
Be confident and happy! SMILE, even if you have to remind yourself! :)
Be confident and happy! SMILE, even if you have to remind yourself! :)
Next Section in Progress
Puppy Basics 102!
If you are new to PreciousGem Miniature American Shepherds, feel free to check out our Puppy Page for availability and litter plans!
[email protected]
801-834-4464 (text preferred)
[email protected]
801-834-4464 (text preferred)