Frequently Asked Questions

We start the pups out on Pedigree Puppy Growth & Protection. You can use any puppy/dog food you would like. You will have to mix the current food with the new food for about a week until the puppies digestive track gets use to the new food source. This will help with digestive problems that may accure.

It is best to feed your puppy when you eat; breakfast and dinner. You may notice the puppy is hungry at lunch time and may need to be fed three times a day.

Routine is key to potty training! Follow a strict daily schedule for meals, playtime and potty time. Keep an elimination log for the puppy; knowing when a puppy is most likely to eliminate, can ensure he is always taken out at that time. Puppy's usually defecate after meals, hard playing, waking up and chewign an edible chew. If the puppy is runny looose in the house it is best to take him outside to potty ever 20 minutes. When taking your puppy to eliminate, take them out on a leash. This will provide opportunities to reward elimination outdoors, ensures the puppy does potty and teaches him/her to do so when on leash. Choose a boring part of the yard with no or minimal distractions and wait for the puppy to eliminate. As the puppy goes potty, say "Yes" softly and reward him with tasty treat. After the puppy eliminates, allow him/her to play in the yard; this teaches him/her to potty first and play later.

Crate trainin is one of the hardest things for some puppies! At Stover's Australian Shepherd's; we start this painful process for our buyers. Each Kennel is set up with hanging and lose toys, buddy bear w/heart tones, and blanket. Behind the kennel to the rear; a Mirror w/ a motion night light is placed. Each kennel has a cover to three sides. The puppies are fed inside their kennels at every feeding. If your puppy eats toys; do not put toys in the kennel for them.