Getting Ready for Your Mini Aussie or Australian Shepherd Puppy: The Essentials
What You’ll Need - And How to Use It with Confidence
Welcoming a new Mini Aussie, Mini American Shepherd, or Australian Shepherd puppy is exciting! But it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not sure what to expect. This page is here to help you prepare with confidence. Below, you’ll find the foods we use and recommend, the crate and travel items we trust, and a few simple tips to help your puppy settle in comfortably. Whether this is your first dog or your fifth, our goal is to make those first few days smoother for both you and your new pup. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition That Works for Our Aussie & Mini American Puppies
At Painted Blue Aussies, our feeding philosophy centers on efficacy for both our adult dogs and puppies, avoiding the assumption that pricier options are always superior. Puppies are started on a 50/50 mix of Pro Plan Sport 30/20 and Diamond Puppy, and we ask that families continue feeding either of these formulas for the first three months. The combination of adjusting to a new home and adapting to a new diet at the same time can be overwhelming for your Australian Shepherd puppy or Miniature American Shepherd puppy (also known as a Mini Aussie). It’s best to keep as much the same, as we can
Puppies are fed three times per day—morning, midday, and evening—until about 4 months old. After that, you can transition to twice daily feedings. We suggest starting with allowing growing puppies to eat their fill at each meal, but this can vary based on the puppy’s individual needs, growth, and appetite. Some puppies self-regulate well, while others may need closer portion control.
We recommend avoiding grain-free and raw diets. These feeding approaches have been linked to significant health concerns in veterinary research, and we’ve personally seen serious health issues arise in some of our puppies and dogs after switching to grain-free diets in their new homes. If you'd like to learn more, the AKC offers a helpful overview on diet-related DCM and the concerns around grain-free foods. Should you have questions about potential diet changes in the future, please reach out via text or email. We are committed to assisting our families in selecting the most suitable formula for their puppies' well-being at any stage of life.
A Note on Spay/Neuter and Weight Management
Before spay or neuter, many dogs self-regulate their intake well and maintain a healthy weight with free feeding or generous portions. However, once your puppy is spayed or neutered, their metabolism will naturally slow down, and they will likely be more prone to weight gain. At that point, it’s important to switch to measured, portion-controlled feeding to help prevent excess weight and support long-term health.
Recommended Puppy Formula #1
Our top recommendation for your puppy is Purina Pro Plan Sport 30/20 Chicken and Rice. This formula provides excellent nutrition to support healthy growth, strong muscle development, and overall wellness. We have found this formula works well for most puppies as their primary diet.
Recommended Puppy Formula #2
We start our puppies on a 50/50 mix of Diamond Puppy and Pro Plan Sport 30/20 to support a smooth transition into their new homes. Diamond Puppy provides solid nutrition at a more budget-friendly price, giving families flexibility while keeping pups on a food they’re already familiar with. Either feed can be a solid choice for your growing puppy.
Recommended Puppy Formula #3
We recommend Authority Chicken and Rice All Life Stages or puppy formula as a back up plan, should the Pro Plan Chicken and Rice or Diamond Puppy be out of stock.
.
Recommended Puppy Formula #4
If your puppy experiences digestive upset on the other recommended formulas, we suggest using Purina Pro Plan Lamb and Rice Puppy Formula as a temporary option. In our experience, lamb is often gentler on sensitive digestive systems and can help stabilize gut health. While we do not recommend lamb as a sole long-term diet, it can be an excellent choice for several months while your puppy’s digestion settles and matures. This formula still provides complete, balanced nutrition to support healthy growth during this transitional period.
Canine Rebound Recuperation Formula
This is a lifesaving rehydration remedy that proves invaluable whenever your beloved dog or puppy faces stress or illness. With a decade of personal use for my own dogs, I wholeheartedly endorse ALWAYS keeping this formula on hand.
.
Crate Training Guide: Essential for Your Australian Shepherd or Mini Aussie Puppy.
Crate Time Done Right: What We Recommend and Why
At Painted Blue Aussies, we wholeheartedly recommend crate training for your new Australian Shepherd puppy or new Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy (also known as a Mini Aussie or Mini American). Crate training isn’t just about keeping your puppy out of trouble. It’s about giving them a safe, secure place to rest and recharge. Australian Shepherds and Miniature American Shepherds or Mini Aussies naturally seek out den-like spaces, and when introduced properly, the crate becomes a calm retreat they choose on their own. It also plays a big role in helping with house training, managing energy, and setting a healthy daily rhythm. Whether you’re heading out for errands or settling in for the night, crate training gives your puppy structure and gives you peace of mind.. It sets the stage for structure, routine, and better house manners.
To help your puppy acclimate to their crate, we recommend feeding their meals inside the crate and always offering a high-value treat or safe chew when they go in. Crate games, short practice sessions, and calm encouragement all help create positive associations.
Puppies typically nap after meals, so this is an ideal time to guide them into the crate after eating. When they wake up, take them directly outside for a potty break—this pattern reinforces clean habits and helps prevent accidents.
-
Feed meals in the crate to help build a positive association with the space.
Offer a high-value chew or treat each time your puppy goes in. This helps them settle and makes crate time something to look forward to.
Always potty before and after crate time. This routine teaches them to keep their space clean and helps with housebreaking.
Expect a nap after meals—this is a great time to encourage crate rest.
Keep the crate nearby at night, especially early on, so your puppy feels safe and you can hear if they need a potty break.
Avoid using the crate for punishment. It should be a calm, safe place—not somewhere they associate with being in trouble.
-
Puppies thrive on predictable routines. Below is a typical schedule we follow for young puppies:
7:00 AM: Wake and potty
7:15 AM: Breakfast in crate, short play
8:00 AM: Nap in crate
10:00 AM: Potty and short activity
11:00 AM: Midday meal, nap
1:00 PM: Potty and play
3:00 PM: Quiet crate time
5:00 PM: Dinner, crate rest
6:00 PM: Potty and family time
8:00 PM: Final potty, wind down
9:00 PM: Crate for bedtime
Each time your puppy comes out of the crate, take them directly outside to potty. And always give them a chance to go before putting them in. This builds clean habits and helps house training click faster.
-
Crate training doesn’t always go perfectly from day one. That’s a version of normal! If your puppy whines, cries, or resists the crate, it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re doing something wrong. Here are some helpful tips:
Don’t let them out while they’re fussing. Wait for even a brief moment of quiet before opening the door. This teaches them that calm behavior gets them out, rather than reinforcing barking.
Keep crate time positive. I always give a small high value treat from the cookie jar and occasioanlly I offer a special chew (like a frozen Kong) when they go in. Save the best rewards for crate use only.
Avoid using the crate as punishment. It should always feel like a safe and peaceful place.
Double-check potty needs. Puppies who are truly uncomfortable may need a potty break, especially if it’s been a while.
Build up crate time gradually. Start with short, low-stress sessions and increase as they grow more confident. Play crate games and offer rewards.
Stick to the routine. Most crate resistance improves quickly with consistency.
-
A properly sized crate is key to helping your puppy feel secure. Here’s what we recommend:
Size it just right. Your puppy should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but not have room to potty in a corner.
Use a divider if needed. Many wire crates come with a divider panel so you can resize as your puppy grows.
We recommend crate pads or soft bedding that’s easy to wash but still cozy. Avoid overly fluffy bedding for very young pups who might chew.
Place the crate in a social but low-traffic area. Puppies often do best when they can see and hear you, without constant stimulation.
Covering the crate with a light blanket can help reduce visual distractions and create a cozy den-like feel.
Airline-style plastic crates are great for travel and are often preferred by puppies who like enclosed spaces. Wire crates allow better visibility and airflow, so either can work depending on your dog.
-
Accidents in the crate are frustrating, but they’re also a sign that something needs adjusting and it’s usually fixable with a few changes:
Check crate size first. If the crate is too large, your puppy may find a corner to potty in and still sleep comfortably elsewhere. If this is happening, use a divider or switch to a smaller crate temporarily.
Keep a log of potty times. Puppies often go at predictable intervals. If they’re having accidents in the crate, they may need to go out more frequently or aren’t fully emptying outside. Younger puppies tend to need more potty breaks.
Make sure they’ve truly gone before crating. Some puppies get distracted or don’t fully finish. Give them plenty of time, and consider a second chance to potty before putting them up.
Clean accidents thoroughly. Use an enzymatic cleaner to fully remove scent from bedding and crate surfaces. Otherwise, they may keep returning to the same spot.
Avoid leaving bedding if needed. Some puppies will potty on soft surfaces. Temporarily removing bedding can help break that pattern.
Don’t scold or punish. It can confuse your puppy and create anxiety around crate use. Just calmly clean it up and adjust your strategy.
Most crate accidents improve quickly with consistent potty timing, the right crate size, and close supervision during the retraining process.
Medium Crate
30" Crate with divider for your Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy or Miniature American Shepherd puppy
Large Crate
36" Crate with divider for your Australian Shepherd puppy
Extra Large Crate
A 42-inch crate offers extra space and is ideal for adult dogs who like to stretch out fully when they sleep. We keep a few of these on hand for dogs in our program who prefer a bit more room to relax comfortably.
Medium Crate Cover
30" Crate with divider for your Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy or Miniature American Shepherd puppy
Large Crate Cover
A crate cover can help create a den-like environment that feels safe and cozy for your dog. It’s especially helpful for puppies during crate training and for adult dogs who rest more peacefully with reduced visual stimulation.
Extra Large Crate Cover
A crate cover can help create a den-like environment that feels safe and cozy for your dog. It’s especially helpful for puppies during crate training and for adult dogs who rest more peacefully with reduced visual stimulation.
Pillows and Blankets? Bedding - Keep it simple
When you bring home your Australian Shepherd puppy or your mini size Australian Shepherd puppy from Painted Blue Aussies, they will arrive with a comforting blanket that carries the familiar scent of their mother and siblings. Alongside this, we suggest providing a straightforward bolster bed for their crate. In the initial stages, we advise against introducing extra bedding into the crate. Puppies are prone to accidents during their early stages, and minimizing bedding can simplify cleaning and help maintain your peace of mind. We recommend purchasing 2 bolster beds if feasible, so a clean bed is always ready and on hand.
Medium Crate Pad
30" Crate pad for your Miniature Australian Shepherd puppy and/or Miniature American Shepherd puppy
Large Crate Pad
36" Crate pad for your Australian Shepherd puppy