Puppy Care/ Raising a 4Feathers Puppy
My adult dogs' diets depend on the dog, most all eat the same dog food.
Most of the adults eat Val U Pak BLACK dogfood, full feed at all times in front of them, however the moms are given special diets prior to birth and after.
My puppies are literally handled at birth. My initial goal is to let mom do what is extremely natural and necessary, for her benefit as well as the puppy's. I am there at all times just in case. Once mom has done her job, I ensure the puppy gets the first touch by a human by getting them on heat as soon as possible, especially since mom is cleaning up, once they have reached their initial body temp, they go right to mom and typically start nursing immediately. Within the first 12 hours, they each receive a dose of Natures Mate colostrum gel. They will then receive Nutri Cal daily up until they are eating on their own, at this point they are given a diet specifically to meet their growing needs, typically I start out with what I call mush, which is lamb, rice, some health additives, topped/ mixed with dried goats milk, all pureed so the puppies have ease to digest. My feeding program is structured for the individual dog, some eat the same thing, others have a special diet to benefit their needs. Puppies will be started on what fits the particular litters needs and doing well with this diet by the time they are going home.
Once the puppies have at least one vaccination and comprehend the aspect of staying with myself and mom, we go on adventures which include creeks, timber and open space, not only do I do this so they can learn terrain, but this gives them a great start to staying close while exploring life. They do not grow up in a bubble, they grow up here with other animals, farm type sights and sounds, lots of wildlife and daily chaos of the 'country life". They are handled, played with by me and my grands daily. On our adventures, they have free will in the regards they are not leashed, I practice this method so they will understand the importance of staying with you off leash, having excellent call backs, and understanding when they have free time to romp and play safely, they still need to be mindful and watch for your direction. I typically will not even leash a puppy until they are right at 4 to 6 months, however by that time, they are well versed on the concept of staying with you, so it isn't a dramatic change once you leash them. Often people do not realize all that goes into raising Australian Shepherds, or any dog for that matter...it is a full-time job, sometimes the elements are not in our favor, and clearly things can go wrong at any time. Striving to have Aussies healthy is the top goal with age-appropriate vaccinations, dewormings and all the extra, but things can still happen even with all the effort. Still measures are taken to prevent any issues, all puppies are different, whether it be immunity, internal stressing once leaving or whatever the case may be, time works out all issues typically in a few days. The goal is to have confident eight to nine week old puppies ready for life!
***Due to past experiences here on the farm, with an enormous loss of animals and theft, I no longer allow visitors. I am more than happy to face time, video call or whatever makes you comfortable. If that is not sufficient, I will happily refer you to a breeder who allows visits on their property. ***
I send weekly photos, and videos of your puppy until they leave my care and here for the lifetime of dog. When the puppy is ready to go home, they will have their registration paperwork, health records, enough food they are eating to transition to what you desire and toys they enjoy.
I send weekly photos, and videos of your puppy until they leave my care and here for the lifetime of dog. When the puppy is ready to go home, they will have their registration paperwork, health records, enough food they are eating to transition to what you desire and toys they enjoy.