Where Dreams Really Do Come True 
Great Spirit Australian Shepherds
Aussies Since 2007 ~ Selah!
Great Spirit Australian Shepherds
is an ASCA Registered Kennel
Lifetime Members of ASCA
Puppy Care
Puppy and Furry Friend Care
"The Structure and Movement of the Australian Shepherd in Drawings" by Victoria Mistretta Considering finding just the right Australian shepherd fur kiddo to add to your family? Are you asking what is the meaning behind Australian Shepherd Breed Standard? A very good book to help you make an informed purchase of your new Aussie poochie would be shown in the link: http://www.mistrettaaussies.com/book.html
Nutrition
~ Great Spirit Dogs Are Fed High Quality Foods ~
Our Australian shepherd puppies are fed puppy food 3 times a day. Amounts change by growth stages. Puppies daily total intake may be 6 cups per day. At around six months we change the puppies over to adult dog food twice a day.
Our older puppies are doing well and maintaining good weights on 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 cupsMerricks Turducken twice a day.
Our Adult dogs are fed 2 times a day. Our Adult dogs are doing well on 1 cup to 2 1/2 Merricks Turducken twice a day.
Note: The calorie content varies by brands. Lesser brands often require more feed to meet the same nutritional needs.
We have also used a nutritional supplement called "Show Stopper" that is reported to be good for their coat.
Show Stopper may be purchased on-line or at AKC dog shows.
Some use Salmon Oil capsules that are reported to be good for their joints, coat and general health.
Salmon Oil capsules may be purchased wherever supplements are sold.
Also, our dogs always appreciate a special treat such as peanut butter, yogurt, cottage cheese, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, rice & hamburger, frozen raw chicken parts, and our dogs favorite.... String Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese.
"Pro Plan Puppy" and "Pro Plan Adult"
Can be easily found at your local pet supply or PetSmart.
Our current choice ~ "Merrick Puppy Plate" and for our adults "Merrick Turducken"
Merrick brand and many other brands may be purchased online and is delivered to your door!
BARF Diet
http://www.barfworld.com/
Interested in feeding a natural diet? What is the BARF Diet? BARF is an acronym for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food. It’s about feeding pets responsibly and properly to maximize health, longevity and reduce allergies and vet bills. The diet is based on human grade whole foods including raw meat, finely ground bones, official and other healthy ingredients such as fruit and vegetables. To find out more see the link above.
Water
Water by Earl Mindell, R.Ph.D. totalhealth magazine The most important nutrient you give your dog is water, so it is vital to provide access to pure, clean water at all times. Earl Mindell R.PH., PH.D. http://www.totalhealthmagazine.com/Pets/waterbyearlminde.html www.totalhealthmagazine.com
Stainless Steel Pails
For Food 1qt and Water 2 qt
http://www.revivalanimal.com/Stainless-Steel-Pails.html
Home Baked Dog Cookies
E-How link ~ http://www.ehow.com/way_5173177_recipes-homemade-dog-cookies.html
Crates for Home and Secure Car Travel
Precision Pet deluxe 3-door Great Crate Sterling by Precision Pet
Comes in various sizes. Great for home and mini van.
Jumbo 6000 48X30X33 is extra roomy and nice.
This model can be found on sale for around $129 with free shipping.
http://www.amazon.com/Precision-Pet-3-Door-Deluxe-Sterling/dp/B00107ZO4O/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Training and Activity Aides
Your dog's training treats would count toward their total daily calorie count! Agility Fun!
We break the mini treats in half. A slip leash is nice for quick transfers
from car to house. A popular favorite shown is a deer antler chew.
Training ~ A series of expert Training Classes are so important and worthwhile for Australian Shepherds and their owners. Ask for training referrals in your area. Below are a few of my favorites online resources in the area of training. If you have something you like in the area of training, please send it as an email link and perhaps I can make it available here to others.
Who's In Charge Here?
~ a lesson in becoming alpha
This article was written by Vicki DeGruy
http://www.chowwelfare.com/cciw/alpha.htm
Dog Parks~Some thoughts to consider first!
Valid reasons why a Dog Park may be harmful.
This article was written by Ed Fralwy
http://leerburg.com/pdf/dogparks.pdf
Free Leerburg Training Articles on just about every subject
Ed Fralwy of Leerburg Kennels is a dog trainer and breeder of German Shepherds. Leerburg Kennels is also one of the top German Shepherd breeding facilities in America.
Topical articles written by Ed Fralwy of Leerburg
http://leerburg.com/articles.htm
"How To Housebreak Your Puppy"
http://leerburg.com/housebrk.htm
DVD's by Ed Fralwy of Leerburg come in a variety of topics and each one has been excellent!!!
We have watched the Leeburg DVD's as a family, discussed what was shown, and then we tried together to put the ideas shown into practice. After trying to raise 4 puppies together, I think we are ready for the refresher course! :9
Below are a couple Leerburg DVD's that may be of interest:
DVD Video ~ "Your Puppy 8 Weeks to 8 Months" DVD by Ed Fralwy of Leerburg
http://leerburg.com/120.htm
DVD Video ~ "Basic Dog Obedience" DVD by Ed Fralwy of Leerburg
http://leerburg.com/302.htm
Spruce Up That Back Yard ~ Creative ideas for yard enclosures by Ed Fralwy of Leerburg
Now, I can think of some creative, "inside the home" ideas after viewing Mr. Fralwy's outside ideas!
http://leerburg.com/kennel.htm
Ed Fralwy, says I get a lot of emails in which people talk about problems with their dogs that occur when they are not home. My answer is that they need to keep their dog in a dog crate, a fenced yard, or a dog kennel when they are gone. If the dog is in an enclosure it cannot hurt anything.
Grooming Australian Shepherds
This You Tube video does not show pants or ears, but it is very good.
You Tube -"Grooming An Australian Shepherd" Posted by Erin Keechak
This You Tube video is a bit longer, but does show pants, tail and ears grooming.
You Tube "Grooming Your Australian Shepherd" Posted by www.bluenoteaussies.com
Shown below are some of our favorite collection of grooming products and tools.
(shown) Chris Christensen - Kool Dry Dog Dryer, Variable Speed, Very Quiet http://www.showdogstore.com/kool-dry-dog-dryer.aspx
So nice to own, especially if you are washing and drying more than one or two dogs...
Care of Teeth
Poultry Flavor toothpaste is a favorite! Regular Teeth Brushing and Vet Care
Just as with us, canine digestion begins in the mouth,
and regular tooth brushing goes along with bathing
and grooming routines.
Need to Know How To Set Ears?
EARS: Goes without saying, breeders will want to select sires
and dams for correct Australian shepherd ear set. However,
if your puppy is showing signs of needing ear training here are
two possible solutions shown below.
"Lincoln" has his tops down
to cool his head!!! D.M.
"Taping" and Training Your Puppy's Ears
Might your puppy be best served by taping ears. Speak to your breeder. This You Tube video may help you get started.
You Tube - "Setting Your Australian Shepherd's Ears" Posted by kingsferryaussies
"Glue Method" of Training Your Puppy's Ears
Might your puppy be best served by gluing ears. Speak to your breeder.
Shut-Eye Cement is made for use
on animals. A small amount is used,
and the ears are set in place.
Good To know ~ Medical Information
VACINATIONS ~ Dr. Jean Dodds
http://www.weim.net/emberweims/Vaccine.html
Minimal Vaccination Protocol - Give your pet health and a long life.
Do consider not over vaccinating your pet.
Australian Shepherd Drug Reactions ~ MDR1 Drug List - Download MDR1 Drug List
http://www.miniaussierescue.org/BusterAlert/bustersPage.html
(Drug List at the bottom of the click able link above.)
Australian shepherds may have life threatening reactions to certain drugs and routine medications.
Know Which Drugs To Avoid! Plan to Protect your pet!
Worming Medicine
3 to 4 times per year as recommended by your veterinarian.
Panicur C 4 gram granular packet treats 40lbs (1 gram pk for puppies 10 lbs) Broad Spectrum and considered safe for Australian shepherds. For the treatment and control of Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, and Tapeworms. Safe for use in puppies 6 weeks or older and adult dogs, including pregnant bitches. Mix graduals into cottage cheese. Sale Price: $8.39 http://www.vetmedicines.com/panacurc4gram.aspx
Nemix Tabs for large dogs each tablet treats 50lbs Treats the removal of roundworms and hookworms in dogs, and considered safe for Australian shepherds. Tablet may be given easily inside a "Pill Pocket".
Neutering or Spaying Your Companion Pet
The Question Of Neutering and at What Age
http://www.littleriverlabs.com/neuter.htm
Cost of Owning a Dog ~
It is wise advice to purchase a "well made puppy" from a breeder who has completed health checks on the parents of your puppy; and whose reason for breeding is to gain something to keep for themselves from the litter, and who will stand by their dog with a return clause written into the contract.
Since there are many ways and products available for canine care, we have shown you only one way, ours! If you have additional favorites that might be included on this page...please email me at australian.shepherds.us@gmail.com
It is understood, Great Spirit Aussies makes no endorsements of products shown. For your information only.
Always seek the advise of your veterinarian.
Copyright 2008 Site Content and Great Spirit Australian Shepherds. All rights reserved. Produced by Linda Reau
