Welcoming a new Australian Shepherd puppy into your family is exciting—and having the right tools from day one makes the transition smoother for both you and your pup. Below are our recommended products that we use and trust, with explanations of why they’re especially helpful for Aussies.
Crates & Kennels
.Why we recommend them:
Crates provide your puppy with a safe, den-like space that helps with house training, prevents destructive behavior, and gives them a quiet spot to relax.
Australian Shepherds are highly intelligent and energetic; starting crate training early helps set boundaries while still offering comfort and security.
A properly sized crate allows your puppy to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably but not so large that accidents are encouraged.
Wire Dog Crate with Double Doors and Divider
Wire kennels are one of the best choices for raising an Australian Shepherd puppy at home. They’re sturdy, easy to clean, and give your puppy the security of their own “den” space while still allowing good airflow and visibility.
The double doors provide flexible placement in your home and make it easier to access your pup no matter where the crate is located.
The divider panel is especially helpful during potty training: you can start with a smaller space inside the crate so your puppy doesn’t have extra room to have accidents. As they grow and learn, you can move the divider back to give them more space. This means you can buy a larger crate right away—one that will fit your Aussie for life—without sacrificing the effectiveness of early training.
Price Starting at ~$23
Soft Collapsible Dog Crate
Soft crates are a great option once your Australian Shepherd is fully potty trained and has learned to settle calmly in a confined space. They’re lightweight, easy to set up and fold down, and perfect for travel, vet visits, training classes, or overnight stays away from home.
Because they’re made with fabric and mesh, they’re not designed for chewing puppies or dogs still learning crate manners—but for a trained Aussie, they provide a cozy, den-like retreat that’s comfortable and portable. The collapsible design also makes storage and transport simple, so you can always bring your pup’s “home away from home” along.
Prices Starting at ~$50
Furniture Kennel with Storage
Furniture-style kennels are perfect for families who want their dog’s crate to blend seamlessly into their home. These kennels double as a functional piece of furniture—often with a wood top and additional shelving—so they can serve as an end table, console, or storage unit while still giving your Aussie a safe and cozy resting spot.
They’re especially useful once your puppy is older and fully crate trained. Unlike wire crates, these are designed more for style and everyday comfort than for heavy-duty training. For a breed like the Australian Shepherd, which thrives on being close to family, furniture kennels let the crate live in your main living area without looking out of place—keeping your pup nearby while maintaining a polished home aesthetic.
Price Starting at ~$150
Ruffland Kennel
Ruff Land Kennels are a top choice for safe, secure transport—whether you’re heading to the vet, training classes, or longer road trips. Made from durable, one-piece molded plastic, these kennels are built to withstand impact while keeping your Aussie comfortable and contained.
For Australian Shepherds, who often travel for hikes, shows, or adventures, Ruff Land crates provide peace of mind. Their sturdy design helps prevent chewing or damage during transport, and the solid build makes them a safer option compared to lighter wire or fabric crates. Ventilation holes keep airflow consistent, and their stackable, easy-to-clean design makes them especially practical for active families.
While Ruff Land Kennels aren’t meant to replace your at-home crate, they’re ideal for on-the-go use—giving you a reliable, crash-tested option that keeps your Aussie secure during travel.
Price Starting at ~$350
Grooming Tools
Australian Shepherds have a double coat that requires consistent maintenance to stay healthy and mat-free.
Slicker Brush: Essential for removing tangles and loose undercoat, especially during seasonal shedding.
Metal Comb: Reaches deep into the coat to prevent mats from forming behind the ears, under the armpits, and on the belly.
Nail Clippers/Grinder: Keeps nails short and healthy to avoid joint stress and slipping.
Dog Blow Dryer: Regular dryers get too hot; a dog-specific dryer helps fully dry the thick undercoat after baths, preventing hotspots or mildew smell.
Slicker Brush
A slicker brush is a must-have for Australian Shepherds. Their double coats shed year-round, and the slicker brush helps remove loose undercoat, dirt, and small tangles before they turn into mats. Regular use keeps your Aussie’s coat healthy, shiny, and more comfortable—plus, it reduces the amount of hair shed around your home.
Metal Comb
While a slicker brush tackles surface shedding, a sturdy metal comb is essential for reaching deep into the coat. It’s especially useful behind the ears, under the legs, and on the belly where mats can form quickly in Aussies. Using a comb after brushing ensures no hidden knots are left behind, keeping the coat smooth and skin irritation-free.
Nail Clippers (or Grinder)
Keeping nails trimmed is important for joint health and comfort. Overgrown nails can affect your Aussie’s gait and even cause long-term issues. Regular nail care prevents slipping on floors and discomfort during play. A quality pair of clippers—or a grinder for smoother edges—makes the process quicker, safer, and less stressful for both you and your pup.
Canine Blow Dryer
Australian Shepherds have thick coats that hold onto water after baths. A dog-specific blow dryer (different from human dryers that get too hot) safely pushes air through the undercoat, drying them fully and preventing hotspots, mildew smell, or skin irritation. It also helps blow out loose fur during shedding season, making grooming faster and easier.
Treats
Why we recommend natural treats:
Many store-bought treats are full of fillers, dyes, and preservatives that can upset sensitive stomachs.
Aussies thrive on high-quality, all-natural treats that support both training and overall health.
Single-ingredient treats (like freeze-dried liver, beef lung, or sweet potato chews) are fantastic for training and reward without unnecessary extras.
NutriSource Element Freeze-Dried Bites
These bites are made with high-quality protein sources and minimal processing, making them a clean and healthy option for training or rewarding. Because they’re freeze-dried, they lock in nutrients and flavor while staying lightweight and easy to carry. For Aussies, who thrive on balanced nutrition, these treats provide energy and focus during training without unnecessary fillers.
Pupford Training Treats
Pupford treats are tiny, low-calorie rewards—perfect for high-repetition training sessions. Since Australian Shepherds are extremely food-motivated and eager learners, these small treats allow you to reward often without overfeeding. Their simple, natural ingredient lists also make them gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Vitals Essentials Freeze-Dried Treats
Vital Essentials offers single-ingredient treats like beef liver or minnows—excellent for dogs with sensitive systems or families who want the cleanest possible snack. The strong aroma makes them irresistible for Aussies, making them a fantastic “high-value” reward when you really need your pup’s full attention (like recall training or distraction work).
Open Farm Treats
Open Farm treats are crafted with ethically sourced ingredients and focus on transparency in sourcing. They’re a great option for owners who want a healthier, responsibly made reward for their dogs. With balanced protein and natural ingredients, they support long-term health while still being tasty enough to keep your Aussie engaged during training.
Food: NutriSource Element Open Waters
Why we feed this:
Balanced nutrition with high-quality protein sources supports the active lifestyle of Australian Shepherds.
Formulated for strong muscle development, healthy skin and coat, and sustained energy levels.
We have found it keeps stools firm and coats shiny, while being gentle on sensitive stomachs.
Training Tools
Training is essential with Aussies—these smart, energetic dogs need structure and mental stimulation.
Treat Training Bags: Convenient, hands-free way to carry small training treats during walks and classes.
Clickers: Reinforces clear communication for marker training—perfect for Aussies who learn fast.
Balls & Fetch Toys: Channel their herding and chasing instincts into healthy play.
Snuffle Mats & Puzzle Toys: Provide mental enrichment and help prevent boredom when inside.
Slow Feeder Bowls: Encourage slower eating, which aids digestion and reduces the risk of bloat.
Treat Training Bags
Training bags keep rewards close at hand, making it easier to reinforce good behavior the moment it happens. For Aussies, who learn quickly and respond best to immediate feedback, having treats ready is essential. A hands-free pouch also keeps your pockets crumb-free during walks or classes.
Clickers
Clicker training is one of the clearest ways to communicate with a smart breed like the Australian Shepherd. The crisp “click” sound marks the exact moment your dog gets something right, making learning faster and more precise. Paired with treats, clickers help shape behaviors from basic obedience to advanced tricks.
Balls & Fetch Toys
Fetch is a natural outlet for your Aussie’s high energy and herding instincts. Durable balls and toys provide both physical exercise and mental stimulation while strengthening your bond. They’re also great for recall practice—teaching your pup to run out, grab a toy, and return with focus.
Snuffle Mats
Snuffle mats encourage your dog to use their nose to find hidden treats, tapping into natural foraging instincts. Aussies are highly intelligent and curious, and snuffle mats provide calming mental enrichment while slowing down mealtime or keeping them occupied on rainy days.
Puzzle Toys
Puzzle toys challenge your Aussie to think, problem-solve, and stay busy in a constructive way. These toys are especially helpful for preventing boredom—a common cause of mischief in this energetic breed. Regular use keeps their mind sharp and provides an outlet for their working-dog brain.
Slow Feeder Bowls
Australian Shepherds tend to eat with enthusiasm, which can cause digestive issues if meals are too fast. Slow feeder bowls turn mealtime into a puzzle, encouraging slower eating and aiding digestion. They also add an element of enrichment, making mealtime more engaging and less rushed.
Best Natural Supplements
Supplements can be a helpful addition to your dog’s diet—especially for active, intelligent breeds like Australian Shepherds. While a high-quality food lays the foundation, targeted supplements can support areas like gut health, skin & coat condition, joint mobility, and overall wellness. Good supplements are formulated with clean, effective ingredients—no fillers, artificial additives, or unnecessary fluff. At bffaussies.com we recommend choosing products that are: vet-developed, clean-label, and taste-tested so your Aussie actually eats them. Supplements don’t replace a balanced diet, exercise, training and vet care—but they can help your pup thrive, support lifelong health, and give you peace of mind.
(Always check with your veterinarian before adding any new supplement, especially for puppies or dogs with special needs.)
Native Pet: The Daily
An all-in-one super supplement that supports whole-body health: gut, skin & coat, joints, immunity, heart and more. Native Pet+3Native Pet+3Native Pet+3
Key ingredients include probiotic blend, pumpkin prebiotic fiber, collagen (beef broth), glucosamine + chondroitin for joint support, DHA, taurine, zinc, vitamin C and more. Native Pet
Why it’s especially good for Australian Shepherds: This breed tends to have high activity, shedding, and needs joint/mobility support plus hearty nutrition for their energetic lifestyle—so an all-in-one formula covers a lot of bases.
Usage tip: One scoop per ~25 lbs of body weight (according to the manufacturer) given with or after a meal. Native Pet
Native Pet: Omega Oil
A concentrated omega-3 fatty acid supplement designed to support skin and coat health, joint mobility and heart function. Native Pet+1
Why it’s beneficial for Australian Shepherds: Aussies have a thick double coat and often benefit from extra omega-3s to maintain skin/coat health, reduce shedding and support joint recovery after high activity.
Usage tip: Use as directed (check label for dosage) and always mix with food to ensure your pup ingests it.
Native Pet: Probiotic
A supplement focused on gut health: blending prebiotics + probiotics to support digestive function, healthy stool, and sensitive stomachs. Native Pet+1
Why it matters for Australian Shepherds: With their high energy and sometimes sensitive systems, keeping digestion stable helps avoid upset stomachs, loose stools, or disruptions when their routine changes (travel, shows, training).
Usage tip: Introduce gradually, monitor stool quality and overall digestion, and evaluate after a few weeks of consistent use.
Native Pet: Skin + Coat Chews
A targeted supplement (in chew form) focused on reducing excessive shedding and supporting a healthy, lustrous coat. Native Pet+1
Why this is great for Australian Shepherds: Their coat maintenance is a big part of their care, and shedding seasons can be intense. A supplement that supports coat health can reduce loose undercoat, promote skin health, and make grooming easier.
Usage tip: Provide as part of their daily treat/supplement routine, ensure consistent use and pair with regular brush/comb grooming for best results.
Why These Tools Matter for Aussies
Australian Shepherds are incredibly bright, active, and people-oriented dogs. With the right mix of structure (crates and training tools), grooming (to keep their coat healthy), nutrition (quality food and treats), and enrichment (toys, puzzles, and feeders), your puppy will thrive as a happy, well-adjusted companion.