your own dog. That application also requires you to submit the name you have chosen for your new puppy.
A Kelpie in his element. Learn all you can about your puppy’s lineage and the depth of working ability over several generations.
A health certificate from a veterinarian should also accompany the puppy when you purchase him. That certificate should list any immunizations given to the puppy by the veterinarian as well as any future shots that will be required.
Various breeds of dog have various hereditary and other health problems particular to their breed. Australian Kelpie owners, however, are blessed to have one of the healthiest breeds of all. There are, however, some problems that need to be mentioned. In Australian Kelpies, genetic bone disorders have been found as well as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a degenerative eye disease that eventually leads to blindness. Hip dysplasia is occasionally found in Kelpies; this is a problem that has been seen in many breeds of dog. It is the malformation of the hip’s ball-and-socket joint. In some dogs, the problem is severe and causes pain and lameness. In other cases, the problem is mild, and the dog can live his entire life without suffering or showing signs of discomfort. In the case of elbow dysplasia, a similar problem, the ulna (a bone in the upper arm) fails to fuse with the rest of the bone of the arm, resulting in abnormal development that causes lameness and pain.
THE FIRST FAMILY MEETING
Your puppy’s first day at home should be quiet and uneventful. Despite his wagging tail, he is still wondering where his mom and siblings are! Let him make friends with other members of the family on his own terms; don’t overwhelm him. You have a lifetime ahead to get to know each other!
Both of these conditions can be detected by testing once the dog is two years old. A certifying organization such as the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) will issue the results of the tests and give certification to those dogs deemed suitable for breeding. Ask the breeder to see certification on both of your pup’s parents, as reputable breeders only breed from certified dysplasia-free animals.
The Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) issues similar clearances for dogs found to be free of eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts, both of which cause blindness. Reputable breeders are anxious to identify and eliminate dogs from their breed’s gene pool who carry hereditary health problems. This is one more reason why purchasing a pet from a responsible breeder greatly increases the odds of a healthy and sound puppy.
Among the herding breeds, Kelpies are known for their affinity for children.
YOUR AUSTRALIAN KELPIE SHOPPING LIST
Just as expectant parents prepare a nursery for their baby, so should you ready your home for the arrival of your Australian Kelpie pup. If you have the necessary puppy supplies purchased and in place before he comes home, it will ease the puppy’s transition from the warmth and familiarity of his mom and littermates to the brand-new environment of his new home and human family. You will be too busy to stock up and prepare your house after your pup comes home, that’s for sure! Imagine how a pup must feel upon being transported to a strange new place. It’s up to you to comfort him and to let your little pup know that he is going to be happy with you!
FOOD AND WATER BOWLS
Your puppy will need separate bowls for his food and water. Stainless steel pans are generally preferred over plastic bowls since they sterilize better and pups are less inclined to chew on the metal. Heavy-duty ceramic bowls are popular, but consider how often you will have to pick up those heavy bowls. Buy adult-sized pans, as your puppy will grow into them quickly.
Stainless steel bowls are popular choices as they are durable, easy to clean and resistant to chewing.
THE DOG CRATE
If you think that crates are tools of punishment and confinement for when a dog has misbehaved, think again. Most breeders and almost all trainers recommend a crate as the preferred house-training aid as well as for all-around puppy training and safety. Because dogs are natural den creatures that prefer cave-like environments, the benefits of crate use are many. The crate provides the puppy with his very own “safe house,” a cozy place to sleep, take a break or seek comfort with a favorite toy; a travel aid to house your dog when on the road, at motels or at the vet’s office; a training aid to help teach your puppy proper toileting habits; and a place of solitude when non-dog people happen to drop by and don’t want a lively puppy—or even a well-behaved adult dog—saying hello or begging for attention.
Crates come in several types, although the wire crate and the fiberglass airline-type crate are the most popular. Both are safe and your puppy will adjust to either one, so the choice is up to you. The wire crates offer better visibility for the pup as well as better ventilation. Many of the wire crates easily collapse into suitcase-size carriers. The fiberglass crates, similar to those used by the airlines for animal transport, are sturdier and more den-like. However, the fiberglass crates do not collapse and are less ventilated than wire crates; this can be problematic in hot weather. Some of the newer crates are made of heavy plastic mesh; they are very lightweight and fold up into slim-line suitcases. However, a mesh crate might not be suitable for a pup with manic chewing habits.
Crates can be purchased at your local pet-supply shop. Since the crate should last a dog’s lifetime, get one large enough for a fully grown dog.
Don’t bother with a puppy-sized crate. Although your Australian Kelpie will be a little fellow when you bring him home, he will grow up in the blink of an eye and your puppy crate will be useless. Purchase a crate that will accommodate an adult Australian Kelpie. The Kelpie is a medium-sized dog, but size can vary, so use the breeder’s knowledge of how his line matures to help you predict your Kelpie’s eventual size.
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