Gifts for an Australian Shepherd Puppy: What Kai Actually Uses
Kai's a red merle Aussie from a Virginia breeder, born July 2024. Here's what I'd wrap up for someone bringing home an Aussie puppy, and every pick is something Kai uses. If you need the setup list first, everything you actually need first is on our Australian Shepherd puppy essentials checklist.
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Puppy gifts by price
Under $25
KONG Classic, medium
Kai's busy toy. A KONG after walks helps the off-switch, and frozen it turns into crate-time work.
Bocce's Quack Quack Quack
Bocce's Quack Quack Quack is Kai's everyday training treat. The bites are soft and small enough to mark fast.
Pupford freeze-dried liver
Kai's freeze-dried liver is Pupford. We use it as a training bite.
Pettom Butter Comb
Getting a puppy used to being handled and groomed early is the point here. This is the comb I use on Kai now, after the slicker.
$25 to $80
SmartPetLove Snuggle Puppy
Before Kai came home I sent his to his breeder in Virginia so it could pick up his mom's scent. It went in his crate for those first nights, and he still loves it.
2 Hounds Design Freedom Harness
This is Kai's harness. He wears the 1 inch Medium. It isn't chew-proof, but it comes with a chew warranty for a small replacement fee.
Chris Christensen Big G Slicker
I use the Big G slicker on Kai, then the Pettom comb after it. Nice pair to gift together.
$80 and up
Shernbao Super Cyclone Dryer
We use this on Kai on heavy wet days. Really helpful with his double coat.
Toys
Kai's KONG is up top. For the full rundown, see our puppy toys guide.
QDAN Herding Soccer Ball
Kai loves this ball and has so much fun with it.
Chuckit Flying Squirrel, medium
Kai's fetch toy is the Chuckit Flying Squirrel. It's for throwing, not a hold.
FAQ
What's a good gift for someone getting an Aussie puppy?
A Snuggle Puppy if you can get it to them before pickup, so it can go to the breeder and pick up the mom's scent. That's what we did for Kai.
Are treats a good puppy gift?
Yes. Soft, small bites are what you use for training reps. Kai's everyday one is Bocce's Quack, and his freeze-dried liver is Pupford. Check with the owner on food first.
What size harness should I get for an Aussie puppy?
Check the sizing on the listing against the puppy. Kai wears the 1 inch Medium in the 2 Hounds Freedom, and it gets a fit check after growth spurts.
Should I buy the crate or gates as a gift?
I'd leave those to the owner, since they depend on their house. That setup is on the puppy essentials checklist.
The Aussie Owner's Kit. Free.
Four printable sheets for Aussie owners: a vet-directed feeding sheet, a grooming schedule, a vet-visit checklist with the MDR1 questions to ask, and the first-year training timeline. Drop your email and I'll send them over.
Almost done. Check your inbox for an email called "Confirmation email" and tap the button. Your Owner's Kit comes right after. Not there? Check spam.