13 Essential Australian Shepherd Supplies: 2026 Vet-Reviewed Guide
In this article
View 5 More +Are you bringing home an Australian Shepherd? It's exciting, but you need to prepare for your new arrival. Whether you're bringing home a puppy or adopting an older Australian Shepherd, you'll need supplies for your new family member.
Here is a list of everything you need to help make their transition to your home smooth. Let's get started so you can quickly start enjoying your new pup!
The 13 Essential Australian Shepherd Supplies
Food and Feeding
1. Kibble
The right dog food will give your puppy energy, support growing bones and muscles, and have added nutrients to keep them healthy and strong. If you have an Australian Shepherd under 1 year old, puppy food is important to feed them because it's formulated differently than adult dog food.
Once they are fully grown, you can switch them to high-quality adult dog food.
2. Fresh Dog Food
- Our Choice: The Farmer's Dog Fresh Dog Food
Your Australian Shepherd will need a healthy diet that contains all the nutrients required to keep up with their boundless energy, and The Farmer’s Dog has just what they need. This dog food is made from whole, human-grade ingredients, like meat, veggies, and whole grains, so it’s healthy and delicious. Plus, it is customized to fit your pup’s needs.
You can choose from a few different flavors for your pup, then simply sign up for the subscription you want. Your dog’s food will be delivered to your door as needed. Getting your Australian Shepherd delicious, wholesome meals couldn't be easier!
3. Food & Water Bowls
- Our Choice: Frisco Bones Non-skid Ceramic Dog Bowl
Food and water bowls are essential items for your new Australian Shepherd, and the choices are endless! You can choose your favorite colors and designs, but make sure the bowls are the correct size. Your dog should be able to eat comfortably without the bowl's walls restricting their mouth. They should also be able to reach to the bottom.
The Frisco Bones Non-Skid Ceramic Dog & Cat Bowl has an adorable design and comes in two sizes. The non-skid bottom ensures the bowl stays put, avoiding any messes and spills. It's also dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup. The neutral colors can match any home décor.
Treats and Toys
4. Chew Toy
- Our Choice: KONG Classic Dog Toy
All dogs need toys, and the Australian Shepherd is no exception. Depending on your dog's chewing ability, they may destroy plush toys quickly. Durable chewing options, especially for puppies, will keep your dog occupied and relieve the discomfort of teething.
A Kong is a good option because of its versatility. It's a durable rubber chew toy that will keep your dog busy, and it can also be used for playing fetch. The unique design makes the toy bounce in unpredictable patterns, surprising your dog each time. When you will be away for long periods or just need to give your dog something to do, the middle of the Kong can be filled with treats, dry kibble, peanut butter, or yogurt for a long-lasting dog activity.
The Kong comes in several sizes so you can choose the one that you need. If you're using this for a puppy, you will have to upgrade to a larger size as your dog grows.
Walking
5. Dog Leash
- Our Choice: Prima Pets Dual-Handle Reflective Dog Leash
A good-quality, durable leash is important to have with an Australian Shepherd. You'll be able to take your dog for walks and ensure they're safe. You can choose a long or short leash, depending on how well your dog walks on a leash. If you're going through training, a short leash is a better option. Once your dog learns basic commands, a long leash can give them more freedom.
The Prima Pets Dual-Handle Reflective Dog Leash is an ideal option for dogs at any stage of training. It's 4 feet long, so your Aussie will always be close to you without feeling restricted. The leash also has a second handle to make it shorter, which is ideal for more control over your dog in areas of high traffic or crowds. It has reflective stitching for nighttime visibility.
6. Collar
A collar for your Australian Shepherd will give you something to attach the leash to and a place to put their identification tag.
The Blueberry Pet 3M Multi-Colored Stripe Polyester Reflective Dog Collar is comfortable and durable. It comes in several colors and has rings for leash and tag attachments. It contains reflective stripes for nighttime visibility.
Comfort
7. Dog Bed
A dog bed is a place for your Australian Shepherd to unwind, sleep, and be out of the way. Even if you let your dog on the furniture, they should still have their own bed. There may be times when people are using the furniture, or you have guests. The dog bed will give your dog a place to go to feel comfortable and safe. There are so many options to choose from. If you have a puppy, you can buy a bed that will accommodate them when they are fully grown and let them use it as they grow.
The FurHaven Velvet Waves Perfect Comfort Orthopedic Sofa Dog Bed or The Bedsure Orthopedic Bed are great options for active dogs like Aussies. The orthopedic foam will help support their joints and improve circulation. While senior dogs are mostly associated with orthopedic products, they can be used and appreciated by young dogs, too. Over time, the orthopedic foam may also help prevent and delay certain conditions, like arthritis and joint issues.
8. Crate
If you want to crate-train your Australian Shepherd, you'll need a proper crate. This is important for puppies for housetraining and safety. Crate-training can give your dog a comfortable, relaxing place where they can have privacy. As your dog gets older and has more freedom, they may still choose to go into their crate to sleep and rest when they want quiet time.
The MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is easy to set up and available in several sizes. It's durable and folds up for easy transportation. It also has a divider so you can use it as your puppy grows, eliminating the need to buy multiple crates over time.
9. Dog Blanket
A dog blanket gives your dog a place to rest anywhere on the floor. If you have an Aussie puppy, a blanket is a good place to lay out a few toys and give them a comfortable place to play. The blanket can be put on their bed for extra cushioning or laid out on your bed or sofa to protect the furniture from any accidents.
The Pet Parents Pawtect Premium Waterproof Dog Blanket has a stylish design and a cozy exterior for your dog's comfort. The waterproof backing keeps any liquids inside the blanket instead of your floor or couch. Chewing puppies will be discouraged from chewing this blanket due to the durable edge, which also prevents fraying.
Grooming ✂️
10. Dog Brush
- Our Choice: Pet Republique Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush
You'll need to keep that beautiful coat tidy, so a dog brush is necessary for any Australian Shepherd. If you're getting a puppy, start brushing them as soon as possible so they get used to the activity. Daily brushing can keep your dog's coat smooth and free of debris and tangles and help distribute natural skin oils throughout the coat to keep it healthy and shiny.
The Pet Republique Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush gently detangles coats without hurting the skin. It can handle the long hair of Australian Shepherds and has a button to retract the bristles, so it's easy to wipe the hair off.
11. Dog Shampoo
- Our Choice: Hepper Oatmeal Shampoo
Even if your Australian Shepherd typically stays clean, they can use an occasional bath with a high-quality shampoo to help reduce odor and bring out the shine in their coat.
Hepper Colloidal Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is pH-balanced for dogs, and the colloidal oatmeal helps soothe and nourish their skin. This can be especially helpful if your pet’s skin is dry or irritated. Hepper only uses all-natural ingredients in this formula, with no alcohol, detergents, sulfates, or dyes, thus giving your pet a deep cleaning that leaves their fur soft, shiny, and manageable, with a light fragrance of cucumber and aloe vera.
In fact, the only complaint that many users have is that it’s only available in one bottle size and can run out fairly quickly when bathing an Australian Shepherd.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!
Other Ways to Prepare for Your Australian Shepherd
12. Cleaning Wipes
- Our Choice: Hepper Pet Wash Wipes
Australian Shepherds have a large amount of energy, and they love to play, so it’s not surprising that they can get dirty every once in a while. Having handy wipes on hand can help you spot-clean your pet without needing to run a bath. They save time and are easier on your pet’s skin.
Hepper Wash Wipes are ideal because they are larger than many other wipes, so they are easier to use and more effective. The formula is hypoallergenic and won’t irritate your pet’s skin. It has a pleasant cucumber and aloe vera fragrance that many users enjoy, with the only complaint being that the 30 wipes run out too quickly.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!
13. Cleaning Spray
Australian Shepherds are extremely intelligent and easy to train. However, they can still have the occasional accident in the house, especially if you are unexpectedly gone for a long time or they are suffering from a health problem. Therefore, it’s important to think ahead and keep a good cleaner on hand.
Hepper Advanced Bio-Enzyme Pet Stain & Odor Eliminator Spray is a great choice because it is enzyme-based, meaning that tiny bacteria destroy the organic material at the molecular base, so nothing remains of the stain or odor. It’s safe to use on any surface, and Hepper will return your money if you are not completely satisfied.
The biggest complaint that most people have is that it can take several applications to work, but it does come in a large bottle, so you should have no trouble cleaning several spills.
At Dogster, we’ve admired Hepper for many years, and decided to take a controlling ownership interest so that we could benefit from the outstanding products of this cool pet company!
Final Tips
Once you've gathered the supplies for your new Australian Shepherd, it is time to prepare a few other things. If you're getting a puppy, be sure to puppy-proof your house. Puppies will chew anything that they can find, so keep shoes, purses, and other items off the floor and out of reach.
Block off access to electrical cords and outlets. You can section off your house with baby gates if necessary to give your puppy a clear, safe space.
One pet supply that you may not have thought of is pet insurance. With a balanced, personalized plan like Spot Pet Insurance offers, you may be able to manage your pet's vet costs and avoid surprises.
Create a schedule for feeding, playtime, potty breaks, and sleeping. Sticking to a schedule will help your puppy adjust quickly and settle into a routine.
Now is the time to think about training, socializing, and securing a vet for your dog's needs. Begin training, either on your own or with a professional, as soon as possible. Even if you're adopting an older dog, they still have to get used to a new routine and may benefit from training and socialization. The more you invest in your dog, the more you'll get out of dog ownership.
In Conclusion
Australian Shepherds are fun, active, beautiful dogs that can be easy to care for with the right supplies. We hope that this list has given you ideas on what to stock up on before your dog arrives. With the right dog supplies, you can have a healthy, happy Australian Shepherd for years to come.
Related posts:
Essential Rottweiler Supplies to Get You Started with Your New Dog
Do Australian Shepherds Like Water? Breed Preferences Explained
Featured Photo Credit: eather Skau, Shutterstock
Expert dog care, straight to your inbox
News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog.
No spam — unsubscribe anytime.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
How useful was this post?
Click a star to rate. You can leave written feedback afterwards. (We read all feedback.)
Jessica has shared her home with feathered, furry, and scaly pets of all shapes and sizes for over 30 years as a lifelong resident of Chicago. Her enthusiasm for animals began at an early age and led to her owning and operating a pet care company. Jessica is now a full-time writer and spends her days writing about all types of animals. Jessica and her husband Dominic enjoy the city life while turning their backyard into an oasis for the neighborhood squirrels and birds.
