Australian Terrier Puppy Checklist

Before Puppy Comes Home

What do you need before bringing home an Australian Terrier puppy?

Last updated October 8, 2026

Australian Terrier puppies are curious, active, and surprisingly bold for their small size. Good preparation ensures a smooth start for both of you.

This guide contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, Wooffy earns from qualifying purchases.

• Secure the fence. Minimum 5-foot fence with no gaps at ground level. Australian Terriers are diggers — check the base of the fence line and consider burying mesh if needed.
• Puppy-proof at floor level. Remove electrical cords, toxic plants, small objects, and anything at puppy height that might be chewed or swallowed.
• Gather supplies:
  • 24–30 inch crate with divider
  • Comfortable washable bed
  • Adjustable small collar and ID tag
    One option: GoTags Personalized Stainless Steel ID Tag on Amazon. An engraved stainless steel ID tag; you pick the shape and the lines of text at checkout. Put a phone number that's actually answered on it, and update the engraving if you move.
  • 4–6 foot leash
    One option: Wild One Adjustable Leash (5.5 ft) + Poop Bag Carrier on Amazon. An adjustable 5.5-foot leash that clips shorter for city walks, with a clip-on poop-bag carrier and a starter roll of bags.
  • Small harness
  • Stainless steel bowls (small size)
    One option: Non-Slip Stainless Steel Bowls, 2 Cup (2-Pack) on Amazon. A two-pack of 2-cup stainless bowls with a non-slip rubber base, sized for small dogs' meals and water.
  • Firm slicker brush and medium-tooth comb
    One option: Chris Christensen Big G Slicker Brush on Amazon. Long angled pins in a flexible cushioned pad that lift dead hair and work through leg and beard furnishings. Use light strokes; slicker pins can scratch skin if pressed hard.
  • Small nail clippers
  • Enzymatic accident cleaner
  • Durable toys appropriate for small breeds
  • Puzzle feeder or Kong
    One option: KONG Classic (Small) on Amazon. The classic natural-rubber KONG in size Small, hollow so you can stuff and freeze it to keep a dog busy. Size up if in doubt; a KONG the dog can get fully in its mouth is a choking risk.
  • High-value soft training treats
    One option: Blue Buffalo Bits Soft Training Treats, Beef (19 oz) on Amazon. Soft, bite-size training treats with real beef as the first ingredient, small enough for rapid repetitions. Keep treats to about 10% of daily calories.
• Research terrier-experienced groomers. Finding a groomer who knows Australian Terrier coat specifics — including the topknot care — before you need one saves scrambling later.
• Book vet appointment. Schedule within the first week, bringing all health records from the breeder.

First Week Setup

What should the first week with an Australian Terrier puppy look like?

The first week establishes the patterns and trust that will define your relationship with your Australian Terrier.

• Allow quiet exploration on arrival day. Let the puppy investigate its new home at its own pace. Limit visitors and loud events for the first 24 hours.
• Start crate training immediately. Feed all meals in the crate, drop treats in throughout the day, and build positive associations through gradual practice with door closed.
• Establish a toilet schedule. Outside every 1–2 hours, after every meal, nap, and play session. Supervise constantly indoors. Reward outdoor toileting with treats and praise immediately.
• Begin name recognition training. Short, frequent sessions with treat rewards for eye contact when name is called.
• Daily handling exercises. Touch paws, ears, mouth, and topknot area daily with treats. Builds tolerance for grooming — especially important given the breed's distinctive topknot that requires regular combing.
• Introduce the brush gently. Let the puppy sniff the slicker brush, do brief treat-paired brushing sessions from day one. The Australian Terrier's coat will need regular brushing throughout its life.

Training

Training Your Australian Terrier Puppy

The Australian Terrier is slightly more biddable than some terrier breeds, but is still fundamentally a terrier with all that entails: intelligence, independence, and a willingness to test rules. Here's how to approach training effectively.

• Maximize the socialization window. Expose the puppy to as many people, animals, environments, and sounds as possible before 16 weeks. Australian Terriers socialized well in this window tend to be confident and adaptable adults.
• Use positive reinforcement exclusively. The breed responds well to reward-based methods. Use the highest-value treats for new behaviors and challenging situations.
• Teach key foundation behaviors: Sit, down, stay, come, leave it, and watch me. These four behaviors will serve you well for the dog's entire life and are especially important given the breed's prey drive.
• Address digging appropriately. Provide an acceptable digging outlet (sandbox with buried toys) and block access to areas you want to protect. Redirecting is more effective than punishment for this instinctive behavior.
• Enroll in group puppy class. Group classes provide socialization and structured training instruction. The Australian Terrier benefits significantly from early group class experience.
• Be consistent with house rules from day one. Decide your rules before the puppy arrives and hold to them without exception. Australian Terriers are observant and will identify and exploit any inconsistency.