This post shares week one updates from the Thanksgiving Feast Australian Shepherd litter at Queen City Farm, including early care like twice-daily weight checks, tail and dewclaw removal, ENS/ESI handling, nail trims, and daily cuddles. It highlights how quickly the puppies are growing and what milestones are coming next, with individual photos of each puppy
Puppy Updates
December 8, 2025
How has a week gone by already?! Our nine beautiful puppies from Ali Γ Aubrey Thanksgiving Litter have had a busy and important start to life, and we are so excited to share their progress with you!
To give our puppies the very best foundation, we focus on early handling, health checks, and proactive development.
Hereβs what their first week included:
Each of these experiences supports confidence, stress resilience, and stable development as they grow.
βTo learn more about how we raise our puppies, click here!
Itβs already amazing how much theyβve changed β even though part of me wishes theyβd stay tiny potatoes forever! π₯π
I canβt wait for:
And even though theyβre our Thanksgiving litterβ¦ we had to take their week one photos by the Christmas tree πβ¨
Holiday magic + adorable puppies = irresistible!
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We still have availability for approved homes for this litter!
If youβre looking for a well-bred, well-raised Australian Shepherd puppyβ¦
π Apply Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlZwF48mtDni16-Cr_nlxl_93EZ7tRNWq-5gqAA6BDCVWBWA/viewform
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Thank you for following along with these sweet babies.
We canβt wait to share Week 2 with you β eyes open and faces even cuter! ππ
When do puppies open their eyes?
Usually between 10β14 days old β so very soon for these babies!
Why do you remove tails and dewclaws?
Australian Shepherds are traditionally a natural bobtail breed, meaning some puppies are born with little to no tail at all. Because we do not yet know which puppies will be ideal for conformation or performance, we dock tails early so every puppy has the opportunity to participate in those venues later.
Docking also aligns with breed standards and the Aussieβs history as a livestock-working dog, where a shorter tail reduces the risk of injury in active environments.
We perform the procedure very early, with careful care and handling for the puppies and their long-term wellbeing.
What are ENS and ESI?
Early Neurological Stimulation and Early Scent Introduction support brain development, confidence, stress resilience, and scenting ability.
How do you ensure puppies are gaining well?
We monitor twice-daily weights during the first week to confirm healthy growth and milk intake.
Can we visit the puppies yet?
Not quite β we protect newborn immune systems. Visits begin around 4β5 weeks old for approved homes on our waitlist.
How do I reserve a puppy?
Apply for approval and join the waitlist here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlZwF48mtDni16-Cr_nlxl_93EZ7tRNWq-5gqAA6BDCVWBWA/viewform?pli=1
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Kylea is a Karen Pryor Academy Certified Training Partner and the breeder behind Queen City Farm. With a background in veterinary medicine and dog training, she raises Australian Shepherds with a focus on temperament, health, and responsible placement.
