How to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Alaska

The Australian shepherd is beyond cute. They’re smaller than your average German shepherd or husky, but they share many of the same features, like pointy ears, rectangular snouts, and even those piercing blue eyes (that some of them have). That said, Australian shepherds are still medium-sized shepherd dogs, so they have high levels of energy, a great nose, and no problem, and no problem looking after your family.

Now, you’re probably wondering if a dog that’s from Australia should be anywhere near Alaska. After all, these are two vastly different areas, with Australia having a warm climate and Alaska being on the cold side. But what if we told you that Australian shepherds aren’t even from Australia? Yes, you read that right, because Australian shepherds actually hail from California, so they may be better adapted to the forests, cold weather, and vast amounts of land that Alaska tends to have.

Still, there’s a lot more you need to learn about Australian shepherds before you adopt them. Plus, it’s important to better understand the adoption process in Alaska because every state handles it differently. Thankfully, we’re here to help. Read on to learn more about how to adopt an Australian shepherd in Alaska.

How Do You Adopt an Australian in Alaska

Adopting an Australian shepherd in Alaska is a lot easier than you think, but the process differs greatly from buying one from a breeder. First of all, you have to find one in Alaska, so make sure you check with local shelters, rescues, and foster programs. If you’re having trouble, you can also leverage our online adoption tools.

Once you find an Australian shepherd, you can begin the adoption process. In Alaska, this begins with filling out the necessary paperwork. You’ll need to provide your name, contact information, details about your home, and even information about other family members and pets. Many shelters will also contact references and visit your home to make sure your property is fenced off. Alaskan adoption organizations take this seriously due to the abundance of bears and moose.

Once you pass the mini background check process, which takes around three to five days (on average), you can pay the adoption fee and take them home. Adoption fees are necessary because they help non-profit shelters, rescues, and fosters recoup the costs of housing dogs in Alaska.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Alaska The price to adopt an Australian shepherd varies based on the shelter, rescue, or foster program. That said, the average cost will be around $200 to $500. Expect rescues and fosters to be a little more costly, but this isn’t true for every single one.

How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd The best thing about adopting an Australian shepherd is the fact that you can train them with ease. Due to their background as herding dogs, Australian shepherds are smart enough to learn advanced commands, tricks, and much more. In fact, if you have a large plot of Alaskan land that’s home to many animals, and you want to keep predators away, Australian shepherds can alert you to any problems and keep your animals safe. When it’s time to start training them, we recommend using one of our online courses. These are courses that can teach you about basic obedience, agility, and much more. This way, you don’t have to hire expensive trainers, especially if you don’t live near a major population center, like Anchorage. Courses are also available for puppies, herding, and much more. Regardless of whether or not you use an online course, always make sure you use positive reinforcement to train your Australian shepherd. It’s one of the best training methods, and it’s as simple as rewarding good behaviors without scolding them for failures. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Alaska for You

Australian shepherds are some of the best canine companions you can ask for, even for first-time dog parents, if you have the time to commit to them. While they have a lot of energy and need mental stimulation, they’re a great dog for families living in Alaska, especially if you want to keep your property free from deer, moose, and other animals.

That said, make sure you understand the potential health conditions, grooming needs, and other expenses that come with adopting an Australian shepherd. Then, make sure you understand how to adopt an Australian shepherd in Alaska before you start the process. This ensures that you’re prepared, and it can speed up the process and improve your odds of approval.