How to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Arkansas

Arkansas is one of the most beautiful states in the country, so why not share that beauty with someone special? Whether you plan on walking through the streets of Little Rock or exploring vast national parks, like Pinnacle Mountain, adopting an Australian shepherd is a great way to experience all that Arkansas has to offer.

Australian shepherds are some of the best dogs to adopt in the state because they’re smart enough to learn complex commands, and they have plenty of energy to explore parks, city streets, and other areas along the Mississippi River.

While Australian shepherds may be a great choice for Arkansas, that doesn’t mean you should dive into the adoption process head-first. Instead, make sure you understand the evaluation process, paperwork, and most importantly, the amount of space you need to raise an Australian shepherd. For example, you may want to avoid adopting one if your studio apartment in Fort Smith can’t accommodate them.

While there’s a lot of information to learn, don’t worry, because we have you covered. Read on to learn more about how to adopt an Australian shepherd in Arkansas.

How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Arkansas

Adopting an Australian shepherd in Arkansas has never been easier, especially when you use some of our adoption tools to find available dogs in your area. That said, you can also call around to local shelters, rescues, and foster organizations if you need help finding an Australian shepherd, which is the first step towards adopting one.

Once you find an Australian shepherd in Arkansas, you can begin the adoption process. In Arkansas, the state requires you to be at least 18 years of age, and you have to be an Arkansas resident. Moreover, you need to have lived in the state for at least six months.

Many counties also require home visits, so be prepared to have someone come to your home and evaluate if it’s big enough and safe enough for an Australian shepherd. For example, if you lie about the size of your studio in Little Rock, the organization will likely find out and reject your application.

Aside from home checks, many shelters, rescues, and foster programs will contact any vets you’ve worked with, connect with your references, and want to learn more about the other pets and people in your home.

Overall, the process takes around three to five days (on average). Once you pass the check, you can pay the adoption fee and bring them home.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Arkansas? There’s a big gap in how much it can cost to adopt an Australian shepherd in Arkansas because shelters, rescues, and foster programs have some pricing flexibility. That said, expect the cost to be around $30 to $600. Also, you’ll find that puppies (less than six months) tend to cost the most to adopt, whereas senior Australian shepherds tend to cost the least (over six years).

How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd Training an Australian shepherd isn’t challenging, but you do need to start with a proper foundation. We recommend learning some tips and tricks for training an Aussie from one of our online dog training courses. They’re flexible, easy to get through, and you can learn at your own pace. Plus, once you get past the basics, you can move on to agility and complex commands. Aside from using one of our courses, setting a foundation starts with training your Australian shepherd at the same time every day. This establishes a routine, which is something that Aussies thrive on. Once you have the routine established, you can start to teach them obedience, alter behaviors, and much more without having to worry about stubbornness. Also, a pro-tip: make sure you always use positive reinforcement. Australian shepherds respond well to positive feedback when they do something right, and scolding them will only result in worse behavior. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Arkansas for You

Arkansas is home to some of the nicest national parks in the country, and there are even plenty of walkable cities, like Little Rock, which makes it a great place to adopt an Aussie. Plus, who wants to hike Pinnacle Mountain alone when you can bring a canine companion? That said, make sure you have enough space to care for them, and it’s always helpful to know how to adopt an Australian shepherd in Arkansas before you put pen to paper.