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Iowa may be a beautiful state to live in with beautiful national parks and historic landmarks, like the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail and the Effigy Mounds National Monument, but is it a good place for an Australian shepherd? For example, you may be wondering if an Australian shepherd is suitable for long hikes through wilderness trails or if they can handle the hustle and bustle of busy cities, like Cedar Rapids.
While you may have more questions than answers right now, don’t panic, because we’re here to help you every step of the way. Not only will you learn a little more about Australian shepherds, but you’ll also learn about the adoption process in Iowa.
Read on to learn more about how to adopt an Australian shepherd in Iowa, down to what you’ll find on the paperwork.
How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Iowa?
If you think that adopting an Australian shepherd in Iowa is anything like buying one from a breeder, make sure you stick around, because the process is very different. Instead of simply purchasing the dog for an outlandish amount of money, you’ll have to wait for one to become available.
This means you’ll have to contact local shelters, rescues, or animal foster programs to determine if an Australian shepherd is available. Thankfully, we have some adoption tools that can help you find an Aussie near you.
Once you find an Aussie, you can finally start the process. You’ll need to fill out forms that require your personal information, photo ID, and information about your previous pets. That said, it doesn’t stop there, because many animal adoption organizations will send someone to come check your home. If you live in a smaller apartment in one of Iowa’s cities, for example, it’s better to be open about it to avoid any problems once they arrive.
After passing the short background verification process, which can take a few days, you can agree to the adoption terms, pay the adoption fee, and take your new canine companion home with you.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Iowa?The adoption process may take longer and be more invasive than going through a breeder, but the biggest perk is the cost. Unlike paying the $3,000 to $6,000 you’d have to pay a breeder, the cost in Iowa is closer to $125 to $300. That said, the price does vary based on the shelter or rescue that you plan on adopting from. You’ll also get discounts on Aussies that are disabled or senior (more than six years old). On the other hand, puppies and smaller dogs are among the most expensive. |
How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd?Once you get your Australian shepherd home, you’re probably thinking – “Now what?” Well, the first thing you need to do is come up with a training routine. We recommend learning more about positive reinforcement and the benefits of early socialization before you get started for the best results. In fact, we have a wide variety of online dog training courses that can help. Once you understand the basics, you can establish a routine, which means picking a training time and sticking with it. This gets your Aussie ready to train at the same time, which prevents the stubbornness that comes with surprise training sessions. Aside from that, Australian shepherds are smart enough to learn just about anything, so the sky’s the limit once you know how to train them. |
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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Iowa for You
Iowa can be a great place to settle down and adopt an Australian shepherd. However, you need to fully understand the adoption process and the needs of the dog before you commit to adopting one. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a dog that’s too much for you to handle.
That said, once you understand the process and what it takes to care for one, there’s no better companion along some of the state’s historical hiking trails than an Australian shepherd.
