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Whether you want a buddy to bring to the next Kentucky Derby, or you to keep you company along a journey through Mammoth Cave National Park, you may be curious about the Australian shepherd, and for good reason. The Australian shepherd, or Aussie, is a medium-sized herding dog with keen instincts, a high level of intelligence, and a playful temperament. So, is an Australian shepherd a good choice for Kentucky?
The short answer is that, yes, an Aussie is a great dog to welcome into your home, as long as it’s not a small studio in downtown Frankfort. That said, there’s a lot to learn about Australian shepherds and the adoption process in Kentucky. In fact, if you think adopting an Australian shepherd is as simple as buying one from your local Aussie breeder, you’ll be in for a shock.
The good news is that we’re here to help. In this article, we take you through everything you need to know about adopting an Australian shepherd in Kentucky.
How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Kentucky?
Adopting an Australian shepherd in Kentucky is a little more complicated than buying one from a breeder, but trust us, it’s worth the effort because you’re giving a home to a dog in need. Adopting an Aussie in Kentucky comes down to finding one at a shelter, rescue, or even through an animal foster program. Once you find one, you can put a hold on the dog and begin the process; this hold may cost you money sometimes.
The paperwork to adopt an Australian shepherd in Kentucky is simple, but there may be some things on it that shock you. For example, you may find questions asking about your experience with animals and contact information for your current or previous veterinarian. Most adoption organizations will also want to learn more about your living situation and meet all the family members who will interact with the dog.
What’s more, many organizations will do something called a home visit. This is when someone from the adoption organization visits your home, either in person or through a video walk-through, to ensure that it’s safe for an Australian shepherd. Due to the in-depth screening process, don’t be surprised if it takes about a week to finally adopt your Australian shepherd.
Once you pass, however, the process is straightforward. You agree to care for the animal, pay the adoption fee, and then you can bring them home.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Kentucky?Kentucky is one of the most affordable places to adopt an Australian shepherd, as long as you don’t go through a breeder. You’ll find that Australian shepherds only cost around $50 to $300 to adopt in Kentucky. The cost is lower than going through a breeder because most organizations are nonprofits, so the cost goes to housing them and surgeries like spaying and neutering. |
How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd?Training an Aussie is simple, if you have the time and patience, that is. Thankfully, that’s really all it takes, and maybe one of our online dog training courses. These are training courses that help you understand the fundamentals of healthy dog training using positive reinforcement and other science-based methods. That said, plenty of additional options are available as well, ranging from leash training to more advanced agility training. Once you get comfortable, don’t be afraid to try new things on your own! As one of the smartest dog breeds, Australian shepherds can learn advanced commands, perform well as service dogs, and much more. In fact, if you live on one of Kentucky’s many farms, you’ll have no problem getting them to keep your animals safe, or, of course, herd them. At the end of the day, training your Australian shepherd comes down to having the time to get it done. As long as you’re attentive to their needs and keep them mentally stimulated, you shouldn’t have any issues. |
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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Kentucky for You
An Australian shepherd is the perfect companion if you need a little buddy to explore Kentucky’s national parks, go on hikes, and much more. Plus, they’re not super big, so you shouldn’t have any problems bringing them on walks through Kentucky’s cities, even Frankfort. What’s more, many outdoor areas are available in Kentucky to bring your dog, even for dinner and drinks.
That said, make sure you understand how to adopt an Australian shepherd in Kentucky before you start the process. Knowledge is power, and knowing what the process looks like before you start can speed things up and ensure that you don’t miss out.
