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If you want to have a lot of fun with a dog in Vermont, you can’t go wrong with an Australian shepherd. Not only can these dogs handle the cold winters that Vermont will throw at you, but they’re uniquely equipped to handle the vast hiking trails that Vermont has to offer. Whether you want to hike Burrows Trail in the winter or climb Mount Mansfield in Vermont’s mild summer, Aussies won’t have any problem helping you reach the peak.
Aside from enjoying a good hike, you might be wondering if an Australian shepherd is a manageable dog to care for in Vermont due to their need for physical and mental stimulation. Thankfully, there are many small towns, like Stowe, if you want to enjoy a suburban lifestyle. On the other hand, even large cities like Burlington are walkable and often feature outdoor amenities for dogs. Still, it helps to have a backyard.
While Australian shepherds are perfectly equipped for Vermont, that doesn’t mean they’re easy to adopt. The process is longer than buying from a breeder, and you also have to show up prepared, or it can take several weeks. Learn more in our guide below.
How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Vermont
Before you get off the couch, it’s important to meet the requirements necessary to adopt an Australian shepherd in Vermont. According to the Central Vermont Humane Society, for example, you need to be at least 18 years of age and have a valid photo ID handy.
You also need to demonstrate that you can properly care for the animal. In the case of an Australian shepherd, it helps to have a home with a backyard, along with several hours every day that you can commit to playing, walking, and training them. That said, meeting these requirements is only the first part of the process.
Next, you have to fill out the adoption application, which can be done in person when you meet the Aussie or online. Doing so online is the easiest way, but if you want to complete the interview process and application process in one shot, filling it out in person is the right idea. You’ll need to answer questions about your occupation, experience with animals, and much more.
Then, most animal shelters, rescues, and foster programs will want to visit your home to ensure that it’s up to par for an Australian shepherd. This means a fence if you have a backyard, and if you do live in an apartment, it’s big enough for them to run around and close enough to outdoor activities. From there, you wait for approval, pay the adoption fee, and bring your new canine companion home with you.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Vermont?Expect to spend between $100 and $500 when it’s time to pay the necessary adoption fee to bring home an Australian shepherd. Factors that impact the price tend to include the specific animal adoption organization, the age of the dog (younger is more expensive and older is cheaper), and even county regulations. |
How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd?Your goals are what determine how you should train an Australian shepherd. Vermont is home to a wide variety of winter activities, so if you plan on hiking or exploring towns and cities in the cold, leash training, obedience, and socialization are key. However, it also helps to understand the level of cold that they can tolerate and how you can determine if they’re feeling alright. This also applies to the summer. Even if Vermont has moderate summers, sometimes it can be too hot, especially if you plan on hiking big mountains, like Mount Mansfield. For these reasons, we always recommend starting with our Australian shepherd online training course. It teaches you more about the breed and how they respond to training. Also, make sure you focus on positive reinforcement throughout the process. Otherwise, your Aussie will become stubborn, or those bad behaviors will become a little worse. |
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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Vermont for You
It doesn’t matter if you live in Stowe or Burlington; finding an Australian shepherd comes down to checking with local shelters, animal fosters, and even rescues. You can also use our online adoption tools to cast a wider net in the area, but make sure you check frequently for the best results because availability is limited. Also, make sure your home, goals, and lifestyle align with what’s necessary to adopt and care for an Australian shepherd in Vermont.
