Introducing a new puppy to your current dog is often an exciting process, and many dogs will become fast friends and eas...
Read More
How to Introduce a New Puppy to Your Dog
The shorkie, a cross between the Yorkshire terrier and shih tzu, is a feisty yet irresistibly adorable pup. They’ve quickly become one of the most popular designer breeds in the US. Considering you’ve clicked on this article, you’re likely won over by their puppy-eyed stare too!
Colorado can be a great place to settle down with a shorkie. Take a quick stroll outside, and it won’t be long until you stumble across a dog-friendly patio, a cafe serving up puppuccinos, or a dedicated park with dogs of all sizes playing together. Many of the national parks in Colorado are also accommodating of pups, provided they’re well-behaved and know their leash etiquette.
Of course, adopting a new forever companion isn’t a decision to be taken lightly. You need to learn all you can about the shorkie to make sure they’re truly the right fit for your home. This is especially the case considering they’re a mixed breed, meaning their traits can be more unpredictable than a purebred’s traits. Keep reading to learn more about this pup and how to adopt a shorkie in Colorado.
Shorkie Adoption in Colorado
Adopting a shorkie in Colorado starts as it would in any other state: You research local shelters and rescue organizations to learn about their available dogs. Many rescue agencies will list their adoptable dogs on their websites, giving you a means to easily review details like their breed, age, health, and temperament, before you enquire with staff directly.
Shorkies can be more difficult to find in shelters than purebred dogs. If you’re not having much luck, consider contacting breed-specific rescue groups that cover the Colorado area, like Rocky Mountain Yorkie Rescue (RMYR). Be sure to also leverage third-party pet adoption tools, such as Dog Academy’s Adopt a Dog.
Once you’ve found a shorkie who seems like a perfect fit, you’ll typically be expected to fill out an adoption application form. This form will ask you questions relating to your living arrangements, typical routine, lifestyle, experience with pets, and preferences. At this stage, you will also often be required to agree to the rescue’s adoption terms and conditions and provide proof of your identity.
If your form is approved, it’s finally time to get ready for the fun part! You’ll be invited to meet the shorkie to get a chance to see if they’re truly the perfect match. You should also consider bringing any other pets or household members along to the visit too.
If you feel that spark and know you’ve met your forever companion, the final step is to sign the paperwork and pay an adoption fee. Some rescue agencies in Colorado are more stringent and may wish to run background checks or other screening measures before finalizing the adoption. Be mindful of this as you look to adopt a shorkie, as knowing what to expect in advance will ensure there are no delays (and no chance of missing out on your perfect pup).
No data found.
|
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Shorkie in Colorado?Pet adoption fees in Colorado usually range between $75 and $550. Rescues often adjust their fee based on the dog’s characteristics like their age. Shorkie puppies, for instance, tend to be priced on the higher end, while senior dogs can go for a lot less. The adoption fee may be a little daunting, but remember that this cost helps to cover some of the cost of your shorkie’s care at the shelter. Once you welcome your shorkie home, you’ll also want to set aside around $100 each month to cover the cost of essential supplies, routine vet checkups, and grooming trips. Depending on where you reside in Colorado (like in Denver), be mindful that you may need to also pay for pet licensing. |
How Should I Train a Shorkie?Shorkies are fast learners, but they need a consistent training routine and effective guidance. They can be stubborn, particularly if they’re anything like their Yorkshire terrier parent. You’ll want to keep them engaged by breaking their training down into smaller sessions and using positive reinforcement techniques. Positive reinforcement works best for shorkies because it makes training fun, encouraging, and rewarding. You can learn more about this training approach by enrolling on one of our online dog training programs. Our courses are affordable and self-paced, and you’ll be granted lifetime access, meaning you can always come back to the content and brush up your knowledge again at a later time. Shorkies are known to have reactive tendencies, and this is all the more true if they haven’t received enough socialization before arriving at the rescue. With that in mind, you’ll want to make sure you work on their socialization and recall before taking them out to an off-leash park in Colorado like Bear Creek Dog Park. |
|
Find the Right Shorkie in Colorado for You
Selecting the right shorkie in Colorado starts with taking a close look at your lifestyle, home, and preferences. Once you have a good understanding of yourself, review adoptable shorkie dog listings with this in mind and consider which pup aligns best. Every shorkie will be different in their own special way. Some may be more active and suited to those who wish to explore Colorado’s scenic natural landscapes, while others may be calm and prefer a laidback family.
By approaching the process with care, patience, and thorough research, you’ll surely find your forever companion! Good luck, soon-to-be shorkie owner!
