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German shepherds are some of the most popular dogs in the United States and around the world, so it’s no surprise that you may want one in Alaska. In fact, Alaska is a great place to live with a German shepherd because you may be able to put them to work along the frontier, especially if you need to keep your animals safe.
However, German shepherds are also great canine companions for the suburbs surrounding cities like Anchorage; as long as you have room for them, these dogs are easy to care for.
Still, there’s a lot you need to learn about German shepherds before you decide to adopt them in Alaska. For example, you need to keep an eye on their hips as they age, especially if they’ll be running and working on your property. You also need to have enough space for them, so smaller apartments in downtown Anchorage may not be the right fit.
It’s also important to note that there is a lot to understand about the adoption process before you bring them home. For example, it’s not as simple as buying a dog from a breeder, especially in a remote state, like Alaska. Luckily, this guide has your back, and we take you through how to adopt a German shepherd in Alaska.
German Shepherd Adoption in Alaska
Adopting a German shepherd has never been easier, especially with the amount of online resources that are available. Still, you need to understand the process and meet the minimum requirements to avoid missing out on a canine companion.
Typically, you need to have a photo ID, and many organizations have age requirements that start at around 18. If you can’t meet these requirements, you’ll need to bring someone with you.
Once you can meet these requirements, you can locate a German shepherd and fill out the adoption application. Depending on the organization, you may need to do this online or in person.
The application will ask for a lot of information about you, so make sure you’re prepared to provide references, speak about work, and much more. In fact, many organizations will evaluate your home, speak with references, and talk to veterinarians you’ve worked with.
Furthermore, many organizations will require a meet-and-greet with the German shepherd and everyone who will live with them. In fact, organizations like Arctic German Shepherd Rescue require meet-and-greets to last for 24 to 48 hours.
Once you fill out the application and make it through the evaluation process, you can pay the necessary adoption fee and bring your German shepherd home with you.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a German Shepherd in Alaska?The cost to adopt a German shepherd in Alaska isn’t that bad, but you do have to cover the adoption fee. Many organizations charge around $250 to $400, although you’ll find that some will charge more for puppies. It’s also possible for fees to be waived, so keep this in mind. Also, if you live in a major population center, like Anchorage, you need to license your German shepherd, which will run you around $20. Ultimately, it depends on the city. |
How Should I Train a German Shepherd?When it comes to training a German shepherd, it’s all about mental stimulation and your commitment to a consistent schedule. As smart working dogs, German shepherds love to learn new things, follow commands, and please their human handlers. If you fail to train or play with them frequently enough, it can lead to behavioral problems. For these reasons, we recommend training them for around 20 to 30 minutes daily, but if that’s not possible, four to five days weekly may suffice. Throughout your training you should start with simple concepts and then move on to more advanced commands or tasks. Regardless of how far you want to take your German shepherd’s training, always leverage positive reinforcement for the best results. Also, if you ever need a little help, we have your back with specific courses tailored to the needs of German shepherds. |
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Find the Right German Shepherd in Alaska for You
The best way to find a German shepherd in Alaska is to check with local shelters, rescues, and animal foster programs. Due to Alaska’s isolation, you may want to focus more on major population centers, like Anchorage, for the best results. Thankfully, if you need help finding the right German shepherd for you, we have adoption tools that will help you find German shepherds near you.
Once you find a German shepherd to adopt, don’t rush into things and take your time. In other words, meet with them several times throughout the process, bring the whole family, and make sure everyone gets along well before you bring them home.
