How to Adopt a Border Collie in Wisconsin

The border collie is an active, medium-sized breed who was initially developed to herd livestock in the borderlands of England and Scotland. Although they’re still used as herding dogs today — yes, especially in Wisconsin, considering it’s a state known for farming! — they also make wonderful family companions.

If you’re looking to add a border collie to your life and Wisconsin home, you may be wondering if you should purchase a puppy from a breeder or adopt one. There are plenty of rescue border collies in Wisconsin looking for their forever homes, and although the adoption process can take time, it comes with plenty of perks.

Adopting comes with fewer upfront fees, and many border collies arrive at the shelter with some level of training. You will also get to know the exact personality and traits your collie will have since they’ll be a fully-grown adult.

Below, you’ll find all the information you need to know on how to adopt a border collie in Wisconsin.

Border Collie Adoption in Wisconsin

Border collies have plenty of traits that draw dog lovers in Wisconsin to them. Considering you’re reading this post, we assume you’re drawn to ‘em too!

Whether you’ve fallen in love with their unrivaled intelligence or their boundless energy, it’s crucial you take the time to thoroughly learn about the breed’s background and the commitment required for their care. Border collies, although eager to please and affectionate, can be hard to handle, especially for first-time owners.

Still feel that the border collie is the right breed for you? Then it’s time to begin your search for border collies for adoption.

Fortunately, there are plenty of well-established rescues in Wisconsin that often have border collies looking for forever homes. However, if you’re not having much luck, you can also try using online dog adoption search engines or contacting breed-specific rescue groups.

When you’ve found a border collie you’re interested in adopting, here’s what you can expect the process to entail:

1. Review the border collie’s description and care needs carefully to get a better idea of whether they will suit your home and lifestyle. Contact staff for more information if necessary, and consider visiting them at the rescue if possible.
2. If you still believe they’re the right match, submit a rehoming application form to express your interest in the border collie, and crucially, why you feel you can give them the perfect home. The form will include questions relating to your work life, living arrangements, lifestyle, and household members.
3. Wait to hear back from the rescue staff. If they decide to continue with your application, you will be invited to meet the border collie and attend an in-person interview with staff. You should also use the interview as a chance to ask questions to get a better understanding of the collie’s personality and needs.

If everyone agrees you can provide the border collie the perfect fresh start at life, you will pay the adoption fee and sign the paperwork to make them officially yours.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Border Collie in Wisconsin? If you’re considering adopting a border collie in Wisconsin, it’s important to have a full understanding of the cost. On average, you should expect to pay between $150 and $400 in adoption fees, though you may need to pay more if you live in a major city like Madison, where the cost of living is higher than the state average. Some rescue organizations in Wisconsin do waive adoption fees, particularly during times of overcrowding. Others adjust their adoption fee based on characteristics like the dog’s age.

How Should I Train a Border Collie? Border collies may have demanding needs, but you’ll be pleased to hear that training them is one of the easiest aspects of their care! Border collies are extremely intelligent and eager to please, with a strong work ethic to match. They can master pretty much anything, including obedience commands, tricks, and agility; and yes, they’ll love to participate in agility trial competitions at a training facility in Wisconsin. That said, here at Dog Academy, we always recommend using positive, reward-based training techniques. We make training fun for your pup and ensure they look forward to every session with you. We also tap into the border collie’s inherent people-pleasing nature in a way that other training measures can’t quite match. Our online Basic Obedience Training Program can teach you the fundamentals of positive reinforcement. We also offer a wealth of other speciality courses to explore with your border collie. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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Find the Right Border Collie in Wisconsin for You

There are several things to consider when choosing the right border collie in Wisconsin for your family. These energetic, intelligent dogs need plenty of mental stimulation and exercise, so they can be a great fit for those who don’t work long hours and see outdoor activities like hiking and running as a fun pastime rather than a challenge.

Research rescues and shelters in Wisconsin to find information about their adoptable border collies, and assess each pup’s temperament and consider if it fits your home and lifestyle.

Once you think you’ve found a good match, arrange to meet them as many times as possible. This will help you determine if they’re truly your forever friend and if you should proceed with the adoption process.