Introducing a new puppy to your current dog is often an exciting process, and many dogs will become fast friends and eas...
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Are you looking for a canine companion in Illinois that will surprise you with their energy, goofy personality, and ability to lock in when it matters the most? If so, let us introduce you to the Australian Shepherd, also known as the Aussie. With the Aussie, you’re getting a medium-sized herding dog that can protect your farm in more rural areas of Illinois, if you’re one of the state’s 70,000+ farmers and ranchers.
What’s more, Australian shepherds don’t shy away from city life, either, and you’ll find that they can be found in Springfield and other cities if you have the space for them. That said, a small studio apartment is a fast way to get rejected by animal fosters, shelters, and rescues, so keep that in mind before you begin the process.
This is because adoption differs from buying in Illinois, and while the adoption process is more complicated, it’s also a lot more rewarding. For this reason, we teach you how to adopt an Australian shepherd in Illinois in this article to help you give a home to an Aussie who needs it.
How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Illinois?
We’ll start by saying that the adoption process in Illinois is a lot different from buying an Aussie from a breeder. Sure, you’ll save a small fortune, but get ready to fill out paperwork that feels a little personal. After all, you’ll need to provide information about your home, family situation, income, and much more.
Once you provide a shelter with this information, the miniature background check begins. In most cases, adoption agencies will want to visit your home to ensure that you have enough space, so don’t think lying about your one-bedroom in Springfield will accomplish anything. Overall, expect the process to take around three to five days because they have to check your home, contact references, and go through your information.
Once you complete the process, you can bring your new Aussie home.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in IllinoisThe cost to adopt an Australian shepherd in Illinois isn’t cookie-cutter. For this reason, expect to spend between $50 and $500 on an Australian shepherd. We’ve come to the range based on the size of the dog and the average cost that shelters apply to medium-sized dogs. Also, expect to pay more for puppies and less for senior dogs. While you may think a dog that’s a year old is still only a puppy, in the dog adoption world, it’s an adult dog at that point. Puppies are dogs that are less than six months old, and senior dogs are dogs that are more than six years old. |
How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd?Since an Australian shepherd is a shepherd dog, like a German shepherd or Belgian Malinois, you may be thinking that training them will be a cakewalk. While an Aussie can be easy to train if you use positive reinforcement, you also need to establish a routine by training them at the same time every day. Also, you can’t forget about socialization and introducing them to other pets and members of your family slowly, or else you’ll end up with a little herding dog that’s nipping at everyone. Australian shepherds also need to know that you’re in control and a leader, so try not to show them that you’re a big softie all the time. Last but not least, we always recommend starting with an online dog training course, especially if you’re a first-time dog parent. You’ll find that there are courses for puppies, senior dogs, and much more. In fact, even advanced leash training, agility training, and service dogs training options are available. |
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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Illinois for You
Whether you live in Springfield or on one of the state’s 70,000 farms, learning how to adopt an Australian shepherd can bring a great deal of joy into your life. They can keep you company when walking through cities or suburban towns, but you’ll find that they can help keep your animals and property safe. That said, make sure you have the time, patience, and money required to care for these energetic, playful, and intelligent dogs.
