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Does it feel like it’s time to add a little extra excitement to your life? And is that excitement friend-shaped? If we’re getting warmer, and your eyes are locked onto an Australian shepherd, you’ve come to the right place. This article will take you through everything you need to know to bring one home with you in Louisiana, along with how to train them, how much it will cost, and much more.
While it may seem like a no-brainer to bring an Australian shepherd into your home, it’s important to understand what that means. Not only do you have to understand their high energy levels, need for mental stimulation, and shedding seasons, but you also have to determine if Louisiana is a good fit for them. After all, they have long hair, and cities like New Orleans are notoriously hot.
The good news is that Australian shepherds, like most dogs, can handle the heat just as well as other dogs. However, just make sure you keep them hydrated, especially if you plan on going for walks or runs. Also, if you plan on taking them for a stroll during a celebration like Mardi Gras, make sure you have plenty of water for them on hand.
How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Louisiana?
The dog adoption process in Louisiana is broken down into about three phases. In the first phase, you’ll place a hold on the dog and go through a brief interview process while you fill out the application. Whoever you’re adopting the dog from will ask about your experience with previous pets, what your home is like, and how much time you have to spend with an Australian shepherd.
As a high-energy dog, they’ll need to know that someone will be around to stimulate them.
Once the initial interview is done and you fill out the adoption forms, phase two begins. During this time, shelters, rescues, and animal fosters will reach out to your references to learn more about you. Then, they’ll likely contact any vets you’ve worked with. The final part of the process tends to be a home visit.
This can be done in person or through a video call, but they’ll want to see that your Louisiana home is big enough and adequately cooled for the warmer summer months.
Once you pass this screening process, you get to the final stage. This involves making your commitment to the dog, paying the adoption fee, and sometimes bringing them for follow-up appointments or mandatory surgeries, like spaying or neutering.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Louisiana?You’re looking at about $60 to $400 to adopt an Australian shepherd in Louisiana. Medium-sized dogs tend to be the most affordable, and if you find one that’s more than six months old, the cost should be minimal. The only time adopting an Aussie will be more expensive is if they’re less than six months old. Also, if you come across any Aussies that have disabilities, health issues, or are more than six years old, they may be even cheaper to adopt. |
How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd?How you should train your Australian shepherd depends on your goals. However, you should always begin by establishing a routine. Essentially, it’s a good idea to train them at the same time every day to get them used to a training schedule. This prevents stubbornness, and if you use positive reinforcement training, they’ll look forward to it every day. Positive reinforcement training is a method that involves rewarding your Aussie for good behavior without being mean to them if they fail. Aside from building a foundation, if you have other animals or small children, make sure you introduce them to the family slowly. Socializing them slowly gives you the best chance of success. Last but not least, it’s always a good idea to go in with a plan, and the best way to have one is with one of our online training programs. These are programs that teach you how to train your dog yourself, so you don’t have to watch your Aussie bond with a stranger they’ll never see again. Courses are available for obedience, leash walking, and much more. |
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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Louisiana for You
Louisiana can be a great place to adopt an Australian shepherd. While it can be a little toasty in the summer, as long as you keep your Aussie hydrated, you shouldn’t have any problems. Also, make sure you have several hours every day to bond with them, groom them, and train them. This will help you forge a better relationship.
Last but not least, always prepare for the adoption process. Having your photo ID ready and all the information a shelter needs on hand will speed up the process immensely.
