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The Australian shepherd, or Aussie, is a great choice if you’re looking to adopt a dog in Maine. What makes this breed a solid option is the combination of their energy, brains, and affectionate temperament. Ultimately, it’s perfect for exploring Maine’s parks, such as Acadia, and spending time outdoors in Maine’s more laid-back cities, like Portland. That said, before you consider adding an Aussie to the family, you need to fully understand the adoption process in Maine.
Understanding the adoption process is critical if you want to bring them home in a timely manner. In fact, not having a photo ID on you or meeting all the requirements can lengthen the process. Unfortunately, it can also prevent you from being able to adopt an Aussie entirely, and with a limited supply in shelters, nailing it the first time is crucial.
The good news is that we’re here to help. In this article, we take you through what you need to know in order to bring home an Australian shepherd in Maine.
How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Maine?
Learning how to adopt an Australian shepherd in Maine starts with finding one. Unfortunately, there is a limited supply of Australian shepherds in shelters, animal foster programs, and rescues. For this reason, once you find one, you need to begin the process immediately and make sure you have everything ready.
Once you find an Australian shepherd, the adoption process is straightforward, although a little more complex than buying one from a breeder. Bring a photo ID with you and a parent or guardian if you’re not at least 18 years old. Then, fill out the adoption paperwork. The information you’ll need to provide varies, but it tends to include your name, veterinarians you’ve worked with, experience with previous animals, and references.
Your references will be contacted once you submit the paperwork, and in most cases, someone will visit your home to ensure that it’s safe and suitable for the Australian shepherd you have your eye on. If you live in a cramped apartment in Portland, for example, you may not be approved. You may also not be approved if you don’t have someone home for several hours every day to interact with the dog.
Once you’re approved, you can sign the paperwork, make your commitment to caring for the Australian shepherd, and bring them home.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Maine?You’ll end up spending between $250 and $500 to adopt an Australian shepherd in Maine when all things are said and done. Puppies (less than six months old) are the most expensive, and senior dogs (older than six years) are the most affordable. If an Aussie has any disabilities or health issues, they may save even more money. Overall, adopting an Australian shepherd is more affordable than buying one from a breeder that may charge between $2,000 and $4,500. |
How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd?Training an Australian shepherd is a process that takes a lot of time and effort, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s difficult. With an Aussie, it’s all about establishing a routine. You want to train them at the same time every day (if possible) because this helps them know when it’s time for training. Essentially, this ensures that your Aussie doesn’t confuse training time with something else, like a walk. Once you have a routine, you can start to teach them anything because Australian shepherds are smart dogs. However, we recommend starting with a basic obedience program. From there, if you plan on putting on your L.L. Bean boots and hitting the trails, you may want to dive deeper into leash training. Regardless of the training path, make sure you always stick with positive reinforcement as your primary training method. It’s what Aussies respond to the best, and it’s not hard to do. All you need to remember is that you should reward positive behaviors without being too harsh on them if they fail at something. This will prevent them from being scared of training. |
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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Maine for You
Now that you know how to adopt an Australian shepherd in Maine, it’s all about finding one. We offer plenty of online adoption and training support, so we have your back every step of the way.
That said, always check local shelters, and even if you live across the state, don’t be afraid to drive to other cities or towns if an Australian shepherd becomes available. Then, once you find an Aussie, bring the whole family and visit them multiple times to ensure that they’re a good fit.
