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The Australian Shepherd, also known as the Aussie, is one of the most popular dog breeds in the country. While they’re thought to come from the Land Down Under, did you know that they actually hail from California? In fact, you’ll find that Aussies don’t even need a specific climate, like the one you find in Australia, to thrive. For example, an Australian Shepherd can handle the warm summer months in Massachusetts, but also the colder winter months due to their thick coat.
That said, there’s a lot to learn about them before you consider bringing one home. After all, you don’t want to end up with a dog that’s too big for your Boston apartment. Plus, you need to prepare for the shedding that will come with the seasonal weather changes. What’s more, learning how to train an Australian shepherd is crucial, or else you’ll have a tough time dealing with them, especially if you have other animals.
The good news is that we’re here to take the stress out of adopting an Australian Shepherd. This guide takes you through everything you need to know about adopting an Australian Shepherd in Massachusetts.
How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Massachusetts
Adopting an Australian Shepherd in Massachusetts is a process that will take you about a week. On average, it takes around three to five business days because you have to go through a background check process before you can bring them home. This is different from buying an Australian Shepherd from a breeder in Massachusetts, which is a quick process where you fill out some paperwork, pay them, and just take them home.
Not only does the process take longer, but it’s also a bigger commitment. You have to sign paperwork stating that you’ll care for the dog and treat them properly. Furthermore, shelters, rescues, or other dog adoption organizations will likely want to visit your home, meet every family member, and interact with other animals you may have. This is all to ensure that the Aussie goes to a good home.
Many adoption organizations will also contact your references and any vets that you’ve worked with. Overall, you’ll find that animal adoption agencies in Massachusetts are thorough and that they don’t just let anyone take home a dog, cat, or any other animal. It’s also important to note that individuals who want to adopt an Australian Shepherd need to be at least 18 years old. What’s more, a valid form of photo ID needs to be available. This can be something like a driver’s license or a passport.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in MassachusettsWhen it’s time to sign the adoption paperwork and bring your Aussie home, the cost is a lot less than buying one from a breeder. From the average shelter, rescue, or animal foster program, you can expect to spend around $200 to $500. Expect puppies to be closer to the high end of that figure, and older dogs to be closer to the smaller end of that figure. In the middle, you’ll find your average adult Australian Shepherd, which is older than six months but less than six years old. |
How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd?Once you bring home your Australian Shepherd, the work doesn’t stop, because now it’s time to train them. Start by establishing a schedule, or a set time that you train them most days. This helps them know when it’s time to train, kind of like how your dog always knows when it’s time for a walk or dinner. After you’ve established a routine, focus on basic obedience through positive reinforcement. This is a technique that rewards good behaviors without lashing out if your Australian Shepherd makes a mistake. We always recommend this training method because it’s the most effective and prevents your Australian Shepherd from fearing training time. After you’ve established a foundation, you can start to expand on it. If you want to hike Walden Pond or explore other famous trails, you can train them to stop pulling you on a leash. We also offer additional online courses that can help with agility, service dog work, and much more. |
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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Massachusetts for You
Australian Shepherds are a great choice for Massachusetts because they can handle all four seasons, love to hike and walk, and can be easy to train if you have the time. Just make sure you fully understand how to adopt an Australian Shepherd in Massachusetts before you begin the process. This will speed things up, prevent delays, and even improve your chances of approval.
