How to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Minnesota

Australian Shepherds, or Aussies (the dogs, not the people), are herding dogs that love to play, learn new things, and even keep your property safe. For these reasons, they’ve quickly become one of the more sought-after dog breeds in Minnesota, and we can see why. Not only are they adorable, with a wide variety of eye and coat colors, but they can handle the warm summers and cold winters that Minnesota can throw their way.

Minnesota also isn’t the most populated state in the country, so even in cities like Minneapolis or Duluth, you may not have too many issues bringing your Australian shepherd out in public. That said, Aussies do need a lot of space to run and play, so it helps to have a single-family home with a backyard. However, if you have a large apartment and access to a dog park in Saint Paul, you shouldn’t have to worry.

Still, there’s a lot to learn about adopting an Australian Shepherd in Minnesota, especially since the process is very different from buying one. The good news is that we have your back. Read on to learn more about how to adopt an Australian Shepherd in Minnesota.

How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Minnesota?

Ready to adopt an Australian Shepherd in Minnesota? Well, there are a few steps you need to follow to make that happen, with the first one being finding one. This is because finding an Australian Shepherd to adopt in Minnesota isn’t as simple as finding one to purchase from a breeder. Unfortunately, you have to wait for one to become available in a shelter, and you also won’t be able to choose the age or even the health conditions.

For these reasons, it’s important to prepare for this process before you begin. Thankfully, if you need any help, we do have some online adoption resources you can use to find Australian Shepherds near you. Once you find an Australian Shepherd, the adoption process begins. In Minnesota, it helps to have your driver’s license or passport with you when you fill out the paperwork. Furthermore, you need to be at least 18 years old or else you’ll need a parent or guardian.

If you meet the necessary requirements, the shelter will provide you with adoption forms to fill out. However, you can also adopt from animal fosters or even rescues, so keep that in mind. The paperwork will ask for your name, the names of other family members, contact information for references and vets you’ve worked with, and much more. In fact, many animal adoption organizations will visit your home first to ensure that you have enough space to play, train, and give an Aussie a comfortable life.

After you’re approved to adopt an Aussie, you can sign the necessary paperwork, pay the adoption fee, and bring them home with you. Overall, the process takes around three to five days. Meeting the requirements before you show up will speed up the process.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Minnesota? The cost to adopt an Aussie in Minnesota depends on the shelter, animal foster program, or rescue. Still, you’ll end up paying less than if you were to buy one from a breeder. In fact, Aussie Rescues of Minnesota charges an adoption fee of $300, which is a lot less than the thousands that breeders charge. On average, other dog adoption programs will charge you around $200 to $500.

How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd? The best thing about adopting an Aussie in Minnesota is the fact that they’re so trainable. You can teach them tricks, encourage them to explore and hike with you, and much more. That said, training an Australian Shepherd takes a little more effort than some other dogs, and you need to commit to training them every day (if possible). Essentially, you want to create a strong foundation and expand on it as you further your bond. As for the specific training method, we always recommend positive reinforcement. It’s the best way to build a bond with your dog, and it won’t make them fear or reject your training sessions. Also, if you ever need a helping hand, we have a wide variety of courses, like our Dog Tricks for Beginners course, that can help you start teaching your Aussie tricks. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Minnesota for You

Australian shepherds are like a match made in heaven for Minnesota. Whether you want to play in the snow with them in your backyard or you plan on taking them hiking through Tettegouche State Park, Aussies are ready for any adventure. That said, understanding how to adopt an Australian Shepherd in Minnesota is crucial if you want to bring them home quickly, so make sure you show up prepared and ready when it’s time.