Australian Shepherd Puppy Overview
The Australian shepherd is a great medium-sized dog to add to the family, especially if you start with a puppy from a young age; it just gives you even more time to build that bond with them. While they have the Australian shepherd moniker, these dogs actually don’t come from Australia at all and hail from California, so there’s a little fun fact for you before we dive right in.
These dogs make great puppies in Florida due to their intelligence, trainability, and willingness to work. That said, we want to come right out of the gate and let you know that these dogs aren’t going to be the sit-on-your-lap types; they’re working dogs at heart, so make sure you know this going into the buying process.
In Florida, buying an Australian shepherd isn’t the most complicated process once you know where to find the right breeders. Also, it’s a good idea to learn everything you can about the breed before you get started. Learn everything you need to know about Australian shepherd puppies for sale in Florida down below.
Australian Puppies for Sale: How Do You Buy an Australian Shepherd Puppy in Florida?
The buying process for an Australian shepherd puppy in Florida isn’t a complicated one, but there are some steps you have to follow. What’s more, each purchasing method has different regulations and rules you need to follow before you can take your Australian shepherd home.
First and foremost, we’ll begin with breeders. These are the most common sellers of Australian shepherd puppies in Florida and they tend to have the most availability when compared to shelters and rescues. In Florida, there are a handful of rules that these breeders need to follow including:
- Puppies can’t be less than eight weeks of age
- Dogs must be sold with a health certificate
- Breeders must provide people with detailed health records and a notice explaining those health records
These are only some of Florida’s dog breeding laws, so make sure you look over the extensive list to find a breeder you can trust.
Aside from dog breeders, you can purchase an Australian shepherd from rescues and shelters in Florida. Rules for these shelters and rescues will vary but the process usually includes checking your living situation, contacting references, and ensuring that you have the time and resources available to care for them. The only downside to this route is that you’re limited when it comes to availability, facing wait times of up to a year.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy an Australian Shepherd Puppy in Florida?
Buying an Australian shepherd puppy in Florida doesn’t cost a fortune, but these dogs are on the rare and expensive side. Expect most breeders to charge between $1,500 and $4,000 for an Australian shepherd puppy.
If you go the rescue or shelter route, however, the cost is more affordable. Shelters tend to charge around $250 to $750 and rescues will charge around $500 to $1,000.
Australian Shepherds For Sale in Florida
How Should I Train an Australian Puppy?
Australian shepherd puppies make great canine companions in Florida, but you do have to train them. Due to their high levels of energy and intelligence, we recommend going through several dog training courses to keep them engaged throughout their growth. This mental stimulation is necessary to keep them happy, otherwise, they’ll end up lashing out or turning their attention towards your stuff.
Aside from training routines, you’ll also want to socialize them and use positive reinforcement to stop them from trying to herd your family. This can be done with online courses and a bit of patience as well.
How Should I Puppy Proof My Home for an Australian Shepherd Puppy?
The best way to puppy-proof your home for an Australian shepherd puppy in Florida is to ensure that they can’t escape and have what they need to remain happy without destroying your things. On the inside, make sure they don’t have access to anything you don’t want them chewing on by placing it high up. Also, make sure cords and wires aren’t dangling around because your Australian shepherd may get into trouble.
On the outside, make sure you have a fence around your property. We also recommended creating shaded areas and leaving plenty of water outside so your Australian shepherd puppy can enjoy running around and playing without being miserable in the Florida heat.
Buy the Right Australian Shepherd Puppy in Florida for You
Buying the right Australian shepherd puppy in Florida for you comes down to finding the puppy you like. Spend some time meeting puppies and learning about them from breeders in your area before making a decision. It’s a good idea to interact with them a few times to ensure that your personalities mesh well.
If you plan on going the adoption route, you may have to act faster, but you should still meet them and do your best to evaluate their personalities. Once you have a puppy you like, look inward and make sure you and your family have the time necessary to play, train, and love your Australian shepherd. If you can do all of that, you’ll have no problem buying and caring for an Australian shepherd puppy in Florida.
