If you are considering an Australian Shepherd as your new family pet you may first want to search for a rescue organization in your area.
Read on just a little further before you dismiss this idea entirely.
You see, the common belief that dogs in rescue shelters have behavioral or physical issues is just not the case.
There are many reasons owners place their dogs in rescue organizations.
Sometimes people grow too old to properly care for their dogs or they need to move to an assisted living facility which doesn't allow pets.
Other people fall on hard financial times and can't afford proper veterinary care.
Sometimes we move to another state or a different country and just can't take the dog.
Aussie Shepherd rescue organizations receive dogs for all of these reasons and will quickly tell you that the vast majority are well-behaved pets looking for a new forever home.
Unlike your local animal control organization, rescue organizations don't operate on a timeline.
They will generally keep a dog until a home is found.
In this way they help avoid the needless destruction of perfectly healthy animals by putting them to sleep if an adoption doesn't occur in a short amount of time.
Aussie Shepherd rescue groups can also help you determine if the particular Aussie is a good choice for you and your home.
So why consider adopting from an Aussie Shepherd rescue organization? Well, there are a few reasons this might be the right choice for you and your family.
First, you get to avoid the puppy stage.
Older dogs - one year and older - don't need potty breaks as frequently as puppies.
Sure puppies are cute and cuddly but they need frequent breaks during potty training.
If all the adults in the home are currently working then there may not be anyone to let the puppy out for potty breaks.
Sure, you can let puppy go on paper during the day but housebreaking will take much longer.
An older Aussie with a larger bladder will not have this problem.
Also, puppies are more likely to misbehave simply due to their age.
Another reason you might prefer a rescue Aussie is that an Aussie who is a bit older will probably already have some obedience training from the previous owner.
Rescue foster parents also frequently provide some level of training to the dogs in their care.
This helps in assessing the dog's temperament and willingness to fit into the eventual new home.
The rescue organization staff will be intimately familiar with their dogs and can provide more information about the Aussie's behavior.