Welcome to the Virginia's
own
Australian Shepherd Rescue Page!
The dogs listed here are just some of the dogs that might be
available.
Dogs posted have been screened or temperament tested to the best of our
ability.
Important: If you never owned an Australian
Shepherd
before,
please
Read about their Personality!
Aussie Personality and
Character
By Kathleen Cole
Those of us who love Aussies can't imagine a more perfect breed of dog.
Unfortunately, the very characteristics we value in these dogs make
them unsuitable for some homes and owners. Consider carefully if your
lifestyle can accommodate the exuberance of a typical Aussie.
 The
Australian Shepherd was developed to be a moderate sized,
intelligent, all-purpose stock dog of great character and endurance.
Many Aussies today still do the work they
were bred for, and even those that have never seen sheep or cattle
usually have a strong herding instinct. This means that Aussies need
fenced yards and leashes, as the temptation to herd dogs, children, and
traffic can simply overwhelm them.
Being bred to work hard all day means that most Aussies are not content
to be couch potatoes, although Aussies have individual characters and
some are more sedate and quiet-natured than others. For the most part,
however, these are high energy dogs who need a purpose in their lives-a
job as it were. Owners must be committed to give these dogs the time
and attention they require through play and training, for as with any
dog, undirected energy can turn towards destructive behaviors such as
digging and chewing. Running, jumping, and rough-housing are all a part
of being a normal Aussie.
The great intelligence of these dogs, necessary to out-think and
control livestock, can be detrimental when left untrained and unused.
Aussies are quite capable of out-thinking their owners. Obedience
training is highly recommended as a means of teaching owners how to
channel the typical Aussie's innate desire to please into appropriate
behaviors. Aussies learn very quickly, so be certain you are willing to
keep your Aussie occupied with walks, play, and training to benefit
both mind and body.
Although many Aussies are friendly with everyone, the Australian
Shepherd as a breed tends to be somewhat reserved and cautious around
strangers. With Aussies of this nature, owners should encourage the dog
to meet people but not force encounters. Aussies are often quite
protective of their family and property, a desirable trait in some
situations but not acceptable in others, and some dogs never accept
strangers. As with all dogs, poorly socialized Aussies may become
aggressive without proper training.
Aussies are generally healthy dogs and can be expected to live up to 12
years or more, so ownership can be a lengthy commitment. Although
minimal, there is some grooming required to keep the coat clean and
conditioned, such as regular brushing and nail trimming. To maintain
their high energy levels, typical active Aussies may eat more than
other more sedate dogs of similar size, so be prepared to feed plenty
of high quality food.
However, Aussies are perfect for people wishing to own a highly
trainable, versatile, super-smart dog that can work/play "till the cows
come home". If you have the time and commitment for an Aussie, you
won't be disappointed. These special dogs deserve special owners. Their
loyalty, drive, character, and whimsical sense of humor place them in a
class by themselves.
Copyright © 1996-9 Kathleen Cole
Disc Dog Photo: Hunter Moon Photography *Connecticut*
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I adopt a dog?
When can I expect to hear from
you when I send an adoption application?
Where do the rescued Aussies come
from?
How do I know if the dog I adopt
is healthy?
Will an adult Aussie bond to the
family? Isn't a puppy going to bond
better than an adult Aussie?
What if I want a puppy?
Can an adult Aussie be trained?
What if the Aussie just doesn't
fit into the family?
How do I
adopt a dog?
Fill out the Online Application completely and
click on submit.
When can
I expect to hear from you when I send an adoption application?
While we receive the adoption application the day it is submitted, it
may take a week or more before we get back to you. We are volunteers as
a result work other jobs and sometimes we just don't have time to
respond immediately. Please be patient.
Where
do the rescued Aussies come from?
Most of our Aussies come from pounds and shelters. Some come from
owners who are no longer available to care properly for their dog.
Since foster space is very limited, only the Aussies with the greatest
need (such as shelter dogs in danger of being put to sleep) are
fostered.
How do
I know if the dog I adopt is healthy?
Prior to adoption, each Aussie in foster care is spayed or neutered,
brought up to date on all shots and is tested for heartworm. If there
are other problems, ARPH will do it's best to treat them. Each new
owner is given a full account of the dog's health history, but if there
is an on-going problem, the family will be informed and it will be
their decision whether or not to adopt the dog.
Will an
adult Aussie bond to the family?
Isn't a puppy going to bond better than an adult Aussie?
It is a fallacy that a raising a puppy creates a better bond than
adopting an adult Aussie. Any Aussie, no matter what the age, is
capable of forming a tight and lasting bond to its new family.
What if I
want a puppy?
Most Aussie rescue groups seldom have puppies for adoption. We may only
have one or two pups available in an entire year. But then again,
adopting an adult Aussie is advantageous as usually they are beyond the
teething stage and are able to be a full-fledged member of the family
immediately.
Can an
adult Aussie be trained?
The old saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" just isn't true.
Any Aussie, no matter what the age, is capable of learning. It may
require more patience but rescued dogs are eager to learn.
What if
the Aussie just doesn't fit into the
family?
Our primary goal is to match each rescue Aussie with its perfect
'forever' home. We rely on experience and intuition to guide us, but
sometimes mistakes are made. We follow up for the first week or so and
then rely on the adoptive owners to let us know how the dog is
adapting. Often, for the first week or two, a rescue dog is on its best
behavior (known as the "honeymoon" period), and only later does a
problem develop. Many problems can be easily solved, but if a dog is
causing distress or fear in a household, we will take him back
immediately.
Contacts
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