How to Look for an Aussie Shepherd During a Global Pandemic
Last Updated on May 5, 2024
The Australian Shepherd is a fantastic family pet that remains extremely popular among dog owners even during the coronavirus pandemic.
Are you ready for the responsibility of bringing a puppy into your home? The Aussie Shepherd is the best choice for people who want to get a loyal friend and companion. Read on to find out how to buy an Aussie Shepherd during a global pandemic.
Table of Contents
1. Why Buying an Aussie Shepherd During the Pandemic Is a Good Idea
The global pandemic has affected people worldwide, resulting in various responses, including mental illness, depression, feelings of isolation, and even denial. Humans did not evolve to social distance and isolate from their communities. Fighting the natural urge to socialize has been very hard for people worldwide.
This sense of isolation is a significant factor leading to more people buying dogs during these challenging times. People who have consistently refused to become dog owners suddenly realize they have enough time to care for their pets because their work happens at home.
Dogs provide fresh air to those who desperately need positive emotions and want to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It can be highly beneficial to work when your dog is around. Recent research has revealed that your dog can help you increase productivity and improve your work-life balance.
It’s well-known that dogs can significantly reduce stress and anxiety, ease loneliness and improve mental health. So, if you have always wanted to buy an Australian Shepherd, it is the right time to do that. But where can you find the puppy during the global pandemic?
2. Getting the Australian Shepherd Puppy Online During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Considering the epidemiological situation, buying an Aussie online seems a great idea. However, it would be best to be very careful because puppy scams have risen sharply during the pandemic.
Scammers are constantly trying new tricks to deceive people and get their money. Unfortunately, the coronavirus pandemic has created ideal conditions for scammers to thrive and succeed. They take advantage of people’s vulnerability and desire to make their life brighter. That’s why you should stay vigilant.
Don’t believe everything you see online because there is a nice picture of a funny puppy that may not even exist. So, what signs show you are dealing with a puppy scammer? When looking for an Aussie Shepherd during a global pandemic, try to identify a scammer before you lose your hard-earned money.
- The seller refuses to communicate with you by phone
- The photos of the Aussie puppy you are interested in can be found on various websites
- The seller wants you to wire the money or pay by gift card
- The price for the puppy is too low
Keep in mind that a purebred Aussie can’t be cheap. Scammers look for people who want to buy a purebred dog but can’t afford to pay its total price. They attract buyers with a fantastic price that can be ten times less than the regular price.
Due to puppy scams, you are likely to lose from $300 up to $5000. You may find it suspicious if the seller offers a puppy for free and wants you to pay for shipping only. The scammers will tell you a sad story about a poor small creature that needs a home. And if you are very emotional, you will probably think you are the only one who can save the puppy and give him a better life.
As you can see, buying an Aussie Shepherd during a global pandemic may have some pitfalls, especially if you are planning to buy a dog online. Luckily, you can avoid becoming a victim of fraud if you don’t trust strangers and their promises.
Stay away from the seller who offers no refunds, returns or warranties. It’s worth mentioning that a responsible breeder is always ready to take the puppy back if you cannot keep it.
The increase in price after you make a deposit is another warning sign that should stop you from dealing with the seller. Make sure to consider all of these factors before moving forward. Do not rely solely on a cute photo. This could easily be a scam.
3. A Safe Way To Look for an Aussie Shepherd Online
Buying an Aussie Shepherd during a global pandemic can be exciting. It is a fascinating decision that will completely change the way you live. Remember that you must be a responsible and educated consumer to ensure you buy a puppy from a reliable breeder.
Most breeders work hard to gain a good reputation and provide healthy puppies to their customers. Finding a reliable breeder online is possible if you know how it should be done. Try to find the breeder that is located not far away from you. It will allow you to visit the breeder and check the conditions the puppies are raised in. Whether you are searching for Australian Shepherd sales in NSW, QLD, or wherever you might be, it’s essential to be safe and ask plenty of questions before pulling the trigger.
Do your research before choosing a seller who can be trusted. When you contact the breeder, ask them to provide references from previous customers. You may also look for testimonials when you visit their website. If the breeder has a social media webpage, check the comments if there are any.
A responsible breeder will ask you whether you are a first-time owner or already have experience in raising puppies. They may also ask you why you have decided to add a puppy to your family and who will take care of the dog. Remember that you should not trust the breeder who doesn’t want to find out more about you.
It’s also a great idea to ask the breeder to send you photos of the puppy’s different ages. No doubt, a responsible breeder who loves his dogs has taken lots of photos to see how they grow and develop. There should also be photos of the puppy with its mother. If the breeder refuses to show you the photos, keep away from him. This person can hardly be trusted.
When you visit the breeder’s website, be attentive and try to find any errors. Online scammers do not create their text. They usually copy and paste the text from other websites. Read the text to see if it flows well. The inconsistencies within the text and lack of information are red flags suggesting that you are probably dealing with a scammer. The photographs captioned incorrectly say the same.
A reliable breeder is always ready to provide a contract with health guarantees included. Plus, the breeder will show you the documents proving the Australian Shepherd puppy has been tested for genetic defects. The online scammer will not have access to such documents.
Buying an Aussie Shepherd during a global pandemic will make you happier. The most important thing you have to do is find a reliable and trustworthy breeder who is genuinely passionate about his work.
Good breeders provide support before, during, and after you purchase your puppy. They can provide meaningful education on the care, training, and feeding of your puppy when they get home.
Don’t hesitate and call the breeder to ask questions. Make sure that they specialize in one or just a few breeds. Find the reviews left by past customers. If nothing is suspicious, buy the Australian Shepherd puppy online.
4. Adopting an Aussie Shepherd During the Coronavirus Outbreak
Buying a new Aussie Shepherd during a global pandemic is not the only option available. You may also consider adoption. Dogs that previous owners have left behind are desperately waiting to be rescued. Some people turn to shelters to find new friends. What if your Aussie is among those dogs that need a new home so much?
Now, pet adoption is gaining popularity. People realize they can save a life when they take a puppy from a shelter. Unfortunately, many dogs are euthanized annually. Shelters are overcrowded, and few people want to adopt abandoned animals.
Most pets end up in shelters because their owners can’t care for them any longer and not because they did something wrong. In most cases, these animals are friendly and well-behaved. They are ready to give their love and care to a new owner.
There is another crucial reason why you should consider pet adoption. Taking a pet from a shelter effectively fights puppy mills, where animals are kept in awful conditions without proper medical care.
Due to the pandemic, many shelters and rescues have changed their policies and processes for adoption. To ensure your adoption goes smoothly, take the following steps:
- Make appointments beforehand
- Cancel appointments if you are not feeling well
- Wear a mask when you visit the shelter
Following these recommendations is not hard. Yet, it is essential for your safety and the safety of the shelter workers.
The Australian Shepherd puppy will become a great addition to your family. You will get a new best friend eager to please you no matter what. A homeless animal will be immensely grateful to you for changing its whole world.
5. Prepare Your Aussie for Life in a Post-Coronavirus World
Hopefully, the COVID-19 pandemic will not last forever. So, you should start training your new dog when you bring it home. You spend much time with your Australian Shepherd if you work from home. But everything may change in the nearest future. What should you do to get your dog ready for the outside world?
Socialization is critical for young puppies as well as grown-up dogs. Try not to stay at home all the time. Go to the park and sit on the bench with your dog. Keep social distancing, but let your Aussie see the other people and animals, and get used to loud noises.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s lives. But it should never discourage you from becoming an Australian Shepherd owner.