Austin Dog Rescue

Adopting a Puppy

• If the puppy is under 6 months old, someone must work from home, work part-time, retired, be a stay-at-home parent or have a very flexible schedule.
• Have time to run home for potty breaks during the day may not be enough depending on the age and personality of the puppy.
• For a puppy to grow and mature in to a well-adjusted and well-behaved dog,  a lot of human interaction and training is a must.
• Be prepared for house training, crate training (whining/crying), getting up 1 - 2 hours each night, chewing, nipping, chasing children and other normal puppy behaviors and have the willingness to work through these issues.

Adoption Approval Process

• We have no central location. All of our dogs are hosted by foster caregivers.
• The speed of which your application is processed and completed depends solely on the accuracy and information you provide.  Any incomplete or vague information will move your application to the bottom of the processing list.
• We require everyone to submit an application and go through the approval process before adopting
• You will be re-directed to a confirmation page and you know your application was successfully submitted.
• You will be contact within 48 hours acknowledging we have received your application
• We verify your residence and perform a veterinary check on current and previous dogs.  ALL animals currently in your home must be current on vaccinations, neutered and dogs on heartworm preventative.
• If all is satisfactory you will be put in contact with the foster caregiver
• If the dog is a good match, you will be approved to adopt the dog.
• A home safety check will be performed prior to the dog going home.
• Once meeting the dog and the foster agreeing it is a good match, you have 24 hours consider if the dog is the right match for you.  After the 24 hours has passed and we have not heard from you, we move on to the next applicant.
• We cannot guarantee that the dog you are interested in adopting or will submit an application to adopt will be available upon completion and approval of your application. We process applications on a first come first served basis but we do NOT place our dogs based on this system. We reserve the right to deny any application at our discretion.  Under most circumstances decisions are based on our guidelines, policies, experiences, information gathered about the home, and knowledge of what we believe is the best enviornment suited for the individual dog.

College Students

• We normally do NOT adopt to college students. We HIGHLY recommend that you wait to adopt a dog until you graduate, get settled in your career, know where your going to live long-term, and you are financially stable.
• For us to consider your applications, you must convince us that you are prepared for every imaginable life change for the next 15 years.  Marriage, children, moving, loss of job are just some of the few things that WILL happened at some point throughout your life.
• You have the financial means to care for the dog now by having a stable job and a family support system in place should something happen and you have to move back home.
• Fostering a rescued dog may be a better alternative since you have no long-term commitment or financial responsibility.

Some of the more popular herding breed dogs are Australian Cattle Dogs (Heelers), Border Collie’s, Australian Shepherds, German Shepherds, Rottweiler’s, Collie (Lassie Dogs), Catahoula Leopard Dogs.

There can be several reasons why herding dogs, mixes and pure bred alike, end up in shelters and recues.  Some people buy them from breeders thinking they want a really smart dog not realizing what comes with having a “really smart” dog.

Many end up in rural shelters because the dogs are left outdoors, are unaltered and wander way and are picked up by the county animal control.  Their owners don’t come looking for them because they have placed no value or importance on the dog.

Ranchers may buy them thinking they would be good working dogs, which some are but many are not.  Especially if the person doesn’t have the knowledge and time to train them to “work” or the dog just doesn’t have the drive.  Even a working dog wants human companionship at the end of the day.  Most don’t get it in situations like these.

Some may label herding dogs as “quirky” and for the inexperienced person that does not know and understand the breeds they are.  They are not a dog for everyone.  Some are more outgoing than others. The Collie’s (Lassie Dog) can sometimes be more outgoing and trusting of other people.  German Shepherds are normally highly social if exposed to many places, people and other dogs, but can become territorial and protective of their home and family.  Australian Cattle Dogs tend to be aloof - one person dogs and don't take to strangers.  Border Collie’s make wonderful companions for the savvy dog owner that is active and likes to keep their dog engaged and well-trained.  Aussie's can be very high energy dogs and if not trained well or bred well, can be nervous.

All herding dogs can be “nippy” and want to herd anything and everything that moves including young children. But one thing can be said for all of them.  They are loyal, loving companions and are amazing dogs.

Herding Breed Dogs that are not cut out to be working dogs make excellent home companions and are extremely loyal to their person and family.  These are the dogs we usually rescue.  Normally they choose one person in the family that they give most of their attention and respect to usually the person that spends the most time with them,. They will see this person as the pack leader and will most likely obey and want to please them most.  They will follow that person where ever they go and be right by their side at every turn.  Some can be protective of their home and family while others that are well socialized welcome guest and new people.

The one thing all dogs and puppies need is socialization.  Herding Dogs need extensive socialization.  They require someone that will always let them know what the rules are and train them in a fair and positive manner.  Train a dog in an aggressive or harsh way, and you can easily create an aggressive dog or one that is fearful of you and others.  Without kind and fair leadership, it won’t take these dogs long to figure out they are the ones in charge and can take over your life without you realizing it. Yes, they are smart dogs and if allowed to, will try and control yours and their environment.

Most have the inherit trait to chase, nip and be very “mouthy” especially as puppies.   It is not something you can train out of the dog though some like the German Shepherd and Collie will mature and most likely become less “mouthy”  and "nippy: with age.  But Border Collie's, Aussie’s and Heeler's may always have that small bit of drive in them and want to chase, herd and nip anything things that move.

In general terms, herding dogs are not apartment dogs.  There are always exceptions but most require a secure fenced yard.  Even with a yard, herding dogs cannot be left outside alone all day with nothing to do.  They must be played with and exercised regularly and we required they be crated or confined to a safe area while they are young.  Otherwise, they will find some way to entertain themselves and you may not agree with what they believe is entertaining.

Herding dog’s needs are much different than dogs that some consider of as “hyper” or “high energy”.  We do not consider herding dogs “hyper.”  Some herding breeds may be more energetic than others but sometimes that has more to do with their breeding and prey drive.  They are active and there is a big difference between active and hyper (in our opinion.)  They love to use their keen intelligence and their body and why they make excellent walking, hiking, jogging, agility, Frisbee and fly ball dogs.  Once you’ve used their mind and body, they are ready to be by your side resting and taking in your attention and love.  Most herding dogs need 1-2 hours of rigerous activity per day.  As they mature and age, most calm down but expect a puppy and dog under the age of 3 to require exercise every single day, come rain or shine.

Information was written and provided by Joyce Martin, Austin Dog Rescue/K9 Transition Dog Training

Submitting an Application

• We cannot guarantee that the dog you are interested in adopting or will submit an application to adopt will be available upon completion and approval of your application. We process applications on a first come first served basis but we do NOT place our dogs based on this system. We reserve the right to deny any application at our discretion.  Under most circumstances decisions are based on our guidelines, policies, experiences, information gathered about the home, and knowledge of what we believe is the best enviornment suited for the individual dog.
• The application must be completed in its entirety, noting N/A where not applicable.
• Our adoption donation fee is $165.
• We keep our website current and update it daily. You may email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to inquire if a dog has an application.
• If you lease your residence, proof you can have a dog on the premises is the FIRST STEP in approving your application.  Proof would be a copy of your pet addendum or a letter from the owner/management company. We will not process your application this step is completed.
• A vet reference check will be performed on all current and past dogs.  You MUST provide the name and phone number for your vet in order for us to process your application.

The Basics -  Responsible Ownership

• THIS IS A LIFETIME COMMITMENT. Be prepared for and plan ahead for every imaginable life change for the next 15 years.  Marriage, divorce, children, grand children, moving and loss of job are just some of the things that WILL happened at some point throughout your life. 
  • Read the adoption contract prior to signing and adhere to it's legal binding contents.
  • Take advantage of the free 30 day pet insurance policy offered
  • You accept full responsibility for the dogs habits, behavior and all medical expenses.
  • The dog is to live as an indoor dog and will not be left outdoors unsupervised
  • Take the dog to your vet within 30 days of adoption
  • The dog is to be kept current on vaccinations, rabies and monthly heartworm and flea/tick preventative YEAR ROUND
  • Crate the dog when unsupervised a minimum of 60 days
  • Address any training or behavior issue with a professional dog trainer
  • Notify the microchip/pet recovery service and Austin Dog Rescue if you move and of any changes in your contact information.
  • Provide your dog with nourishing food, clean water, grooming, exercise, and social interaction in a safe and humane way on a daily basis.
  • The adoption donation is NOT REFUNDABLE after three (3) days of taking possession of the dog

What your Dog Comes With

• Neutered
• Age appropriately vaccinated
• A negative heartworm test (or treatment)
• Micro chip
• Housetrained (except for young puppies)
• Crate Trained
• Indoor Manners
• Collar
• Copies of all veterinary records and history
• Coupons and discounts for boarding, daycare and training