Puppies are cute, wiggly bundles of joy. Most dog lovers agree that adding a pup to their family is not “if” but “when.”
However, bringing a puppy home at an inappropriate time can have significant consequences for the pup and its new owners. This is why lifestyle factors and seasonal considerations should be considered when determining the best time to adopt a puppy.
Spring
Golden retriever puppies for sale require much attention and care, including cleaning up accidents, providing food and water, and taking them on daily walks. Choosing the right time to get your puppy considers your lifestyle, schedule, and the breed’s needs.
Spring and summer are good times to adopt a puppy because the weather is mild. It will be easier to take your puppy outside, where they can burn off their energy. They will also have more opportunities to experience different people, smells, and surfaces they would not be exposed to in the winter.
During the summer, you can also spend more time prepping your home for your new puppy. Adding pet fences and puppy-proofing will be much easier than during the winter when it is too cold to do any outdoor work. Summer days are also long enough to give your puppy plenty of opportunities for play and exercise.
Puppies are typically ready to leave their mother and littermates by eight weeks of age, at which point they have finished nursing, can eat solid foods, and are mobile. If you adopt a puppy before this age, they may have trouble adapting to life in a new home because they will miss out on the valuable lessons their mother and littermates have taught them.
Summer
The best time to buy a puppy is when your lifestyle and schedule allow regular, consistent exercise and socialization. Marital status and family circumstances, living arrangements and responsibilities, and vacation plans should significantly add a new member to your household. Still, a puppy’s age and developmental stage should also factor into your timing.
Dog experts generally agree that late spring and early summer are the ideal times to bring home a pup. The mild weather makes potty training more accessible, and the longer summer days give you and your new canine companion ample opportunities for outside adventures and exploration.
Additionally, many families have children home from school in the summer, and puppies can help teach them responsibility and a love for animals. Of course, you should always supervise your children around a dog, no matter the season, but having kids be primary caretakers of their pets helps them develop a strong bond and learn about the importance of animal care and responsibility. Just be sure to avoid taking your puppy for walks during the hottest part of the day to avoid burning their sensitive paws or making them overheat. This is especially important for short-nosed breeds like pugs and bulldogs.
Fall
Adding a puppy to your family is a big commitment that requires time, energy, and money. A successful transition requires planning and assessing your lifestyle, unique circumstances, and individual puppy needs to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved.
The most crucial factor is considering the puppy’s formative window, which lasts from birth through 8 weeks. This development period will determine many of a pup’s essential character traits. Puppies learn to inhibit bites and socialize with their littermates and humans during this period. They also gain crucial immune system protections and build a solid foundation for healthy lifelong health.
A good time to bring a new puppy home is when temperatures are more relaxed and less humid in the fall. This makes it a more pleasant time to go on walks and explore the outdoors with your pup. Additionally, many people take vacation time during this season, making finding the free time needed for training and play easier.
Regardless of the season, separating puppies from their mother before eight weeks is always a bad idea. This is a major red flag and can have lasting and detrimental effects. If a breeder advertises puppies before that age, walk away immediately. It is not a responsible way to sell puppies.
Winter
If you’re ready to bring a puppy into your life, the question is not “if” but rather “when.” Puppies require time, attention, and a commitment that may impact your lifestyle. Considering factors such as work schedules, available free time, and holiday and vacation plans can make a big difference in your ability to raise a happy dog.
Most pet experts agree that summer is the best time to get a new puppy because of the longer, sunnier days for outdoor play. This allows your pup to burn through their energy while playing with family and friends, experience the sights and smells of the world around them, and socialize.
Cold weather makes potty training more challenging, and your puppy will likely be less inclined to spend much time outdoors. Think about how much you dislike going outside when it’s rainy, icy, or snowy!
Winter is also a tricky season for puppies, as most people are bundled up inside their homes and spending less time at dog parks or other places where dogs can be found. If you plan to bring a puppy home during the winter, consider looking for a pet trainer or dog park with indoor facilities to provide your pup with plenty of opportunities to socialize. In addition, the holidays can make finding a reliable vet for routine visits challenging.
