• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Our website uses cookies. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our use of cookies. To see what cookies we serve and set your own preferences, please review our Cookie Policy. Learn More.

The Dog People by Rover.com

Powered by Rover.com

Just another The Dog People by Rover.com Sites site

  • The Dog People by Rover.com
  • Dog Bonding
  • Dog Care
  • Dog-friendly places
    • London
    • Birmingham
    • Edinburgh
    • Manchester
    • Liverpool
  • Shopping
    • Dog Gift Guides
    • Toys and Chews
  • Dog Names
    • The 200 Most Popular Dog Names in the UK
    • Rover’s Dog Name Generator
    • The Best 250 Girl Dog Names in the UK
    • 68 Literary Dog Names for Bookish Dog Lovers
    • 16 Perfect Batman Dog Names
    • The Most Romantic Dog Names Ever
    • Popular Irish Dog Names
  • For Cat People
  • For Dog People
  • Try Rover
    • Sitter Resources
  • Languages
    • en-US
    • en-CA
    • fr-FR
    • es-ES
    • de-DE
    • it-IT
    • nl-NL
    • nb-NO
    • sv-SE
    • fr-CA

Is There a Best Time to Get a Puppy?

Share0Pin It0

Is There a Best Time to Get a Puppy?

Puppies and New Dogs
By Kiki Kane

Share0Tweet0Pin It0
  • This post contains affiliate links. Read more here.

We’re tempted to say that anytime is the best time for a new dog, but let’s be honest—it’s a big decision. When you’re contemplating getting a puppy, take a careful look at your schedule, lifestyle, and upcoming plans. The top three considerations when getting a new dog include:

  1. The season
  2. Your schedule
  3. Your puppy’s temperament

Sunshine is Helpful

Most dog owners and Rover.com sitters agree that spring or summer is the optimal seasons for adding a four-legged friend to your family. Warmer months are ideal times for housebreaking your puppy, and they also give you the benefit of longer and sunnier days for walks and playtime.

Advertisement

Fall and winter can be a little harder for breeds that are sensitive to chilly temperatures. Also, consider that cold weather makes house training harder to accomplish. (Think about how you much you don’t like to go outside when it’s dark, cold, or rainy out—your dog will likely feel the same.) The months before the end of the year are also jam-packed with the chaos of holiday shopping, travelling, and family gatherings.

When Can You Take Time Off?

Get a puppy at a time when you can create a predictable routine for your new dog. You should consider whether you’re taking any time off to travel during these first months with your pup. Keep in mind that dogs are pack animals and like to be part of the family. It might be stressful for your puppy to be separated from you right after becoming part of the family.

At the end of the day, get your puppy at a time when you can dedicate some quality hours to bonding, training, and snuggles. You’ll both need time to adjust to each other. There may some ups and downs as you learn each other’s personalities, and as you make room in your life for an energetic canine family member.

Fortunately, even if you have a busy work schedule, frequent travel plans, or just too much to do and not enough time—you can still enjoy the love of a dog. That’s because it’s easier than ever to find and book a sitter who offers dog boarding in your area.

Prepare a Space for Your New Dog

Besides healthy food, training treats, and a good leash and collar, you’ll want to be sure to create a safe “puppy zone” so your space is prepared for its new addition. You’ll need:

  • A crate if you’re crate training.
  • Baby gates! This pet gate is a fun, freestanding choice if your dog isn’t a jumper. If she is, you’ll need something higher.
  • Cosy items like blankets or your old shirts.
  • At least one bed like this orthopaedic pet mattress. You may need a chew-proof bed like the K9 Ballistics line. This is a good list of more options.
  • Potty pads.
  • Plenty of safe toys and chews.

Puppies need to chew! Antlers are a safe choice.

Further Reading

How Long Can You Leave a Puppy Alone?

50 Puppy Training Tips to Help You Stay Sane

14 Things Only Someone with a Puppy Understands

The Essential New Puppy Checklist

Pick the Puppy that Fits Your Personality (Quiz)

Share0Tweet0Pin It0

Kiki Kane

Kiki Kane is a canine chef, professional blogger, and lifelong animal lover owned by a Frenchie-Boston mix named Bea Pickles and a geriatric kitty named Mogwai. As a dog chef and member of Rover's Dog People Panel, she creates original dog-friendly recipes for the web series Kiki's Canine Kitchen.

sidebar

By Kiki Kane

Share This Article

Share0Tweet0Pin It0

Popular Posts

  • How to bond with your dog
  • 6 Tips for Training Your Territorial Dog
  • Cat Diarrhoea: What Causes It and How To Make It Stop
  • My Cat Is Shy or Scared: How Do I Get My Cat To Trust Me?
  • 12 Signs Your Dog Loves You, and Why
  • 8 Reasons Why Your Cat Licks You
  • Why Do Cats’ Eyes Glow in The Dark?
  • All You Need To Know About Neutering Your Cat
  • The 20 Best Dog Breeds for Every Type of Family and Kid
  • Why Is My Cat Shaking? Find Out Why And How To Help

Learn More

  • About Rover.com
  • Sitter Resources
  • Terms of Service
  • User Terms
  • Privacy Statement
  • Cookie Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • Download the App
  • In The Press
  • Advertise With Us

Need Help?

  • Help Center
Your privacy choices
© 2023 Rover.com. All Rights Reserved.
"Mmmm... cookies!"

While slightly less delicious than physical cookies, digital cookies help us enhance and personalize your ads and experience, analyze website traffic, and more.