There are many factors to consider when deciding to welcome a new dog into the family, from breed and age to proper timing. Bringing home a new dog requires a hefty amount of time and commitment, even more if you adopt puppies.
To determine the best time to adopt your dog, look at your work schedule, lifestyle, and even the weather patterns in your area, especially in Utah! So when would it be best to adopt a dog? Let’s look at the pros and cons of each season.
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Summer
We all look forward to summer with the longer and brighter days. Some people’s work is slower in the summer, which would allow more free time with a new dog. Potty training your dog is also much easier when it’s warm outside. Dogs love playing outside with their endless amounts of energy, so you better be prepared to take them out often.
Summer allows more time for the children in the household to be the caretakers for the new pup, which isn’t such a bad idea because it will strengthen the bond between the kids and your new dog, emotionally and physically. Adopting in the summer is often a great idea when it comes to small pups like the Goldendoodle, Maltipoo, or Mini Bernedoodle because they are small and can get fresh air and stay cool using the AC in the house.
If you decide to adopt a dog in the summer, make sure you aren’t going for a walk in the middle of the day because you might burn their paws. You will need to schedule walks in the evening, or you could both end up with a heat stroke!
Spring
Spring is an excellent time to adopt a dog; you can participate in more outdoor activities together. While nature is back to blooming, you and your dog can walk and enjoy the new sights and smells. However, springtime can be very wet, so you might want to take your dog to the park (if they allow dogs) rather than the dog park due to the level of mud in highly trafficked areas.
Fall
If you prefer to be outside during the cooler months, fall might be the best time of the year for you to adopt a dog. As the weather changes, you get to enjoy the walk through crunchy leaves as you see wild critters running around, preparing to hunker down for the winter. The downside is the amount of dirt, leaves, and other debris outdoors can be a real hassle when puppies are young and chew anything and everything they can get their hands (paws) on!
Winter
As it gets colder, you’ve got to ensure that you keep your dog warm. Depending on how cold it gets, adopting a dog in the winter can affect potty training and exercise schedules. When you get a dog this time of year, always be mindful of any potential frostbite, slips, or other injuries your dog could suffer from, and take precautionary steps to prevent issues before they occur. The end of the year can be stressful with many plans, holidays, shopping, and scheduled vacations. Adding a new puppy to your life during this time of year can be a lot. The added stress won’t be good for either of you. Then again, there’s nothing like finding the perfect batch of Goldendoodle puppies for sale just before Christmas, making the holidays even more magical. Once the pressure is off and the holidays are over, you’ll still be having the time of your life with your new fluffy family member.
There isn’t any one-size-fits-all answer for when the best time is to adopt a dog. It all depends on your schedule and how responsible you are. You won’t want to end up in a situation where you adopt a dog, yet you don’t have any time to play with it. As soon as you adopt a dog, it becomes family. Dogs aren’t just little fur animals; they are our companions. They benefit us just as much as we do them.
If you ever plan to gift a friend or family member a dog, beware that giving someone a dog as a gift is strongly advised against unless the person you are giving it to is entirely prepared and responsible for taking the dog in and being a pet parent. It’s a lot of responsibility!
