When is the best time to get a dog: choose the season

Before you take a new dog into the house, you need to weigh everything. Many factors must be taken into account – from breed and age to the season outside the window. When is the best time to buy a dog? The short answer is that it depends on the circumstances.

Caring for a new pet will take a lot of time and effort. In order to understand when is the best time to get a dog, take into account your work schedule, lifestyle and weather conditions in the area.

The pros and cons of each season in terms of getting a dog are later in the article.

Spring

Spring is a great time to get a dog. With the advent of spring, there are more opportunities for active pastime. When nature is back in bloom, you can set up a walk mode that will allow you to discover new places of interest and smells. This is a great time to potty train your dog outside if he hasn’t already, because you won’t have to stand out in the cold while he does his thing.

Since yards and dog parks tend to be muddy in the spring, take your pet to a designated public park. You can walk your dog there: wander along the well-groomed paths and watch the squirrels coming out of hibernation.

If it is very humid where you live in the spring, consider whether you are ready to walk your dog in the rain and whether you have everything you need for this.

Summer

Ah, summer, summer! The days are even longer and the sun shines brighter. Many people work less during the summer, which frees up more time for their pet. If you take a dog in the summer, again, it is much easier to teach him to go to the toilet outside in warm weather. According to the American Kennel Club, a dog should go outside in the morning, after every meal and sleep, and after playtime.

If you have children, they are more likely to be home during the summer holidays, so they can be put in charge of taking care of the dog. Playing together between children and pets not only strengthens the bond between them, but also enriches both emotional and physical experiences.

If you decide to take your dog in the summer, remember not to walk your dog during the hottest part of the day. He can burn his paws on hot pavement or get heatstroke. But summer evenings are just made for walking with dogs!

Autumn

If you are very busy during the spring and summer or prefer to spend time outdoors during the cooler months, autumn may be the best time of the year to get a dog. What could be more beautiful than walking on a cool autumn day, when you can rustle fallen leaves and watch how wildlife prepares for winter?

Since there are many holidays in the fall and winter, it may be worth getting a puppy before the start of the holiday season so as not to disrupt your usual schedule. Adopting a dog in late summer can help set you up for a more relaxed yet structured fall routine.

Winter

Adopting a dog in winter can be quite difficult. The temperature in your area can affect her toilet training and physical activity schedule. If you live in a region with low temperatures, you should be aware of the possibility of getting frostbite, slipping or injury. You will have to train your dog to go to the toilet outside, and it will not be easy.

Keep in mind that it will be difficult to adopt a dog at the end of the year if there are many events planned for the holidays. Adopting a pet during a stressful time won’t do him or you any good. And if you are planning to gift a dog to a friend or family member, you can only do so if the recipient of the gift is fully prepared to become a responsible pet owner.

However, winter can be a great time to adopt a pet. There are often many dogs in shelters ready to offer warm hugs that will help keep you warm in severe frosts.

There is no universal answer to the question of when to get a dog. When planning to open the doors of the house and the heart of a new furry family member, be sure to consider your lifestyle and daily routine.