The best time of year to buy a puppy

[DAVE D1953]

Hi Everyone,

At the moment I am seriously thinking about buying a puppy cocker spaniel but I suppose, with Winter here, this decision is best left until Spring

Also, at the moment I have two 16 year cats and I am just wondering if there is going to be an issue for either pets.

Thanks for your advice

Dave

[Jane57]

Some will say spring/summer etc, as you might be up in the night, or out in garden with puppy while intially toilet training, we got Riley in April, much our preffered time and we planned this.

You are also going to get some saying winter so that the dog will be able for longer walks come the spring / summer etc, though that didnt factor for us, would much prefer standing out in garden in spring/summer etc.

[Ruby Tuesday]

I think ideally it is nicer standing in the garden with pup in Spring/summer. Having said that, if you found the right pup, I wouldn't let winter put you off. We got Jem in February so did have to spend hours freezing in the garden, but she was worth it!

We don't have cats, but I know plenty of people on here do.

Good luck in your search.

[Patp]

The best time is when it suits you - the weather this summer hasnt been the best anyway!!

I got Jinley in October last year which suited us with time off etc.

However if she had come along in September or February, it wouldnt have mattered!  Waiting 3 weeks until I could bring her home was bad enough - if I had to wait months...!!

Pat

[jennycockerspaniel]

I had Jenny in Novemeber and didnt find it a problem as that winter was quite milld Penny came home in May and was nice to get her out when the weather was sunny The first time I took her out in the garden even with door open I couldnt see her as she was Black and Tan as Jenny was gold Torch after that Good Luck in finding a puppy.

[maddy74]

We got Willow in feb and it was cold standing outside with her every 5 mins for toileting but she was worth it.  Those days are a distant memory now.  On a plus side getting her in feb meant by the summer she was old enough to take out on nice walks etc.... If I had to do it all again I wouldnt change a thing 

[LinziS]

Tilly came to us in December...and Erin came in January....was a pain in the bum standing in the garden at 2 am 3am 4am with the wind rain and snow wearing pj's and dressing gown and wellies (not a good look)  huddled under a brolly waiting on them to do their business...or chase a leaf..or eat the grass ...but was worth ever minute in the end...and it is short lived thankfully

[Countrygirl]

We brought Ellie home on the 30th December and it was a very cold January.  It was hard work standing in the garden but Ellie didn't mind at all, the breeder sent her home with a little fleece jacket and the hard work was persuading Ellie to come in as she was quite happy racing around the garden in the frost & snow..  The plus side was by the time the nice weather came she was ready for proper walks.

[fenby]

We brought Harvey home in November , I don't think it really matters what time of the year you get your puppy as there are pros and cons with any time. Regarding your cats we had a 13 year old cat who spent the first 9 months we had Harvey up in our bedroom, gradually she got braver and braver and look at them now.

[Richantsmith86]

Hi Dave,

We've had Oscar for a week now and we've had some muddy paws to deal with but given the summer we've had it wouldn't make such a difference right?! Just be prepared for standing out in the cold last thing at night/early morning when toileting him/her. We leave Oscar in the crate overnight FYI.

As for cats, we have two oldish cats, one very nervous and one more willing to stand up for itself! Both have kept their distance from Oscar and are spending much of their time upstairs, Oscar won't be going upstairs at all.  I've now moved the cats food dishes upstairs but to be fair they have recently started napping in the living room. Oscar has playfully chased after them a couple of times but both cats just run away. Nothing to worry about at all and who knows, we might have a similar situation to Fenby's!

[kalami]

I never thought about time of year. Ours were august and September. That was fine. I don't think I'd like toilet training now though

[JeffandAnnie]

Jeff was a January puppy, in the snow. Lots of standing in snow in my dressing gown. Wouldn't change the experience, or him, for the world though  

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I got Charlie at the end of October, I don't think there is a right or wrong time of year...

[Helen]

Working cocker breeders (who work their dogs) generally don't have litters over the winter (as that's when their dogs are working).

You will see most working litters from May onwards 

[Joules]

I brought Coco home at the end of October so spent many hours outside in the cold/dark/wet trying to get her to wee or poo    As a result, I have always said that any other pup I brought home would have to be in spring/summer 

Having said that, you can't always plan these things so it depends on when the right pup is available.  But, given the choice I would prefer to housetrain during the summer!