Best time of year to adopt a dog?

[Anonymous]

DD has finally worn us down on adopting a dog. We are thinking of January or February next year so we can get through the holidays and planned fall travel. Are there generally dogs available then? Training classes in session if we need them? Looks like Petsmart is having a national adoption weekend at the end of Feb. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

There are adoption events every single weekend. And there are always lots of dogs available. Personally I’d wait until Spring because it is rough taking a dog out for walks in the bitter cold and even worse in snow and ice. When you have already had the dog and grown to love him or her by the time winter comes around, it feels worth it, but you may resent the dog if you have to jump into that from the get go.

[Anonymous]

Yes, there will be dogs. Waiting until after the holidays is smart.

We adopted at the end of January and got to stay home with the new dog for Snowmageddon, so that worked out. Aim for a three day weekend and short work week. If you wait till spring make sure you aren't traveling for spring break or early summer.

[Anonymous]

We got our new puppy at the beginning of January. House training in near-zero degree weather was rough (on me, the puppy shivered but didn't seem too upset by the experience) and if I could go back and do it again, I would wait a couple months.

[Anonymous]

The best time is whenever you/your family have time to devote to getting the dog acclimated. Trainers and training classes are available year-round.

[Anonymous]

If you can, late Spring. Potty training is first order of business for your sanity. Hard to be consistent with potty training in Starting leash training, playing outside with the dog, etc. are advantages with nice weather.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you can, late Spring. Potty training is first order of business for your sanity. Hard to be consistent with potty training in Starting leash training, playing outside with the dog, etc. are advantages with nice weather.

oop sorry- should say "hard to be consistent with potty training in December."

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks for the quick responses! I'm now thinking we'll wait until spring break and i'll take a few days off work then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The best time is whenever you/your family have time to devote to getting the dog acclimated. Trainers and training classes are available year-round.

This. Though I've generally found late summer/early fall is the best time due to weather, house-training, etc. Fewer storms, nice weather, not too cold or dark for walks and lots of time in the yard. Just my opinion, of course.

[Anonymous]

No potty-training in the coldest months!

I made that mistake. I had to go out at 2am on the coldest days of the year so that our puppy could pee.

[Anonymous]

I agree with PPs. Do it when it’s warm. Late night walks in cold weather can be brutal.

[Anonymous]

Have you had a dog before? Are you set on a puppy? An older dog might be a good way to start if this is your first dog. No potty training and you get a lot more information about temperament.

We really appreciated the classes at the DC Humane Society when we inherited my mom's senior dog the same year we had a baby. Definitely check those out.

[Anonymous]

OP again, no we are not set on a puppy. In fact I think we would prefer a 1-3 year old. DH and I haven’t owned a dog yet as adults.

[Anonymous]

Jan and Feb are cold - do you want to be going outside to potty train your puppy 8+ times a day in the snow?

Really a spring or summer / early fall adoption is going to be best for that.

[Anonymous]

We got our puppy at the end of Sept. It worked out fine.