Bringing a puppy into your life can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it’s also a big decision that requires careful consideration which is, when is the right time to get a puppy?
One of the most important factors to consider is timing – when is the best time to get a dog? I recently wrote a post about what to consider before getting a puppy but this time we are focusing on the time aspect.
We’ll explore some of the most important considerations to help you determine when the best time is to get a puppy that will fit seamlessly into your lifestyle and bring you years of joy and companionship.
Is There Such a Thing As Best Timing to Get a Puppy?
We all have turbulences and unexpected events happening in our lives. You can never know what is to happen next, but it is worth getting a puppy only when basic things in your life are stable.
The best time to get a puppy depends on several factors, including your lifestyle, availability, and personal preferences but I would say the most important things are a proper living situation and a stable income.
However, if you feel ready and prepared to take on the responsibility, any time can be a good time to get a puppy. So no, there is no perfect timing for getting a puppy, but stability is key to seamlessly fitting your new puppy into your lifestyle and providing years of love and companionship.
Just be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder or adoption agency to ensure the health and well-being of your new dog.
Avoid Getting a Puppy in These Situations
In general, it’s best to wait until you have a stable living situation, schedule, and financial resources to care for a puppy. There are some situations in life where it is not wise to get a puppy.
Here is a comprehensive list of different circumstances where you should have patience and postpone getting a new dog:
Living Situation:
- If you are living in an apartment that doesn’t allow pets
- you are living in an apartment building that accommodates residents with allergies
- you have two or more roommates and/or the dog would have very limited access to the living spaces. You can’t keep a puppy in one room however small the breed is.
- You know you are moving houses soon. This can cause stress to you and the new puppy so it’s better to postpone getting the dog until you have settled into your new home.
Note that living in a small apartment is not necessarily a reason alone not to get a dog. I live in a 366-square-feet/ 34-square-meter apartment and as long as my cavalier gets to go for frequent walks every day, she is good.
Financial Situation:
Puppies can be expensive, from adoption fees to food, toys, and medical expenses. Make sure you have the financial resources to care for a puppy.
- You are between jobs and don’t have a monthly income
- You can’t afford dog insurance OR
- You don’t have a financial buffer for unexpected incidents like vet bills
I don’t personally have insurance for my dog, but I have the financial buffer, and if that’s not enough, I know I have my family’s support as a last resort.
Family And Social Situation:
- Your partner or close family member is allergic to dogs
- Your partner doesn’t want a dog
- You have young children, e.g. pre-schoolers
- Your child is demanding to get a puppy
Health Concerns:
- You are the one with allergies
- You have a medical condition that requires frequent or long hospital stays
- If you are struggling with mental health problems, it’s best to focus on your healing journey
- You are pregnant and expecting a child or just gave birth
A disabled person can be eligible for getting a service animal, but keep in mind that service dogs are highly trained specifically for their handler’s needs and not solely for companionship.
Read more about service dogs here!
Your Daily Routine And Schedule:
Puppies require a lot of time and attention, so make sure you have the time and availability to provide for their needs. If you work long hours or travel frequently, it may not be the best time to get a puppy.
- You love to travel frequently or your job requires traveling
- You don’t like to wake up early and take the puppy out for a walk
- Your work requires long hours at the workplace
- The daily schedule is very inconsistent
If the puppy is left alone for long periods, they can develop separation anxiety. Also, dogs should get an opportunity to go out for a walk every 6-8 hours, and puppies even more frequently.
Your Personal Readiness:
Getting a puppy is a long-term commitment, so make sure you are emotionally ready for the responsibility of caring for a puppy.
- You hate dirt and dog hair around the house
- You don’t like occasional weird smells
- You have a specific expectation of how your puppy should be and behave
Best Timing For a Family to Get a Puppy
Getting a puppy is something many children beg from their parents. Taking care of a pet can teach responsibility to the children but the ultimate responsibility is always on the parents. In the best-case scenario, the whole family participates in taking care of the dog.
So when would be the best time for a family to get a puppy? I would recommend getting a puppy when the children of the household are in elementary school.
At this point, children are at an age where they have developed the necessary skills and qualities to take care of a pet effectively.
However, it is important to note that every child is different, and some may be more or less capable than others when it comes to pet care.
Also, when the children become more independent with everyday tasks, parents gain more time and energy to take care of the puppy, and if specified dog training is needed.
Conclusion
The decision to get a puppy is a big one, and it’s important to consider several factors before bringing a living being into your home. From your living situation to your personal readiness, it’s essential to ensure that you have the time, resources, and emotional capacity to care for a new pet.
By carefully considering these factors, you can determine the best time to get a puppy that will fit seamlessly into your lifestyle and provide years of love and companionship.
Remember, being a responsible pet owner is a long-term commitment, and it’s important to make sure you’re ready for the challenge.
