Best time of year to get a puppy?

[Wendy and Sophie]

We are planning to get a Goldendoodle in 2014, and have options on timing.  I'm wondering if there's a better time of year to get a puppy.  Does it matter if it's in the more winter months when it's darker earlier? We live in NC so it's stays temperate most of the year; we're trying to decide whether to get a puppy in February when the days start to get longer, but when my work starts to get busier, versus getting one in the fall, when work is slower, but the days are getting shorter.  

The other variable is having an 18 year old in the house to be home a bit and help socialize through August, versus being empty nesters in the fall.  I'm thinking through whether it's better to get a puppy when we're heading into the warmer outside months, or wait, even though it will be less conducive to outdoor activity if we wait, because work will be less busy, though my daughter won't be around at that point to help.  

If anyone has advice on timing to bring a puppy home (the puppy would be three months old, with a month of training under his/her belt), I'm most open to your thoughts.  This forum was incredibly helpful with my last question, so I thought I'd post one more.  Thanks so much!

[AndySharon BoomerShaynaMariner]

I would not be concerned about the "length" of the days.  I would recommend that you try to get your puppy when you and your family would be able to be with them the most.  Puppies need to be housebroken and as they are leaving their mother for the first time it is comforting to them to have someone with them.

[Wendy and Sophie]

Thanks so much.  I am vacillating because my daughter would be home from 3:00 onward through august, but I'll be around much less once March rolls in. (I'm a realtor).  I slow down a lot in August, just as she'll be leaving.  Thanks for your guidance.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

You need to be outside with a puppy a lot, so for me, it would be all about the weather. Assuming of course that you have an option. Many breeders don't have litters year round, thank goodness. 

[Wendy and Sophie]

Thanks, Karen.  This would be from two different breeders; one has a litter ready February and the other plans one that will be ready in August. February breeder may also have a litter next in November/December.  I prefer August just so days are a bit longer/warmer to November/December, but am trying to decide whether to rule out February all-together.  I do love the idea of having all of the spring/summer weather with a puppy to be outside and explore.

[J and Riley (and Luna)]

We got Luna in October and it was fine even though by then it's pretty cold here.  That first Winter was harsh on her little puppy paws but she really loves winter as an adult dog :)

[Lori, Quincy & Frankie]

If your daughter is like my son, she will want to be part of the puppy homecoming!  It will also be nice to have her help and for her to bond with the puppy, too.  

[Wendy and Sophie]

Good points.  I think she'd enjoy the puppy, when she's not going crazy with senior year stuff. :-)

[Barbara B., Sasha & Oliver]

I got my Sasha in January and standing out in freezing cold weather at 10 pm at night while I was training her was not fun but we got thru it and she is my precious little girl.  I got my Oliver on Labor Day weekend and it was nice being home with a new puppy and I took extra days off to spend with him and get him adjusted.   He adjusted so quick because he followed my Sasha around.  So with getting a doodle in January vs. September... I suggest the warmer months, its easier.  Good luck and I am looking forward to seeing lots of pictures of your new puppy when you get him/her :)

[Wendy and Sophie]

Thanks so much, Barbara!

[F, Calla & Luca]

I got both my dogs in May because it allowed me to be outdoors a lot and have the dogs ready to be out alone by winter if need be. But whatever works best for your schedule is what I would go for.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Agree with F.  Peri came home in June - it was wonderful - we had long days to train, walk, etc.... 

[Miss Ellie]

Just from our own experience, we got our sweet Ellie girl in August and we found that it was a great time of year to have a puppy.  The weather was great and there was lots of opportunity between going to our son's baseball games and travelling to family cottages to properly socialize our little girl.  During the winter months people tend to hibernate and so it's not as easy to socialize during that time of year.  The other bonus for us was that our boy's were home on summer holidays and so it was a great time for them to really have a chance to bond with her. Keep us updated and will look forward to seeing puppy pics!