4 Tips: When’s the Best Time to Get a Puppy?

They’re oh-so-fluffy and adorable! But anyone who has had a new puppy around the house knows they come with a fair amount of work (and destruction). So when’s the best time to get a puppy?

My family has a new furry addition.  Meet Ella, our Australian Shepherd puppy.  She’s a light, non-standard color in what we hope ends up to be a medium sized breed (those paws are awfully big).  We debated about getting her now, as our 10 year old Golden Retriever has been an amazing dog and she’s earned a peaceful retirement.  Here’s what we’ve learned that may be useful if you’re debating on when to get a puppy.

#1 ~ Old Dog, Old Tricks

Let your older dog train the new one.

We’d heard this advice from several dog owners.  And I’m pleasantly surprised at how true it is.  “Daisy’s a wonderful dog, but it’s not like we’ve trained her to do a bunch of tricks” was my initial reaction to this strategy.  That’s not it, though.  It’s just training the puppy how to be a good dog.  Where her place is as a member of the household, in general.

And it’s so much easier!  They both go out to pee.  They both lay in “the napping spot” by the front door to rest.  Ella copies and follows and adores Daisy.  Daisy’s even gotten so she’s more content being outside, and wrestles with the puppy.  Which expends more of the puppy’s energy.  For which we are eternally grateful.

I couldn’t be happier with how this is going, and I do highly recommend this approach.

#2 ~ Small Window of Puppyhood… Is Your Child Old Enough to Bond?

After a failed pet attempt with a kitten, and a clever play on words by my son, we started to consider getting him a puppy.  I mean, we still have the cat.   But it’s a CAT.  Doesn’t come when called, doesn’t cuddle on demand, etc, etc.  Overall, a disappointment in his eyes, and not a willing participant to fully receive “all the love in my heart” as he says.

Then he started referring to the family Golden Retriever of ten years as “my sister’s dog”.  Well played.

But here’s my concern, and I’ve tried to lecture him on this.  You can rescue an adult dog from a shelter (which I’ve always wanted to do), or get a puppy.  The main reason we got a puppy was for him to be able to truly bond with it.  Establish that it’s HIS dog.

This means you are the dog’s human who plays with it the most, feeds it, waters it, and take it outside.  It’s a small window of opportunity.  He’s doing a pretty decent job, but age 7 may be a little too young to take this super seriously.

 #3 ~ Will Your Child *Really* Ditch the Screen for a Puppy?

If this is what you’re banking on, be aware some of the initial, shiny new excitement will wear off.  I had visions of my son rushing home after school… and racing to the backyard with his pup for a good hour of interactive play!  Well, that’s not exactly how it worked out.

But after that first enamored week started to wear off, I did have a talk with him.  Again… this is a special window of time, to establish that you’re her PERSON, blah blah blah.  YOU feed her, YOU take her outside, and YOU play with her the most.  He did seem to take it to heart. In the few weeks since then, I have definitely seen a bond growing between them and he is very excited to see her when he gets home.  It’s pretty cool.

And there are moments every day when it’s just about playing with the puppy.  No games, tablets, or tv.  That definitely makes it worth it to me.

#4 ~ Your Old Dog Just May Be Lonely

One last comment, if you currently have a sole, adult dog in the household.  You may be surprised at how much they enjoy having canine company.  Especially if their personality is friendly toward other dogs.

 

I really did worry about how our older dog Daisy would react, but I’ve been so happy to see how it’s breathed new life into her.  She has stopped doing the “mopey, bored” look around the house (accompanied by heavy sighs).  These pouts used to occur for sometimes hours on end.  No more.  Plus she has a wrestle play session with the puppy at least twice per day – every morning and evening.

She literally seems like a happier dog.  So much so that I almost wish we’d gotten a puppy sooner!

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