Picking the right season to bring a puppy home is not just about the weather, because the time of year makes a huge difference in house training and socialization.
Every season brings different challenges, but some months make the work much easier for new owners.
I believe spring and summer are the best months, so let’s weigh each season before you choose the dog.
Spring
Bringing the puppy home during these months makes the hardest part of dog ownership much easier: sticking to a schedule.
Longer days give you more time outside, and you won’t be freezing during those 3 AM potty breaks.
House training goes much faster when you aren’t struggling to get the puppy out into the snow or mud.
Even though you can get a puppy at any time of year, bringing him home in spring helps with socialization, since you can visit dog parks or outdoor cafes right away, once he is fully vaccinated, which is much harder during the winter.
Summer
Hot pavement and high temperatures are the main problems, so you need to walk him early in the morning or late at night to avoid burning the puppy’s paws. If the asphalt feels hot to your hand, it is too hot for the puppy.
Fresh water and shade are a big plus because puppies don’t know when to stop playing, meaning you need to step in before they start panting.
Vacations also take some planning, since you cannot just show up at a hotel or a beach and expect people to allow dogs in July.
A quick call ahead keeps you from getting stuck in a hot car while looking for a place to stay with the dog.
Autumn
The drop in temperature makes puppy training easier than in the summer heat.
You can spend more time working on commands outdoors or teaching him to wait at the door while you wipe muddy paws.
Shorter days mean you will walk in low light, so using a reflective collar or a clip-on light keeps the puppy visible to cars and cyclists.
Rain and mud bring “extra work”, which mean you need a towel by the door to dry his belly and paws before he runs across your carpets.
This is also the season when puppies try to eat damp, decaying leaves or mushrooms in the grass, which often leads to an upset stomach.
Cooler air gives a young dog a sudden burst of energy. While watching “the zoomies” is fun, you have to be careful on wet grass or stairs where he can easily slip.
Winter
Winter with the puppy means wiping paws and avoiding rock salt on the sidewalks, so even if you have a thick-coated breed, you need to bring him back inside the second he starts shivering or lifting a paw.
Road salt and de-icing chemicals irritate the skin, causing paw pads to crack and bleed, so apply a thick layer of balm before going out. For short-haired breeds, put on a waterproof coat that covers the chest and stomach.
Once back inside, check the fur and between the toes. Long-haired puppies often get ice balls matted into the fur. Don’t pull them off with your hands; instead, press a warm, damp cloth against the ice to melt it away.
Since you are bringing the puppy home during the holidays, use cord protectors to shield electrical installations and move breakable decorations or plants to high shelves so he doesn’t chew or knock them over while running around.
When Should You Bring a Sarplaninac Puppy Home?
My advice is to bring the puppy home between April and June. An adult Sarplaninac sleeps on the snow in a blizzard, but a “winter puppy” is a different story.
you can’t let him walk on frozen ground or slippery (not good for joints).
Even with the best nutrition, the frost is the “worst enemy”. Choose late spring so your puppy gets the sun needed to grow strong before the first real winter hits.
Conclusion
Check your calendar and study the dog breed before you buy the puppy. I always say that you cannot raise a Sarplaninac the same way you raise a Chihuahua.
If you have a vacation, a house move, or a busy work schedule planned, don’t take the dog yet. You must be there to set the rules from day one.
Season | Best For | Biggest Challenge |
|---|---|---|
Spring | Socialization and Potty Training | Mud & Ticks |
Summer | Long Days and Outdoor Fun | Hot Pavement |
Autumn | Obedience Training | Rain & Low Visibility |
Winter | Inside Training | Road Salt & Ice |
