Any time is a good time to adopt a dog. Puppies are available all year around, so, there should never be any real difficulty in finding the kind you want. Sometimes, you may have to wait a few weeks until the desired pup is old enough to leave the litter, or you may have to check in another nearby city or town. But, once you've decided on a particular breed you'll find that some inconvenience like this is well worth the trouble.

Actually the ideal time to adopt is when you have ample time to devote to this new and fun-filled experience. It should be a time when you are able to take the dog outside so he can learn to be housebroken correctly. If you live in an area which has pleasant weather all year around this is no problem. However, if you live in a section which has some very bad seasons, you may want to plan accordingly. Remember, if it's so bad outside that you don't want to go out neither does the puppy who is just learning. So, get the new addition when the weather is mild and when you have sufficient time to devote to this very important early training.

If you are employed but want a dog, it can be done. Plan to get the dog at the beginning of your vacation and then spend your vacation on the training project. Before returning to work make arrangements to have someone come in to take the dog out while you are away until it is old enough to wait for your return. Many people feel that it is unfair to have a dog when they spend eight hours a day away from home. This doesn't have to be unfair if you really care about the dog and make up for your absence by giving him the exercise, affection and attention he needs when you are home. An early morning romp in the outdoors can be just as stimulating and fun as one at mid-day; and week-end activity can also make up for those quiet week days. If the dog's needs, as far as food, water, exercise, and love, are met, having someone constantly at home is not necessary. Good sense and consideration must be used. No animal should suffer! A dog left alone should have adequate, cool, clean water for the duration of your absence; he should have been fed and exercised; and, he should have space in which to move comfortably in an area which is neither too hot nor too cold. If such conditions cannot be provided, then the dog should not be left. These are minimum standards and dog ownership requires these basic care considerations.

Should one get a dog when one has very young children; will the children hurt the puppy? This question is asked frequently. The answer depends on the circumstances of each family. If there is sufficient time to supervise their activities, then the answer is yes. However, if it is a busy home and a puppy would be at the mercy of young children who do not understand how to handle it, then the answer would have to be a strict NO! Serious injuries can be done to the dog by improper handling and dropping. Children can also be cruel by hurting and teasing a puppy, which can result in future personality problems in the dog. This can mean a fearful dog or one that snaps at or bites children. That is why it is so important to treat a pup correctly and to avoid problem situations. So, if you feel that you can't have close supervision of the pup and the children, then wait until the children are older and can understand the importance of careful handling and considerate behavior.

Best Age to Adopt a Puppy
Research shows that socialization begins between six and eight weeks of age. Removing the puppy from its litter at this time means that this social relationship will be transferred from the littermates to human beings. If the removal is done much later, then the puppy has developed stronger attachments to other dogs rather than people. It is helpful for a pup to be introduced early to the type of environment that will be its future home. Those puppies which remain in a kennel well beyond 12 weeks of age may develop into shy and timid dogs. Professional dog people feel that sometime between the age of eight and 12 weeks is the best time to place a dog in its home environment.

Naming Your Dog
Usually the naming of the dog is the joyous duty of the new owner. The breeder will often supply the kennel prefix which is used when applying for registration to the American Kennel Club or to another registry, and when showing the dog. But, the real "name" that you call your dog is your responsibility. When you get your puppy don't be in too much of a hurry to name him. Get acquainted first and familiarize yourself with its temperament and personality. Visualize it as a full grown dog; then try to select a name that is appropriate. Try to avoid long and cumbersome names, or those that are overly ostentatious. If you have children, you will want a name they can pronounce. Avoid trite common names as well as giving your dog the same name as another dog living nearby. We know of a case where a homeowner bought the same breed of dog as the neighbors only one house away, and then gave it the same name. The poor dogs didn't know which way to turn when they heard their names being called. Show at least a small amount of thoughtfulness and originality in your selection.