I want a puppy but don't know when

[aloneinthenight]

I have wanted a puppy for years finally DH has agreed.

Our son died a year ago.

I thought it would be foolish to rush into anything but now feels like the right time. However I want to make sure we plan things properly, I'm not in a hurry.

My younger son is 12. I would like a cocker spaniel or something of a similar size. I had a Cavalier King Charles when I was a child/teenager but haven't had a dog as an adult.

We have a week away booked at May half term, and another week booked in early August. My husband also wants to see if we can go abroad in October half term. I also imagine we will want to go places for daytrips etc over the summer once lockdown is lifted.

So it would make sense to get a puppy in November to give us a clear run at home - but will I regret that when trying to toilet train him in the cold and dark.

If I am planning on the autumn, what do I need to be doing now? Can I put my name down with breeder now? I'm hoping the puppy madness will have ended by then and prices will have come down a little.

And all beagles have the middle name HOUDINI. They can vanish for miles in seconds. I suspect they can teleport.

Yes. I've done a bit more research and decided I may not be cut out for a beagle!

The cocker breeder sounds promising.

And show line are not as -um- lively as working line

So sorry for your loss! It must be unimaginably painful.
We have just got a puppy and it is full on! I hadn't realised quite how intense it would be and actually she is already so well trained and has a lovely sweet loving temperament.
Although it has been very cold in the last week or so, I am so glad we got a pup now weather wise and daylight wise. I don't think I could face dark cold mornings and evenings! Also when she is not sleeping she is generally pottering around the garden and needs someone with her all the time. I have got very cold and we are in April!
Good luck with your decision. I hope the new dog brings your family some joy!

We've found one! Thank you everyone.

A cocker spaniel (show) from a lovely breeder I found through Champdogs so thank you for the recommendation.

She seems very responsible and the pup will be 14 weeks when we get him in August.

We are going to visit the litter on Saturday.

Now I'm getting nervous

I actually think autumn would be a good time. Our poor puppy keeps getting woken up by the birds at 4:50 and then that’s hi, he’s up for the morning!

I know a show cocker and a working cocker - I'd take the show cocker any day. They are companion dogs so like to be around you all the time, having lots of snuggles and love.

Sounds like you have found a great breeder.
I think you will have to cancel plans to go away until Pup is a bit older, I think we went when ours was about 7 months old. But it’s the start of the huge (but wonderful) change that is about to happen in your life.

And I am very sorry about your son

Omg so sorry I read your other threads. I cannot imagine what you have been through!

Toilet training in the cold isn't ideal, as our (spoiled) puppy refuses to go out if it's miserable outside. But at least you will be home with it. I think whatever time you get the puppy there will be upheaval (which their cuteness makes up for in the end). Good luck and all my best wishes to you

Bust seen the update! Great news I'm sure it will be love at first sight and August is a great time to get a puppy