I agree with the socialization aspects. Many of the pups I bought in the past greeted me at the car when I drove in the place, toys, kids everywhere, pups galloping around the yard. I think there is no bad time to get a dog, but it has to be the right dog. You know when you meet a dog right away, is he open to being messed with? Can you roll him over on his back without agression or resistence? If there is abond between you, you know. Some dogs are aloof, would rather be doing something else than be with you, not what you want. The last two pups I bought were ready just before Thanksgiving three years ago, I went to see them on a brutually cold sleeting day, husband hunter gone at work, shown by the wife who was home with a new baby, dogs in a kennel with a lightbulb for heat, French Britts, about the size of a purse dog, with my daughters in tow, open the kennel, two males rush into their arms, snuggle under their coats, not a cheap from either of them. Other pups wouldn't even come out. Went to get a female pup, guess which two came home? I didn't even know what color they were till it warmed up in the car. Have never regretted it, been two dogs which trained and finished themselves, just by exposure to birds. Been sleeping on the bed ever since. Ended up buying their mother. All three follow me everyhere, from room to room, in the house. Only other advice I have is get an older pup out as soon and often as you can, don't expect much, but as soon as the pup can break cover and is reliable to come and load, get it out! It may cost you shots in the short run, but will be worth it down the line. Some of the greatest hunts I've ever had was with a precocious pup, make a lot of memories to savor over a long hot off season, for both of you.