Puppy Socialization

[Omar Little]

I've seen a lot of discussion on this, but a lot of different opinions and I'm still not sure the best way to go about it. It's a catch-22 where, if you take the puppy out into the world, he's very susceptible to deadly disease. If you keep him confined to your house until he's fully immunized, then he's missing out on all that socialization that is very much needed for a young pup. What is the solution?

I'm sure this has been discussed on here before, if anyone has any link or articles, it would be appreciated. I don't get along with search functions very well.

[Omar Little]

And a follow up question... Is it generally safe to take your puppy into those places like Petsmart and puppy classes after the 3rd parvo shot at 16 weeks (if you follow that schedule) or later?

[mandiah89]

My vet told me that I could start taking Penny out 10 days after her second round of parvo/distemper shots, I did take her out to a lot of places before she got her second round of shots but I generally carried her, and I never put her on the ground in the petstores... I have also taken her out infront of busy strip plazas and walmart and such with lots of traffic and where I know there would have been very little if any doggie traffic so I knew it would be relatively safe for her... Its all a judgement call and there are risks associated with both actions, but I would still take your pup out but make sure she only has interactions with dogs that you know personally that have had their shots, and make sure you pick your pup up when you are somewhere you think dogs might have been like petstores and parks ect...

[jessac]

I think it's just a balance. You have to weigh risk vs. reward for different scenarios. Going to friends and neighbors homes with no dogs/ vaccinated dogs was pretty safe. Going to Lowes (where we even had him ride in the cart with a blanket down) we felt was very safe. Having lots and lots of people over to meet the pup was safe. Sitting outside a coffee shop on the weekend with the pup on a blanket or your lap we thought was safe. Puppy classes or social hours requiring dogs be current on vaccines - I thought was pretty safe as well.

Going to a dog park - probably not safe. Walking around - at least around my area where there are lots of dogs getting walked/ wild animals - not the best situation. Petstores - didn't go there either. Vet's office - we kept him in his crate until the Doc saw him.

Also, don't forget all the socialization you can do in the home - loud noises, getting used to grooming, kids, etc. If you live in an area where people hang out outside/ walk past, just sit on your porch/driveway with him and people/dog/kid/bicycle/skateboard watch. If the dog has a good temperament to start, I've heard waiting until he's had he shots shouldn't affect him that much, but I understand the desire to start early. We had him out and about when we could and then, once vaccinated, took him everywhere with us (that was allowed of course).

[Longfisher]

Originally Posted by jessac

I think it's just a balance. You have to weigh risk vs. reward for different scenarios. Going to friends and neighbors homes with no dogs/ vaccinated dogs was pretty safe. Going to Lowes (where we even had him ride in the cart with a blanket down) we felt was very safe. Having lots and lots of people over to meet the pup was safe. Sitting outside a coffee shop on the weekend with the pup on a blanket or your lap we thought was safe. Puppy classes or social hours requiring dogs be current on vaccines - I thought was pretty safe as well.

Going to a dog park - probably not safe. Walking around - at least around my area where there are lots of dogs getting walked/ wild animals - not the best situation. Petstores - didn't go there either. Vet's office - we kept him in his crate until the Doc saw him.

Also, don't forget all the socialization you can do in the home - loud noises, getting used to grooming, kids, etc. If you live in an area where people hang out outside/ walk past, just sit on your porch/driveway with him and people/dog/kid/bicycle/skateboard watch. If the dog has a good temperament to start, I've heard waiting until he's had he shots shouldn't affect him that much, but I understand the desire to start early. We had him out and about when we could and then, once vaccinated, took him everywhere with us (that was allowed of course).

...I believe the above poster has it just right.

LF

[Omar Little]

Yes, lots of good info from both... thanks!