Safe to allow strangers to pet young pup?

Is it safe to let strangers pet an 8 week old puppy even though the pup has not been fully vaccinated?

I want to socialize my puppy, so I have been taking him practically everywhere in my arms (Pet stores, bookstores, etc.) and, of course, someone always wants to pet him. Sometimes they ask, but not always (which I think is incredibly rude).

Is it safe for the pup? If not, at what times would it not be a good idea?

FANTASTIC idea

http://www.geminidogs.com/misc/puppy-socialization.pdf

Yes, like Sis said it's a great idea. If you are taking him to Pet stores, make sure that it's only the ones who sell no live animals. As you know, Pet store pups are supplied by puppy mills and they often have parvo in the store.

Thanks for the link.

I definitely understand the importance of exposing pups to different environments, types of people, sounds, etc., but my question is about people actually touching the pup and whether that is safe and/or recommended.

So are you saying that if I take him to a pet store that sells live animals, then I should not allow people in that store to pet him?

I'm interested in this too. I won't be able to carry her for very long though :lol-sign:

How old is your pup? Have you been allowing strangers to pet her?

She's 9 weeks. I just got her last night so no, I haven't for fear of her catching something like Parvo- She's only had two rounds of her first shots.

I would not take an 8 week old pup into a petstore. Hardware store, any place like that but certainly not where pups are sold or where there is high dog traffic. IT just isn't worth the risk. You have lots of time in the coming months to socialize.

Ummm . . . did you guys even read the link? It'll answer all your questions.

But in a nutshell: SOCIALIZE SOCIALIZE SOCIALIZE!!!!

Just stay away from places where unvaccinated dogs are likely to reside (pet stores, dog parks, etc).

The dog's first 3 months are the most important by far.

And my dog's breeder manages a hardware store and brings ALL of his pups in for socialization. It's a great place. Teeny has been in daycare and in the storefront at work since the day I brought her home (8 weeks). She's no worse for wear.

But again, if you guys read the link I posted you'll see why.

Yes, I read the link but the link did not say anything about whether strangers actually petting a young pup is safe. If I missed it, please show me where it is.

I thought taking a pup to a pet store is fine as long as the pup is being carried and does not come into direct contact with the floor or any area where a dog may have been. What harm is there in taking a pup to a pet store if he is being carried?

Viruses can be in the air too.

THere are respitory conditions, there are so many different things out there and a very young pup has such an immature immune system that taking into a place that is frequented by dogs that defficate and urinate in the building is taking a risk. IT is a risk you could not get me to take for any amount of money. I keep my babies as far from that as i can get. You have lots and lots of time to socialize and train when the dog is a little older, and a whole lot stronger in the immune department. Why risk it? IF you want to socialize, invite friends over for now. THe 8 week pup is not going to get as much from the experience as you think he will at the pet store. LATER when the dog is stronger you can do a great deal of training in such places. VIctor and i did a ton of obedience with distractions right by the front door where people were coming in and out with their dogs. FOr now, i would stay the safe side of the line. THat is my very best advice.

Parvo isn't transmitted through the air, but Distemper is. And Distemper is actually the leading cause of death in unvaccinated puppies.

Personally I would rather take health risks since the incidence of them contracting either is low, but the reality in having a behavioral problem due to poor socialization during the main imprinting period (up until 12 weeks) is more likely.

Just socialize them with dogs who you know are fully vaccinated/titered, and don't bring them to places where lots of dogs go where you don't know their vaccination history.

Places like puppy school, daycare, trainer run playgroups, all require vaccination history to attend so the risk is very low, thus the best place to be with your pup.

Interesting. I was not aware of any viruses that could be transmitted in the air. Thanks for the info.

Does anyone know whether it is recommended and/or safe for strangers to pet puppies though?

Socialize in general, sure, you have the dog's whole life to socialize it. But the imprinting period, which ends at 3 month (or 4 depending on who you read) is what really solidifies the dog's adult temperament.

A good rule of thumb to follow: before they turn 16 weeks they need to have met at least 100 different people, 100 different places, and as many different vaccinated/titered dogs as possible.

But what does it mean for a puppy to have "met" someone? That is part of my question. It's clear that the puppy should interact with, which includes touching, people other than its owners, but is it recommended that strangers be allowed to pet or touch a young unvaccinated puppy? That is what I want to know. My question is about strangers, who are people that may have just played with or touched a dog with Parvo, for example, but the pup's owner wouldn't know that.

I prefered not having my pups around other dogs until fullly protacted . I felt that they were well socialized while with me . With one litter , my " friend " who had pick of the litter and was debating one of 2 females , took the pups to both an OFA specialist and her groomer for evaluation . Both develooped earlu sesizures . Wht !?