What to do, what to do?

[MyBestFriendIsADog]

I am bringing home a new puppy very soon (YAY!) and have been receiving a great deal of conflicting info about one issue, which is WHEN the puppy shuld be "out and about" to begin socialization. The puppy will be 9 weeks with one set of vaccines, and the breeder says we should begin taking her out with us virtually everywhere to begin the socialization process. A vet friend has said no way, not until at LEAST the second set of vaccines, would he take her anywhere but our yard. I've seen dogs with parvo and I certainly don't want ours to be one of those - and I've seen dogs that were socialized too late (or not at all) and I don't want that, either!

With our previous dog this was not a huge issue as we lived in very small town when he was a pup and the incidence of parvo was very low (and there wasn't many places to take him besides the lake, lol!). We now live in a city, though, and I am in a quandary as to whether or not we should be taking her out a whole lot at this point or waiting until the second set of vaccines.

I'd appreciate any opinions on this!
Thanks!

 

[yuckaduck]

Don't know how true it is but, after second vaccine limited social outings, but no around other dogs. After third vaccine have fun freedom. I would never take a puppy with only one vaccine out unless it was in my arms. Even with the second vaccine I would be very cautious. Oh and congradts on the new puppy, I know you will be a great owner and will offer loads of love to your new baby.

 

[oc_spirit]

I took OC out the day after i brought him home with only one set of vaccinations but i new who had been where in the places I took hi and stuck mainly to people-only areas. I also got him meeting dogs that I knew very well who i knew were up to date with a clean bill of health (which is stll a bit risky as they may not show symptoms but could still be carriers). After the second one I took him out freely everywhere and anywhere he could go.

 

[MyDogsLoveMe]

I agree with yuckaduck limit outings till at least 3rd vacinne. I would of you can carry the dog if is isnt to big. congrats

 

[Fran27]

3rd vaccine is sometimes not enough, what matters is that they have a shot around 16 weeks - which can be the 4th shot. After that, it's ok to take them out a week later.

 

[Athe]

The problem with waiting too long to socialize is the critical period of socialization usually ends at around 16 weeks. Before 16 weeks you want to get the pup exposed to as many things as possibly. I would take the pup to as many human places as possible, have children come over to play with the puppy. It's very important to introduce puppy to as any ethnic races, men (loud, tall, squat etc. haha)...I hear so many people stating that a resuce dog "must" have been abused by a man, a child etc due to the dog showing a fear, 9 times out of 10 the dog is fearful due to not being socialized properly. It's VERY important to socialize your pup before 16 weeks with people, going around the city etc.

Join a puppy play group with pups the same age as your pup. We have them in my area all the time...a weekly play session with an obedience trainer and usually conducted in a Vet clinic in a spare room, and are usually clients of the Vet and are all proven healthy. The pups learn to play with each other etc.
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1547&articleid=854
This is also a book that I would recommend your picking up BEFORE you get your pup.
Before & After Getting Your Puppy: The Positive Approach to Raising a Happy, Healthy & Well-Behaved Dog
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1577314557/grandtimessenior/103-6574162-2914226

With myself, I have taken young pups just after their first set of vaccines every where with no problems.

 

[Fran27]

Well I wouldn't risk it. I've seen more dogs die of diseases than of lack of socialization before 16 weeks.

I would never join a puppy group... you don't know what kind of diseases the pups have been exposed to if they are not vaccinated... I would take the pup out in your arms as much as possible though, and have people visit, but it depends a lot on the size of the pup of course.

 

[MyBestFriendIsADog]

Thanks everyone!

I think I plan to take the puppy out in my arms ASAP, but not in close contact with other dogs until at least the 2nd set of vaccines.

I've checked and while there is a puppy play group here there are no guarantees of health of the other puppies (it's held by a trainer) and I am going to pass on that.

Thanks again!