Confused about socialization

[beaslju]

I’m bringing home my little girl, Roxy, tomorrow and I am a bit confused about the apparent conflict between socializing a young puppy and the common advise about not taking your dog out before she’s had all of her shots. Most books and forums I’ve read mention how important the time from 8-16 weeks is in terms of getting your dog used to new situations and people. However, I’m very concerned about exposing her to any potentially harmful situations. I really don’t want her to get sick!

Does anyone have some advice on how to balance these two factors?

[ehayes21]

You basically want to avoid places where there would be risk of exposure to the things the pup hasn't been fully vaccinated against; like dog parks, pet stores and regular parks. What you can do is set up playdates with dogs you know, take him to peoples houses, rides in the car, etc. Put him in every situation you can think of, but just use common sense.

[gmacleod]

There is no hard and fast answer to your question Which is because the risks associated with taking the pup out for socialisation varies according to where you live, and where you're going to take her.

IMO socialisation is extremely important - and the experiences she needs as a baby puppy cannot be replicated once she's older. What she learns now, and is exposed to now, are the things that are going to shape her later. If she's too sheltered, that cannot be undone.

At the same time, you've got to be aware of the risks of taking her out - and not take undue risks.

Places to avoid include any sort of dog park, places where unknown animals (unknown temperamentally, uncontrolled, or those you don't know the medical history of) congregate and especially defacate, or contact with said unknown dogs.

But that doesn't mean that she can't go out - it just means that you should be conscious of where you take her. From a disease perspective, the most risky places are the above places where dogs congregate - and vets' offices (where sick animals congregate).

So it makes much more sense to restrict her socialisation to places without other dogs, play dates with one or two dogs that you know are not sick and are up to date on their shots (and who themselves don't frequent dog parks), and puppy kindergarten classes - where the other pups should be similarly protected by their new owners.