Puppy Question

[southernbelle04]

I know I've read this, but I have forgot all the specifics. Could anyone help me? I know a puppy doesn't really need to be outdoors where other dogs may of been until it's puppy shots are complete, right? And at what age are the puppy shots finished? There are no puppies/dogs near our house, but we have only lived here a year. I am not sure about before. I know I read where the Parvo virus can live in the soil for a long time. So I am just wondering when I can take my puppy outside without worry? When I get the puppy that is....LOL. Hopefully soon! I think I've found our breeder after many visits and references. I'm excited!

[Britster]

My opinion may be unpopular, but I NEVER heard of keeping a dog inside until ALL shots were completed until joining this forum. Every dog I've ever known in my life has gone out in their YARD the day they came home, after one or two sets of puppy shots. Rabies often isn't given until 16 weeks or later and there is no way I'd be waiting until 20 weeks old (I think it often takes a few weeks for the shot to 'kick in') to introduce my dog to things. So much socialization is done at that point.

My vet was fine with Jackson being outside in our yard. I brought him home at 9 weeks old and he only had one set of puppy shots and I would walk him on a leash outside on our 3 acres, I also let him run free in my dads fenced in backyard with my dads dog. He didn't even get the rabies vaccine until he was 6 1/2 months old and by that point, he had done a lot. Within his first four 1/2 months of life, he had experienced snow, grass, rain, mud, wind, going to the groomer, etc, etc, etc.

I think you just have to be smart about it. Don't take a puppy to pet stores (although we did this with my dads JRT pup, she was probably only 8 weeks old and my stepmom brought her into K-Mart, Petsmart, etc, when she was tiny. Not saying it's right, I wouldn't do it, but nothing happened to her). Don't do dog parks until they are older. If you hear of parvo outbreaks in your area, for example, then be smart about it, find out what illnesses and diseases are prevalent in your area. Honestly, bringing a young pup into a vets office (which has to be done) is probably more dangerous than letting your pup in the yard in your home, IMO. So many sick dogs come through.

[horsnaround]

Originally Posted by Britster

My opinion may be unpopular, but I NEVER heard of keeping a dog inside until ALL shots were completed until joining this forum. Every dog I've ever known in my life has gone out in their YARD the day they came home, after one or two sets of puppy shots. Rabies often isn't given until 16 weeks or later and there is no way I'd be waiting until 20 weeks old (I think it often takes a few weeks for the shot to 'kick in') to introduce my dog to things. So much socialization is done at that point.

My vet was fine with Jackson being outside in our yard. I brought him home at 9 weeks old and he only had one set of puppy shots and I would walk him on a leash outside on our 3 acres, I also let him run free in my dads fenced in backyard with my dads dog. He didn't even get the rabies vaccine until he was 6 1/2 months old and by that point, he had done a lot. Within his first four 1/2 months of life, he had experienced snow, grass, rain, mud, wind, going to the groomer, etc, etc, etc.

I think you just have to be smart about it. Don't take a puppy to pet stores (although we did this with my dads JRT pup, she was probably only 8 weeks old and my stepmom brought her into K-Mart, Petsmart, etc, when she was tiny. Not saying it's right, I wouldn't do it, but nothing happened to her). Don't do dog parks until they are older. If you hear of parvo outbreaks in your area, for example, then be smart about it, find out what illnesses and diseases are prevalent in your area. Honestly, bringing a young pup into a vets office (which has to be done) is probably more dangerous than letting your pup in the yard in your home, IMO. So many sick dogs come through.

I agree mine have all started there potty training from day one. I do use pads and outdoors at first. And I know many on here do not take them out till puppy shots are complete. I live on a small acreage and have never had issues. I even took my puppies I raised out before shots. I think the fresh air on a nice day is great for them. But again this is my own thoughts on the matter right or wrong. I would make sure you have a safe place for them before making your decision.

good luck with your new fur baby you will love owning a yorkie Or should I say your yorkie will love owning you

[Britster]

Originally Posted by horsnaround

I agree mine have all started there potty training from day one. I do use pads and outdoors at first. And I know many on here do not take them out till puppy shots are complete. I live on a small acreage and have never had issues. I even took my puppies I raised out before shots. I think the fresh air on a nice day is great for them. But again this is my own thoughts on the matter right or wrong. I would make sure you have a safe place for them before making your decision.

good luck with your new fur baby you will love owning a yorkie Or should I say your yorkie will love owning you

Yes, I was going to say, I see a LOT of breeders (reputable ones) who take all their puppies outside pretty early on... sometimes 4-5 weeks old.

[topknot]

Taking them outside in your own yard where you know no other dogs have been is one thing. I would not take mine outside till they were at least 10 - 12 weeks old and that is with them on a blanket or in a basket with me right there for just about 15 min. As far as letting them romp and play in the grass I would wait till they were at least 4 months of age min. You want them to have more of a protection. And you should always be right there with them. I was a vet tech in the past and have had yorkies for over 30 years.
Brister - Wow - you got your yorkie at 9 weeks! That is pretty young! The breeders I know don't let their babies go till min. of 12 weeks and would not take them outside till older like I did.
It is best to be safe than sorry.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by topknot

Brister - Wow - you got your yorkie at 9 weeks! That is pretty young! The breeders I know don't let their babies go till min. of 12 weeks and would not take them outside till older like I did.
It is best to be safe than sorry.

Yes, I did not get him from a good breeder. He was also already 5lbs at that age though so did not have any problems. But I wouldn't recommend getting a Yorkie pup at 9 weeks old or going to a breeder like mine (BYB). I did not know better at the time.

I know of a lot of dog breeders who allow their pups to go outside and play in the grass at a young age. Basically every Silky Terrier breeder I've spoken to (10+), a Rottweiler breeder, Golden Retriever breeder... and well, basically every dog I've ever known in my life has been outside as early as they came home (usually at the 8 week mark) ranging from Chi's to Pit Bulls.

[Ellie May]

Your yard only (as long as you don't have any knowledge of a parvo, distemper, or rabies positive animal there within the last few years) until 1-2 weeks after last set of shots. Wouldn't be as worried about rabies as long as you are right there with them at all times outside.If you are out and they have to got, then pick a spot that doesn't look like animals congregate (free of poop, etc.) and quickly have them go. Probably best to keep them on the cement if they have to be outside away from home (as long as it's not going to burn their paws).

[topknot]

Originally Posted by Britster

Yes, I did not get him from a good breeder. He was also already 5lbs at that age though so did not have any problems. But I wouldn't recommend getting a Yorkie pup at 9 weeks old or going to a breeder like mine (BYB). I did not know better at the time.

I know of a lot of dog breeders who allow their pups to go outside and play in the grass at a young age. Basically every Silky Terrier breeder I've spoken to (10+), a Rottweiler breeder, Golden Retriever breeder... and well, basically every dog I've ever known in my life has been outside as early as they came home (usually at the 8 week mark) ranging from Chi's to Pit Bulls.

A large breed dog is much different than our small breed yorkie. Yorkies - you need to wait a bit longer before introducing them to the outdoors for long periods of time.
I guess your baby was a big boy - 5 pounds at 9 weeks. Wow! How much does he weigh now?

I also bring my own blanket or pee pad to place my pups/dogs on while on the table at my vets. Best to be safe than sorry.

[My lil friend]

Mina came to me pad trained,that lasted 3days,she saw that the other dogs went outside and she wanted to go with. She was only allowed to be in her backyard until she was 16wks. She attended her first motorcycle rally at 16wks,but touched the ground ONLY to potty and then I washer her feet. I still wash her feet when we have been somewhere that isnt home,although this wont keep her from getting sick. I washed my kids hands first thing when we arrived home from being out and I do believe that it helped.
I think of Mina as I did my kids when they were little and try to have as much common sense about her. When taking her in public,I dont assume that other petparents care about their babys as much as I care about mine and therefore dont allow her near most dogs that I dont know. The exception to this has been the people from YT that I have met face to face.

[DvlshAngel985]

Haha! Brit you're such a rebel! I don't see what the big deal is about waiting. Maybe it has something to do with not ever owning a puppy. Having a puppy stay inside only until 16 weeks doesn't sound like such a big deal. It's 4 months, 3 of which they spend at the breeder's anyway, and then you have a month to really bond with them. You can spend 4 weeks getting them use to harnesses, collars, dragging the leash behind, or basic obedience. I do understand some people do not like the idea of pad training. I was one of them! Pad training has come in handy. The dog potty areas at airports are so tiny and too noisy for my scaredy cat. A pad in the restroom is a good alternative.

[Britster]

Originally Posted by DvlshAngel985

Haha! Brit you're such a rebel! I don't see what the big deal is about waiting. Maybe it has something to do with not ever owning a puppy. Having a puppy stay inside only until 16 weeks doesn't sound like such a big deal. It's 4 months, 3 of which they spend at the breeder's anyway, and then you have a month to really bond with them. You can spend 4 weeks getting them use to harnesses, collars, dragging the leash behind, or basic obedience. I do understand some people do not like the idea of pad training. I was one of them! Pad training has come in handy. The dog potty areas at airports are so tiny and too noisy for my scaredy cat. A pad in the restroom is a good alternative.

I am, I am!!! But then again I'm not a big germ-a-phob anyways... I think people are way too obsessed with washing hands and stuff lol. Don't get me wrong, I always wash my hands when I leave the bathroom and stuff, but I just think some people take things so far.

I think it'd be different if I lived in an apartment and got a puppy or something. But I was living 50% of the time at my dads house where there is a big fenced in backyard and with my dads dog going outside, there was no way to keep Jax in. LoL. The other 50% was at my moms house where, again, she had her dog who was outside all the time. Well of course there WAS a way but I didn't feel it was necessary. We country livin' people

Like I said, he experienced a lot from 9 weeks - 4 months. I seriously couldn't even imagine him being inside 24/7 during that time period!!!

This was him a lil' bit older at 5 months, but still, he would have driven me crazy even back then staying inside for that long!

Jackson playing out in the snow - March 2009 -...

[DvlshAngel985]

Jackson is so cute! I love his face. He's always been so manly.

I don't consider myself a germaphobe, but my god I can't stand some things. I can't use a new plate, bowl, spoon, anything unless it's been washed a minimum of 25 times because I don't know where it's been. (I think I have OCD) I can't stand the idea of a dishwasher. How can people leave their dishes sitting somewhere, completely filthy, until the dishwasher is full and then they run it. That's crazy talk! (having flashbacks to yesterday, I was so grossed out at a friend's yesterday) You would think I wouldn't let Kaji take a step outside at all. I do. He's a dog, and likes to roll in smelly stuff, fetch balls, and chase women. I'll just clean his feetsies when he comes back in.

Add in all those stories on YT of sick and dying puppies with parvo and I'm convinced, keep them inside just a bit longer until their immune system has a better chance of handling the germy world.

Us apartment dwelling city folk and our crazy ideas. What will we think of next...

[YorkieMother]

Here is my stand on this.... pups in there own yard if clean and safe can be out as soon as they can walk and should be. Litter of ten BRTS out and about at soon as they could follow me. Before first shots. People in to visit as soon as they had first shots and just before with care.

Now have had several pups including the new tiny one in class on two sets of shots.
I have had pups out and about in public in a front pack as soon as they have one set of shots.

You need to have your pup see and be seen and touch smell and feel 100 people, places, dogs, other animals and sounds and smells by 18 weeks.

The risk of getting a puppy hood illness is way less then a dog locked up for its full set of shots being undersoicalized and live a really rough life time of fear cause of it. We in this household because of someone else not soicalizing well enough a pup live with massive fear issuses and anxiety now for 9 years in one very speical little yorkie girl.

We plan never to do that again as we have had to work through fear issuse with a big Black russain terrier boy that the breeder never exposed to childern and enough strange sounds that it almost got him put down.

Soical skills can be done from your arms but get them out and get the learning.

JL

[DvlshAngel985]

Why 18 weeks?

[A0003]

I use the same advise my momma gave me when I was pregnant with my daughter...."Nobody knows how to raise you child but you" go with your gut. We live in the country and have a ton of land for our puppy to play on. I have loved this site and totally take a lot of what is said to heart but really, just use your best judgement. My puppy is 9wks old and i have had her for a week. While some of you will gasp at this she is totally housebroke and goes to the door to be let out in the yard. I honestly think that if I did not start this from day 1 she would not be house broke and it would have been harder. I am a stay at home mom so that helped too but she also has been to the groomer and she has been by my side the whole time. And has a clean bill of health and is fat and happy as ever. Playing in the yard makes her sleepy and is good for her to run and play with our other dog. (blue heeler) so you know that she gets a work out trying to keep up with him. Follow your gut. But that is just my opinion. :-) and I am sure most will not like it. oh well