[PrincessDiana]

Originally Posted by addevo

The general guideline is that you should keep your puppy away from other dogs until he has had his first two combo vaccinations and his rabies shot. The combo vaccinations are usually given at 6 weeks and 9 weeks, and the rabies at 12 weeks.

The combo vaccinations usually include parvo, distemper, and "kennel cough." Parvo is highly contagious, comes on very suddenly and is DEADLY for puppies unless they are immediately hospitalized. So it's extremely important that he has BOTH parvo boosters before he is exposed to other dogs, even to places where other dogs have been. Parvo is transmitted through feces, and can be picked up in dog parks, sidewalks, etc - anywhere that feces can be stepped in and tracked around by either humans or dogs. That is the danger of taking him for walks - even if you don't encounter other dogs little Marley could catch something if he hasn't had all of his immunizations.

But you are so right to be concerned about keeping him socialized. An unsocialized Yorkie that becomes aggressive to other animals, adults or children can make your life miserable. Your dog won't be welcome anywhere, and if you're like me and want to take your dog along on vacations and to visit friends, you will feel like a leper. I highly recommend enrolling in an obedience training class that is specifically for puppies. I had a great experience with the class I took my yorkie puppy to at our local PetsMart. The instructor required that all dogs are up to date on their immunizations, so your puppy can meet other puppies and dog owners in a safe, controlled environment.

This post is for the most part completely right. My only change is that there should be two sets of shots AFTER 8 weeks of age. Anything before is pretty much useless as the vaccinations are killed by the puppy's natural immunity from the mother's breast milk.