Sure - this could be a controversial issue -
But before we do much disagreeing - we have to realize that every little puppy is different. Some are larger, better eaters, and better able to start out doing a little more visiting at a younger age.
Some of us have great places where we can take our pups and keep them with us. Some of us don't.
We need to assess each of our own personal situations and the little puppies we have and treat them accordingly.
I do agree with you that taking our little dogs out (when we can) does help them build antibodies and build tolerances to many things - and they will be all the healthier for it.
And - I also agree and think going visiting (and having company) is the best way to socialize our little pups.
Believe me - my little pup (5 months old) is ready to go anyplace I'll take him. And, like I said earlier, when the weather warms up a little - I'll take him out much more often than I can now.
I also hate to leave new little puppies at home alone. I was able to spend his first two weeks at home with him. I took him to work with me twice because I just couldn't leave him at home (I work for only 4 or 5 hours a day). He spent the next week at my sister's house while I was at work, and after that two of my neighbors were kind enough to visit him most days. They took him to their houses for a few hours occasionally -- which was fine with me. I appreciated their doing it.
I think we all do the best we can. But, all of our situations are so very different. And, our little pups are different too.
There is more than one way to raise a Yorkie (or is it "skin a cat?")
Carol Jean |