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Originally Posted by Bella2017  Lovetodream......His vaccines are Monday, but I forgot he has to go back in couple weeks and another after that. But he can still go outside right? I feel so uneducated until I see the vet tomorrow morning. CAN"T WAIT! Also, he isn't eating much since I brought him home on Friday. He picks but never REALLY eats, and I have him on Pro-Plan 75% and Wellness 20% so I can wean him over...any suggestions? |
Yes, you can take outside. Just be cautious. I am not sure how people are supposed to potty train their puppies if they can't take them outside. Just a general "you", I realize you are using pads which is fine, but for those of us who want to outdoor train or begin socializing in puppy class etc. What about those with larger breed dogs? They obviously have to begin to learn to go outside.
Assuming he's had at least one-two sets of vaccines at this point? My vet was 100% okay with me having Jackson outdoors in safe areas after his 2nd set of shots. Have a conversation with your vet about it. We have our own yard so that does help vs. an apartment complex. There has to be a good balance. I can't even imagine if I had kept Jackson cooped up indoors until 16-20 weeks old! He had experienced snow by that point, my dads healthy vaccinated dogs, grass, mud, rain, etc!
There is a critical socialization period in puppies and that "ends" so to speak around 16 weeks old. Exposing the pup to many different things in a healthy reasonable way so that they are set up for the best for the rest of their lives. Of course I think reasonable precautions should be taken. I'd stay away from heavily populated dog places, like dog parks, pet stores and the like. To be honest, I think they have more of a chance of catching things at a vets office. Many don't let pup touch floor at the vets. I think puppy classes can begin when the pup has had two of the series of vaccines as long as there isn't anything going around. I'd check around and make sure there aren't any cases of parvo going around in the area you take your dog.
Socialization at this age is usually very structured, only exposing the puppy to puppies and adult dogs that are healthy and temperamentally safe with a young pup. But it's insanely important to get a new puppy out and about to experience positive exposures to the world he's going to be a part of. And of course, socialization should continue throughout the dog's life (many people get adult dogs that lacked socialization and it has to be worked on of course). But that early critical period is often essential to create a well adjusted dog.
Talk to your vet. My personal feeling is after the 2nd set of vaccines, they are much safer and I'd be willing to expose them to more situations to set them up for a happier life in the long run if possible. Just have common sense and be smart about it. I've known people who are not the brightest and bring 8 week old puppies into Petsmart, and everywhere, and I don't think it's a good idea at all however all their dogs turned out fine.