Can't go Outside Until Has All Shots?

[puppy_Love08]

I talked to a breeder yesterday who told me I should not take our puppy (when we get him) outside to potty until he has all his vaccinations, which will be when he's 5 months old. Her concern is that the puppy will catch Parvo. Has anyone else been told this? I'm concerned about 1) not being able to housetrain the dog until he's 5 months, and 2) not being able to walk the dog, which is important.

[spr377]

I have never been told this. I have two yorkies that I have walked since I got them at 10 weeks. To be sure though, I would ask your Vet his opinion.

[lara2913]

You have to weigh up the risks, its worth doing some research to see if you live in an 'high risk' area. Basically you need to decide which risk you are prepared to take. If you take your baby out before he has finished his shots then there is a higher risk of him catching parvo (depending on where you live) however its worth bearing in mind that the socailisation window for puppies is 7-16 weeks so if puppies do not meet lots of different other dogs during the time between they leave the 'nest' and they turn 4 months then they have a far higher likelyhood of developing agression and/or fearful behaivour around other dogs. Do what you feel is best.

[Yorkiekids]

I've always taken mine out. Just watch where you're taking them. If you'd feel better give your vet a call.

[YorkieRose]

Taking your puppy outside in your own yard is perfectly fine, IF your yard is fenced and no stray dogs use your yard for a toliet. You can buy an xpen and put in the yard if it is so large you worry about safety..
I do not advise putting Yorkie puppies outside in the winter to train them, but at other times it is fine...remember, Parvo is not airborne, it comes from the stools of other sick dogs...best wishes

[amr333]

I feel that you can still take your dog outside..some people just have their way of being cautious..maybe this breeder lost puppies and she thinks it's best to complete shots..everyone is different..just ask your vet..

I raise yorkies and I have never told anyone to keep their yorkie in until all shots are finished..

Ask your vet too

[txshopper73]

Originally Posted by YorkieRose

Taking your puppy outside in your own yard is perfectly fine, IF your yard is fenced and no stray dogs use your yard for a toliet. You can buy an xpen and put in the yard if it is so large you worry about safety..
I do not advise putting Yorkie puppies outside in the winter to train them, but at other times it is fine...remember, Parvo is not airborne, it comes from the stools of other sick dogs...best wishes

[BLowry]

Yes, I was told this by the breeder as well as my vet. If you have people that let their dogs run loose at night you would never know whether or not they went in your yard. Lillie's feet didn't touch the ground until she had all her shots....matter of fact I wouldn't put her on the floor at the vet's and ESPECIALLY a pet store..I have 2 girls and their were(as pups)...and still are always in my arms if I bring them to the store or the vets. Of course I let them on the ground now...I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[kelleykrack]

Originally Posted by puppy_Love08

I talked to a breeder yesterday who told me I should not take our puppy (when we get him) outside to potty until he has all his vaccinations, which will be when he's 5 months old. Her concern is that the puppy will catch Parvo. Has anyone else been told this? I'm concerned about 1) not being able to housetrain the dog until he's 5 months, and 2) not being able to walk the dog, which is important.

i have been told the same. and it is for the safety of the pup. parvo lives in the ground for 3 years, and can be carried into your yard by anything like birds, stray dogs, peoples feet, etc. there is also coxi to worry about. for the meantime you can train him to use puppy pads. there systems are really sensitive when they are young.

[ryorkies]

My yard is fenced in to be sure that no strange dogs are able to defecate or urinate near any of my dogs and I always tell anyone who has adopted one of our puppies to keep it away from any strange dogs, to use a wee wee pad and to just be generally careful until it has all of its shots. It's just better to error on the side of caution than to risk the health of your puppy.

[Tx2Stepn]

JMO but I would follow your breeders advice because that is what I tell the people where I place my pups. My vet has told me awful stories and I prefer not to experience them. When I show a pup they have had at least 2 sets of shots and I require that they wash their hands with antibacterial gel soap. Parvo can stay in the ground for years so do your research and get some advice from you vet if your set on letting him outside.

[Gracie2006]

I took Gracie out from the time she was 8 weeks old. Not only for potty training, but for socialization. I was cautious. I did not let her on grass where other dogs had been. At the park, we stayed to the paved/gravel paths. If approached by a human with a dog, I politely asked if their dog is up to date on vaccines. If yes, I permitted Gracie and the other dog to sniff each other. Gracie is now healthy, happy, and a little social butterfly. I will do the same with my next puppy.

[yorkieusa]

Originally Posted by Gracie2006

I took Gracie out from the time she was 8 weeks old. Not only for potty training, but for socialization. I was cautious. I did not let her on grass where other dogs had been. At the park, we stayed to the paved/gravel paths. If approached by a human with a dog, I politely asked if their dog is up to date on vaccines. If yes, I permitted Gracie and the other dog to sniff each other. Gracie is now healthy, happy, and a little social butterfly. I will do the same with my next puppy.

Me, too. I have a very social little girl now because of this. Yes, she's a socialite!

[judyeve]

I took Max out at about 12 weeks. I didn't put him down because NY is not a clean city, but I also wanted him socialized. I was told to crate him for 6 months and to keep him in the house. I didn't listen to either. My vet did push some of his shots up because I wanted him socialized.

I paper trained him and outside trained him later on. He does both now, and he's super friendly. The socialization is very important.

[AVERYxo]

Avery is going for her last set of shots this weekend.. We Have taken her out since we got her but would always keep her in our arms or in a carrier(we never took her into any pet stores either, just incase) And we have only let her run around on either my parents yard or my boyfriends parents yard(somewhere you know if safe and where you are sure pets arent sick or anything) Basically im sure its fine if you take her out, just be careful where you take her and most definately where you set her down!!