A couple questions on socializing

[Lori-1134]

We are bringing Lacy home on Saturday the 31st. She will be 8 weeks old, she is getting her first set of vaccines on the 28th. I have read a lot on how important it is to socialize your puppy from 8-12 weeks during there "fearful stage", my question is how is that safe? There is a puppy kindergarten class she can be enrolled in but won't have all her shots yet. The front page of our news paper in Tahoe today said there is a parvovirus outbreak in Tahoe. I guess my question is, what is the best and safest way I should socialize Lacy?

Thanks 😊
Lori

[Lori-1134]

January 28th is her first set of shots by the breeder before she comes home.

[shellbell]

Do you have any friends with healthy, friendly dogs? If you do, arrange a playdate. I would also do the puppy kindergarten. There is always some risk, but the socialization at that age is so very important. I would avoid taking her to Petsmart, dog parks, any places frequented by lots of dogs, especially with the parvo outbreak. Since there is an outbreak in your area, I'd contact the place she is having puppy kindergarten at to see what precautions they are taking....but generally it is normal and encouraged for puppies to attend this to socialize, even though they have not yet had all their vaccines. And when you take her to the vet, I'd keep her in your lap as opposed to having her sit on the floor in the waiting area.

[Lori-1134]

Thank you! It is so scary to take her out somewhere she is at risk. I did ask about the precautions for the class and she said the room is fully sanitized for classes and the classes are small. 3-5 pups.

I bought a puppy travel crate for vet visits, I will leave her in the crate until the vet is with her. 😊

[GrandeLSM]

I was definitely over protective. I socialized Rio with his older brother (best friend has him) because i knew he was up to date on shots. Waited until he was vaccinated to meet other dogs. Didnt have any issues, he makes friends very easily now.

[JenC]

A pup normally has natural immunity from the mom. Sounds like the breeder is doing the first shot as late as possible before pups go home, which is actually a good thing. I think if the classroom will be sanitized (mopped with bleach), it should be fine. Just keep the pup out of heavily occupied dog areas...

[JenC]

Sounds like the parvo outbreak is linked to one dog park. Parvovirus Temporarily Closes Dog Park at Lake Tahoe - KTVN Channel 2 - Reno Tahoe News Weather, Video -

You won't be going to the dog park anyway at this stage, so I wouldn't worry too much.

[Tanya]

Remember socialisation is not just to other dogs. But people, places sound. You can bring them around in your arms, in teh car for trips too. And that for it to be useful it needs to be positive.

I would interview places that offer kindergarden and ask their precedures for cleaning the class area and if they have ever had issues.

Socialise in safer ways but do not keep the puppy in a bubble. Have friends with no dogs come over, or ask if you can visit. Friends with friendly, up to date on vaccines and healthy dogs you can set up play dates (your home or theirs). Maybe start wtih dogs who do not go to dog parks given the incident. Go to drive thrus, bring puppy in a cart in stores that allow dogs (dog should not go on the floor, carry to a cart, use a blanket to keep puppy from direct touch to cart). Control when and how people pet and monitor puppies body language. If it's warm out sit on a patio with the pup.

[Lori-1134]

What do you think about walks with puppy in a stroller?

[Lori-1134]

what do you think about walking with puppy in a stroller?