Vaccinations vs. Socialization

[serenamlambe]

Another question!

So, we're getting a new puppy in a few weeks and I have a question about the vaccinations vs. socialization. Should a puppy be allowed outdoors/with other dogs without having completed all the vaccinations? I have heard two sides to this story and am wondering your opinions.

We want to start socializing her with some dogs we know (we take our other dog, Connor, to a local park and have gotten to know some dogs there pretty well) and start taking her to the park as soon as possible. However, I'm nervous about her possibly getting sick if we take her out before her vaccinations are complete. But it will take four months (or more) for her to have all her vaccinations and then it seems like she will be a little old for really effective socialization?

I'm not sure what is the best idea. Any advice or opinions would be appreciated!

[babymomma]

Could you arrange play dates with adult dogs that you KNOW have all their vaccs ?

Socialization is just too important to overlook just because of vaccinations.. For human socialization I took keely to places where I know dogs dont normally frequent too often.
Unfortunatly, I didnt do enough human socializing due to the fact she didnt have all her vaccs and it came back to bit e me in the A$$ afterwards.

Luckily i've been able to deal with her HA using alot of positive reinforcment training

[serenamlambe]

What a coincidence - our new puppy's name is going to be Keely, as well! Hahah.

I think we're going to do some socialization after she gets her first vaccine maybe. We know (mostly) all the dogs that frequent our local park & they are all vaccinated and well-trained.

I'm just wondering, can they pick up diseases from the grass/dirt or just from the other dogs?

Any more opinions would be great!

[sugarcatmom]

Couple of links for you on puppy socialization regarding the vaccination issue:
http://www.dogstardaily.com/blogs/av...-socialization
http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonli...ialization.pdf

[serenamlambe]

Thanks for the link, sugarcatmom! I have read some other articles which advocate for socialization before vaccinations are complete, as well. My instinct led me to believe that socialization was the most important, but it's nice to hear others' opinions!

[Etown_Chick]

They can sure pick up worms! haa haaa...Scruff gets de-wormed every year..sigh.
Personally I would not take the pup to a park until he'd had his parvo vaccination. If I remember correctly, it can live in feces for up to a year and it's a killer.
Otherwise I wouldn't worry too much. Dogs have amazing immune systems.

[luckypenny]

I'd also recommend you read the links sugarcatmom provided. Here's another article you may find interesting along the same lines. http://veterinarymedicine.dvm360.com...date=&pageID=4

Seeing you're fortunate to be in Ottawa, I'd strongly recommend you get in touch with Dr Jennifer Messer at info@pavski.ca ( http://www.pavski.ca/contact-us.html ) and ask if there are socialization classes in your area that apply her Kinderpuppy curriculum. I recently attended a seminar she presented at and am extremely impressed with her program.