Question:
I am reading Dr. Ian Dunbar's book, After You Get Your Puppy and he recommends not taking a puppy on walks or to public places until after it is 4 months old. He said the vaccinations need time to work on the body before it is safe.

I never heard of this. Feedback anyone?



Answer:
It's true, puppies are more susceptible to all of the nasty stuff out there, and especially so if they are confronted by a dog that has not been vaccinated and may carry something.


Answer:
It is okay to take the puppy in the yard to go potty right?


Answer:
Originally Posted by Denise
It is okay to take the puppy in the yard to go potty right?
Yes, that is fine. They say the less exposure they have though, the better for them.


Answer:
Ditto. Puppies should not go out until they have all their shots. Alot of schools encourage you to get them in at 10 weeks, but I'd wait till they were 12. But once they are set TAKE THEM EVERYWHERE!! Socialize, socialize, socialize! Trips to the corner store, the hardware store, the pet supply store. The more different things they can meet the better


Answer:
you want to limit their exposure to the outside and to other animals (other than your own) for the first 4 months or so. this is because the vaccanations haven't fully kicked in yet and most pups don't get their rabies until then. you can take him to your yard to go potty, of course. but i wouldn't take him on walk or to public areas until he has his 2nd round of shots and his rabies shot. if you need to take him to the petstore for a collar or something, i would keep him in the cart and don't let people mess with him. just a precaution!

but in your yard is fine as long as other animals (that could be un-vacc. or sick) don't have access.


Answer:
Thanks! I plan on bringing people over to our house to meet him and of course they must wash their hands first. I am SO glad Dave and I don't wear shoes in the house nor have we ever allowed our guests to wear shoes.


Answer:
My vet told me they don't get their rabbie shot until they are one yrs old. That is when Lady got her first rabbie shot when she turned 1yrs old


Answer:
Rabies can be done much earlier then that. If you dog did not get it till 1yr, she should not have gone outside(your yard) for that whole year. A little unreasonable I think. I have no idea why your vet would risk the life of your pup like that.


Answer:
I don't either . now that she has had puppies I think I better find another vet that will give them their rabie shot sooner.