Training for a not fully vaccinated pup

[Sharon]

A friend of mine has asked this question on another less active forum. Thought he might get some help here.
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" Hey there - I have a 10 week old American Brittany pup that has only had her first round of vaccinations. She will get her second round next week and her third/final round roughly 3 weeks after that.

We have been doing some light obedience work and crate training - to which she has been doing really well. We have been trying to socialize her as much as possible but are unsure of “safe” places to let her run free. Our vet scared us when she recommended avoiding public places until the pup is fully vaccinated (avoiding risk of parvo). We live in more urban area so most of the public land nearby is crowded with other dogs. Unfortunately we don’t have any friend with large yards/property.

We have been carrying her everywhere in public (Home Depot, grocery store, beach, etc) but I’d love to let her run free on grass or in the woods. 15 weeks seems awfully long wait and I don’t want to miss out on valuable socialization time.

Any and all advice or input is appreciated. " Birdman

[js4fn]

Young pup needs to be protected

I would just take it for rides stop and just sit with it at a cow pasture. Or at a place with horses on the side of the road be fine watch the cows and horses together good way to teach settle

Parking lots let just people watch

Till Once all vaccines are up to date at least

[sabmgb]

Myself I carried my lab pup for a few weeks then let her walk on sidewalks or on road and didn't let her touch grass until after her last set of shots. I let her play with any dog that I knew had their shots. I took her to the grocery store and stood outside the doors, everyone wanted to pet her which I was fine with, that gave her the socializing with people. Even in your back yard can be a problem. I live in the city and had a raccoon wondering around the neighbourhood in the middle of the day. You have no idea what wonders around. Now I have seen lots of people with very young pups out and about with no cares but that could be asking for a problem.

[finsfurfeathers]

Wouldn't risk it wait for the full set to kick in. Walks on leash would be fine but avoid contact. Distemper been awfully rampant amongst gta racoons so worth the caution. There is a balance between bubble wrap and running free.

[Marker]

IMO, I would place a priority on health risks over socialization for a floppy eared dog (hound, spaniel etc), if it was a Mali/ Dutchy or other 'mouthy' dog my opinion would be the opposite.

[Sharon]

Thanks for your help folks. I'll send your posts on to my friend.

[bellerivercrossbowhunter]

And enjoy the puppy stage it's unbelievable how short it is...

[BDH]

Tell them to relax, rely on the information the vet gave them. Carrying a ten week pup into Home Depot, grocery store?????, and beach is not teaching the dog anything. They would be better to train the dog to be crate obedient and leave the dog at home. There is plenty of time to take the pup to the pet friendly places once all the shots have been given and the dog has built some immunity.

[ninepointer]

Just went through the same process (socialization mindful of health). Followed the advice of our vet and the breeder:

1st shots (6 weeks old). Pup came home at 8 weeks. Only contacts our adult (vaccinated) dog and immediate family members. Outdoor activity was limited to the yard. No neighbourhood walks, no nature walks (risk from animal droppings) and no public places (by all means avoid places like PetSmart and dog parks!).

2nd shots (10 weeks old). After 3 days we allowed neighbourhood walks, contacts with trusted vaccinated dogs, and nature walks. Still no public places.

3rd shots (boosters and rabies)(14 weeks old). After 3 days, no more restrictions.

Setter pup is 17 weeks now. There are always risks. For example, even vaccinated dogs can get Bordetella (kennel cough). Another thing to be careful of are cannabis and other drugs at places like parks and school yards. Dogs seem to particularly like to pick up cannabis.