The why and how of puppy socialization
Puppies carry antibodies they obtained from their mother until about 4-8 weeks of age. These antibodies are very effective and totally protective but the amount of antibody begins to fall sometime between the puppy's age of 4-8 weeks. We initiate immunization of the puppy against a few deadly diseases at age 6 weeks and 8 weeks and then the puppy will get a 10, 12 and 16 week shot with the new owner at their own vet. The immunization initiates a cascade of events that results in partial immunity 2 weeks from the time of the shot. This means that the puppy may have periods of vulnerability to canine diseases from ages 8-12 weeks.
Despite this risk, it is strongly recommended that you socialize your pup. Otherwise, your pup might develop bad habits or fears. So how do you negotiate the need for socialization with the risk of your puppy getting sick? You do it by socializing your pup with people and not dogs, and socializing them in areas frequented by people but not dogs. One way to determine if your area may be too high risk is to call your local vet and ask if there have been any cases of Parvo and Distemper in your area. If there have been cases, you will need to avoid those areas altogether. In some situations, socialization may be limited due to local outbreaks.
If there have been no cases of Parvo and Distemper in your local area, you can socialize your pup in the following areas that are relatively SAFE: stores, city sidewalks, children's playgrounds, friends' houses.
Areas that are UNSAFE for a 2-3 month old pup: highway rest areas, dog parks, dog shows, kennels, any place frequented by stray dogs.
Despite this risk, it is strongly recommended that you socialize your pup. Otherwise, your pup might develop bad habits or fears. So how do you negotiate the need for socialization with the risk of your puppy getting sick? You do it by socializing your pup with people and not dogs, and socializing them in areas frequented by people but not dogs. One way to determine if your area may be too high risk is to call your local vet and ask if there have been any cases of Parvo and Distemper in your area. If there have been cases, you will need to avoid those areas altogether. In some situations, socialization may be limited due to local outbreaks.
If there have been no cases of Parvo and Distemper in your local area, you can socialize your pup in the following areas that are relatively SAFE: stores, city sidewalks, children's playgrounds, friends' houses.
Areas that are UNSAFE for a 2-3 month old pup: highway rest areas, dog parks, dog shows, kennels, any place frequented by stray dogs.