When can my puppy start to meet other dogs?

At 8 weeks Chico had his first innoculation and is due to have the second at 10 weeks (next Thursday). When could he start to socialise with other dogs?

My friend has a fully vaccinated collie cross and has invited us round for a play (Chico time! ) but I'm unsure as to whether this is a good idea. Having done some research on the web and speaking to a vet, I have been told conflicting information - some say 7 days after second jab, others 2 weeks...

Thank you an advance for any advice

i was told that your pup can meet fully vaccinated dogs before they have their second jab. as long as you are completely confident that they are all jabbed up. it's vital that your pup meets other dogs as soon as possible so his socialisation skills can develop.

i was told that your pup can meet fully vaccinated dogs before they have their second jab. as long as you are completely confident that they are all jabbed up. it's vital that your pup meets other dogs as soon as possible so his socialisation skills can develop




i do agree with him... i was able to introduce my puppy before on his third jab but in the second its all good and its okay....

Hi,

So long as the dog(s) your pup is liekly to meet are fully vaccinated there shouldn't be any problems.

The problems arise when unknown dogs have been about, possibly carring something nasty or leaving something nasty behind befor your own dog is fully protected.
You need to wait at least 7 days, preferably 10 days (I waited 2 weeks to be sure) to take your pup out and about in the street, park etc.

If you're going to someone's house/back garden, there shouldn't be any problems.

Laura xx

After just this week one of my pups dying, only had first vaccination, he contracted Infectious Canine Hepititis, I would wait until 2 weeks after the second vaccination and full covered.

My pups new owner thought it would be safe to take the pup away, only allowing it to go in the garden - possibly where other dogs had been.

I personally wouldn't risk it, even if other dogs are fully vaccinated they could still be carriers of any disease, which could be passed on.

The others are correct. It is perfectly fine for your puppy to meet other dogs, in fact essential. However, you must be very careful that it is only healthy, well cared for dogs. If your friend keeps their dogs up to date on shots, fine. If not, avoid it.

The period between 6-12 weeks is a dangerous time. One sniff where a sick dog relieved itself in the last 6 months can bring on parvo or another life threatening disease. Fail to expose it to strangers, including men, women, children, noise, etc. and you could end up with a misfit you can't take out in public. They also need continuing contact with other dogs, but it must be limited to ones you know are getting good care. See www.apdt.com
and www.akc.org

The risk of disease isn't over at 12 weeks, but the best chance to socialize the puppy is.

Those of us fostering puppies for the dog guide school always take them to the next monthly meeting with the other puppies as soon as we get them at 7 weeks. There has never been a problem. Once in a while if we are meeting where there will be strange dogs, people are told not to bring the babies.

Thank you all for your advice

He has been to meet other members of our family, our neighbours and friends and we take him into our garden for play. We are hoping to find a class he can go to in order to socialise with other dogs/people.

Ask your vet whether they hold "puppy parties", they're great fun, your puppy gets socialised and it's a safe environment coz all the puppies will be waiting for their jabs or waiting for the period after (I waited 2 weeks, although my vet told me the company states 10 days after 2nd vac).

Never, put your puppy down on the ground where there's a risk of unvaccinated dogs being around, that's the danger, and it is a real danger. Awwwwww, I want another one!!!

Book him into a class now, because they get filled up rapidly, and remember, they won't accept you unless you have your vaccination card stating both vacs have been done, I know that coz of the classes I went to. Enjoy!