Hi I know you are doing the best for him.Here in the UK the vaccines are slightly differant,when we got our pup the previous owners had vaccinated her,and she was due her booster in about six months,because we only had the paperwork for her vaccine done by the breeder when she was 12 weeks we spoke to our vet and he gave her the booster,which allowed us to take her out and mix with dogs,so not sure, surely if yor dog has had some injections when will he be able to go out and mix, do you have to return to the shelter or can you go to your own vet.its very confusing sorry but our system seems so easy, Admittedly when we got this pup,we wondered if we would have to start again but the vet assured us that she will be fully covered,so I understand your worry,but not clear what is expected of you crystalgirl

We have already scheduled the vaccinations at the vet the shelter referred us to. After he gets all his boosters, we are free to go to our normal vet. They are going to cover his rabies shot and would have covered his neuter.. but it was already done.

Hi So is he allowed to mix before or after his boosters,our dogs over here have two shots,then a year later there booster,but prior to the yearly booster,they are alowed to mix,it is very confusing,I understand in Australia,they have a lot more shots like heartworm,which is a biggie over there,but one of the things that they are not covered for My Step sons mother inlaw lives in Australia,and her dog died from drinking water,and they later found out it was a toad as someone found a toad in some water on their property,(Natter Jack Toad)crystalgirl

Hi Jackbox,I agree withyourself,if a dog or even us get stressed, our immune system isnt reallystrong enough to deal even with the slighest cold,that is why Kennels insist on dogs having a vaccine for kennel cough,because even in a healthy
dog,catching something like kennel cough can bring them down and in some cases in Rescue Centres they have toclose off a block, because dogs with suppressed immune systems go down very quickly,I for one know its best for the dog,but the last time we had the kennel cough not even an injection it was £35. crystalgirl

Hi I havent got an Acrobat on my computer crystalgirl

Sorry to cut and paste the whole thing, but I think it's important reading...there appear to be so many myths and differing opinions on this subject and, for me...especially after reading evidence such as this, socialization wins every time, hands down. You can never re live those vital 16 weeks for your puppy.

A Letter on Puppy Socialization from Dr. R.K. Anderson, DVM, Diplomat, American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Diplomat of American College of Veterinary Behaviorists
TO: My Colleagues in Veterinary Medicine:
Common questions I receive from puppy owners, dog trainers and veterinarians concern: 1) what is the most favorable age or period of time when puppies learn best? 2) what are the health implications of my advice that veterinarians and trainers should offer socialization programs for puppies starting at 8 to 9 weeks of age.
Puppies begin learning at birth and their brains appear to be particularly responsive to learning and retaining experiences that are encountered during the first 13 to 16 weeks after birth [Dr. Anderson is saying that the prime time for puppy socialization stops somewhere between 13 and 16 weeks, although more socialization occurs after that time]. This means that breeders, new puppy owners, veterinarians, trainers and behaviorists have a responsibility to assist in providing these learning/socialization experiences with other puppies/dogs, with children/adults and with various environmental situations during this optimal period from birth to 16 weeks.
Many veterinarians are making this early socialization and learning program part of a total wellness plan for breeders and new owners of puppies during the first 16 weeks of a puppy’s life -- the first 7-8 weeks with the breeder and the next 8 weeks with the new owners. This socialization program should enroll puppies from 8 to 12 weeks of age as a key part of any preventive medicine program to improve the bond between pets and their people and keep dogs as valued members of the family for 12 to 18 years.
To take full advantage of this early special learning period, many veterinarians recommend that new owners take their puppies to puppy socialization classes, beginning at 8 to 9 weeks of age. At this age they should have (and can be required to have) received a minimum of their first series of vaccines for protection against infectious diseases. This provides the basis for increasing immunity by further repeated exposure to these antigens either through natural exposure in small doses or artificial exposure with vaccines during the next 8 to 12 weeks. In addition the owner and people offering puppy socialization should take precautions to have the environment and the participating puppies as free of natural exposure as possible by good hygiene and caring by careful instructors and owners.
Experience and epidemiologic data support the relative safety and lack of transmission of disease in these puppy socialization classes over the past 10 years in many parts of the United States. In fact; the risk of a dog dying because of infection with distemper or parvo disease is far less than the much higher risk of a dog dying (euthanasia) because of a behavior problem. Many veterinarians are now offering new puppy owners puppy socialization classes in their hospitals or nearby training facilities in conjunction with trainers and behaviorists because they want socialization and training to be very important parts of a wellness plan for every puppy. We need to recognize that this special sensitive period for learning is the best opportunity we have to influence behavior for dogs and the most important and longest lasting part of a total wellness plan.
Are there risks? Yes. But 10 years of good experience and data, with few exceptions, offers veterinarians the opportunity to generally recommend early socialization and training classes, beginning when puppies are 8 to 9 weeks of age. However, we always follow a veterinarian’s professional judgment, in individual cases or situations, where special circumstances warrant further immunization for a special puppy before starting such classes. During any period of delay for puppy classes, owners should begin a program of socialization with children and adults, outside their family, to take advantage of this special period in a puppy’s life.
If there are further questions, veterinarians may call me at 651-644-7400 for discussion and clarification.
- Robert K. Anderson DVM, Diplomat, American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and Diplomat of American College of Veterinary Behaviorists.

'In fact; the risk of a dog dying because of infection with distemper or parvo disease is far less than the much higher risk of a dog dying (euthanasia) because of a behaviour problem'

That's the real threat in my opinion, especially now with so much legislation against dogs and the damage the media seem to be hell bent on doing to dogs reputations.

I wouldn't plonk a very young pup down just anywhere but I would definitely take them on carry walks and let them down in fairly low dog populated areas and I wouldn't hesitate in taking them to training classes. As is seen on Dogsey so many times, it's easier to do things right initially than try to fix a problem with an under socialised adult dog.

As you can tell, it's something I feel passionate about and a good socialization is something I think we owe to our dogs!

In the ideal world,you should be able to pick up your brand new puppy,take it into your home,do all the relevant things,but that world rarely exists,some people have dogs with issues and they are pass the 16 week benchmark,do we then dump these poor dog because they are over there sell by date. No we try to give them as much love and care but they are still damaged no matter what we give them so the theory just doesnt help, you can only work with the here and now.crystalgirl

I never said that but I did say if you have a puppy, under 16 weeks you have a duty to socialise it thoroughly!

If you had read any of other posts you would know that on,y one of the dogs that I have was bought as a puppy and the others were rescues from various bad circumstance...some as adults and some as puppies. Turn it on its head then....if you do not socialise your puppies then they are more likely to be euthanised due to behavioural issues, as this articulate says, or you will end up rehoming them due to behavioural issues. I'm not saying the OP would do either of these things as her past dogs have shown....she's in it for the long run...but she posted asking for advice, isn't better that she is given up to date advice which is likely to lead in a lovely well balanced and socialised dog!

Hi I have read your posts,but when I got my puppy she was five months old,after being given as a plaything to a french mastiff,while the two adults went to work,it has left her nervous and very difficult to handle,each step we take takes weeks,getting her to eat without snatching a mouthful and hiding,we are now trying to get her to go in the car,as the doggy places are miles. On top of that I have a chronic illness.The breeder begged me to have her,as her future looked bleak,and we have her Auntie who the breeder remembers was very maternal,even as a pup with toys. But it really annoys me and is very irrating that these so called experts come out,You and I both know that taking on a rescue at whatever age it is, there is no nice handibook out there,because each case if differant,and sometimes we are not able to get a puppy completely right,but that doesnt mean they should be pts,because they dont fit into a nice box,Faye will always be damaged but never at any time would ever dream of her being pts,she will be always loved and part of our family.crystalgirl