When can I take my puppy for a walk?

[morriesmom]

Hello, I'm a first-time Frenchie owner. Morrie came home with us when he was 8 weeks old and now he is 11 weeks. I've read that until a puppy has all his shots (5-6 months), you shouldn't take him anywhere he can be exposed to other dogs' feces. So I haven't Morrie on a walk outside, but I would really like to start socializing him. He has a small outdoor play area, and also his indoor play area, but I think he's getting bored. I have no other pets nor children.
What are your thoughts on taking a puppy outdoors on a leash?

[franp]

Welcome,
When Dari was a pup, the vet had a puppy play group for pups that had one or twp shots.It was inside, so there was little chance of coming into contact with infected feces and other dangerous items.

Your pup (as I have been told) is safe with dogs that are fully innoculated.Itis the germs etc on the ground that are the most dangerous.
Do you know anyone that has an older dog you can play with? Does your vet have a play group?

fran

[morriesmom]

Thanks for the advice, Fran. I guess I will need to actively search for play dates for Morrie.

[sakirby]

oscar just finished his shots and it was a relief. i know what you are going through. it isn't fun when they can't be outside much. do you know anyone with dogs? i let oscar play with other dogs that i knew had their shots. also, i let him walk around with me on a leash, but he wasn't allowed near any dog feces, or other dogs. this was difficult so, i only took him on short walks (like around the block) and let him stop to meet people. also, frenchies are so little that you can take them with you places. i took oscar into every store that would let me. my corner video store, my corner convenience store. that way, they can meet people, and children, just not other dogs or dog poop yet :) good luck!

[morriesmom]

Thanks, Sharon. I asked my vet about taking Morrie for walks and she is of the opinion that the danger here in Luxembourg of Parvovirus and Rabies is small and that it is far outweighed by the danger of having a fearful dog if he is not exposed to things. So we went on our first outside walk today - only on the sidewalk and only about a block, and no poop-sniffing. Morrie was afraid of everything at first, but after 5 minutes he was happy. So thanks for your advice.

[Kelly+Manja]

hi morries mom
congrats on your new puppy. When i first got manja i was also concerned about making sure that he got all the neccessary socialisation. Before he had all his shots i brought him around everywhere with me in a red leather bag that I had cut a hole into the side of for him to stick his head out of. I also didnt put the bag down on the ground where there would have been other dogs. I think this helped alot. I would sit at cafes with him on the street, take him to gallery exhibitions, friends houses.... all in his little red bag. works a treat!

kelly :)