[happylab2020]

Hi everyone, I will be getting a lab puppy at the start of June and she will be 8 weeks old. Wondered if anyone can offer any advice on how to properly socialise her during these times and until she is fully vaccinated?

I live in downtown Vancouver in an apartment. Can I take her on walks on the streets, or should I carry her everywhere and never let her touch the ground (e.g. dog parks, beaches, forests etc.)? I am reading conflicting advice on this one.

Is interaction (e.g. with people and other dogs) essentially or would it be sufficient for her to only observe these things and other sights and sounds?

Thanks everyone! I grew up with dogs but I am a first time owner!

 

[BluePaw]

Just do your best to avoid areas that are heavily frequented by other dogs until your puppy is fully immunized. The biggest threat is posed when your puppy has uncontrolled exposure to other dogs... dog parks, pet-friendly beaches, pet stores, etc. are typically the worst offenders. In general, you really don't want your puppy coming into contact with dogs you don't know. Because you live in a city, there may be more of a risk of coming into contact with other dogs on the sidewalk, for example, so use your best judgment to find a quiet place to let your puppy go potty outside and then return to a controlled environment.

Studies have shown that once your puppy has at least started its vaccinations, going to puppy classes, for example, don't really pose a threat as long as 1) all puppies are of a similar age and have also started their vaccinations and 2) proper sanitation measures are being taken to clean up after potty accidents. Puppy classes provide an excellent way to socialize your puppy in a controlled environment. You could also visit with friends/family and their pets as long as you know they're vaccinated.

In addition to your puppy meeting new people and dogs, you'll also want to expose him/her to other stimuli. This article provides examples: Puppy Socialization: How to Socialize a Puppy

 

[pandora]

The same rules apply to a new puppy during lockdown as at any other time.
Before your pup is fully vaccinated you should be careful of places where there are lots of strange dogs so carry the pup but allow them to investigate clean areas like your own back yard.
We allowed our pup to play in our garden and we introuduced 'safe 'people like family and neighbours.

Once the second puppy vaccination is given you can start letting your pup explore the world a little more.. Personally I would still avoid busy areas and of course tiny pups cant walk miles so letting him/her walk a little way and then observe the world without being mugged by every passing dog or human isnt a bad idea,

 

[3GSD4IPO]

Your puppy should NOT be directly interacting with ANY other dogs. Not now. Not in the future. As to people? A big nope as well UNLESS the person squats down and lets the puppy approach.

Socialization is about the puppy experiencing new places and new environments, NOT about actually MEETING other people and dogs. The word "socialization" is just a poor word as most people think "Oh puppy must be touched and handled and go F2F with other dogs." NO!!!

This puppy is a LITTLE KID. Would you allow every stranger to pet your baby if you had one? Would you shove your baby F2F with other babies? Would you let teenagers and adults go F2F with your baby and pick that baby up? Likely NOT. Same with the puppy. Questions like "Can I pet your puppy?" should be responded to with "TY for asking, but No."

COVID likely has every puppy in the world saying "Thank GOD! No one is rushing me and petting me and picking me up and their dogs are staying OVER THERE!" Take you puppy out and about. The time between 8 weeks and 12 weeks in critical for the puppy to see new things and walk on different surfaces.

 

[LittleFr0g]

The OP asked for opinions on socializing, not vaccination or other medical advice. Admin reminder: giving medical advice is strictly against forum rules.

 

[LeoRose]

This is an article on the AKC website. How to Socialize Your Puppy During Times of Social Distancing

I saw another article somewhere, but now can't locate it. If I do, I'll post it, as well.

 

[happylab2020]

Thanks for the thoughts about experiencing rather than interacting. As I do not have access to a yard, what’s the best way to let a puppy experience different ground surfaces? I can let the puppy on sidewalks or in a park (not specific dog park) or forest. Would it be safe to do this after second set of vaccinations at 12 weeks?

 

[LittleFr0g]

Thanks for the thoughts about experiencing rather than interacting. As I do not have access to a yard, what’s the best way to let a puppy experience different ground surfaces? I can let the puppy on sidewalks or in a park (not specific dog park) or forest. Would it be safe to do this after second set of vaccinations at 12 weeks?

Those are all great locations, parking lots etc, are good too. As for when, your vet is the best person to ask that.

 

[LeoRose]

You can do some introduction to different surfaces and stuff inside you home. Put things like cardboard, crumpled up paper, bubble wrap, and other things on the floor, scatter some treats or kibble about, and let the puppy explore. Put some balls on a cookie sheet, and let him shove them around to get to treats or kibble.

These are paid resources that cover what I mentioned, and more:
Puppy Genius introduces puppies to new sights, sounds, and sensations, as well as teaching basic life skills like tolerating collars and grooming. Fenzi Dog Sports Academy - FE115: Baby Genius

Empowerment builds on Puppy Genius in the area of different sights, sounds, and sensations. Fenzi Dog Sports Academy - FF280: Empowerment

 

[3GSD4IPO]

The OP asked for opinions on socializing, not vaccination or other medical advice. Admin reminder: giving medical advice is strictly against forum rules.

I apologize. I thought the concern was coupled with lack of vaccine protection. It often is a serious concern of many puppy owners.

 

[pandora]

I apologize. I thought the concern was coupled with lack of vaccine protection. It often is a serious concern of many puppy owners.

Thats what I thought too especially as the OP asked regarding vaccination!

 

[LittleFr0g]

I apologize. I thought the concern was coupled with lack of vaccine protection. It often is a serious concern of many puppy owners.

None of which changes the fact that giving medical advice is against forum rules. The correct response to someone wondering about vaccines is to consult their vet

 

[pandora]

None of which changes the fact that giving medical advice is against forum rules. The correct response to someone wondering about vaccines is to consult their vet

OK well thanks for clearing that up..
No advice.. ok

 

[LittleFr0g]

OK well thanks for clearing that up..
No advice.. ok

First, the OP never once asked for medical advice, only socialization advice. Second, you know full well what the forum rules are on giving out medical advice. Third, you should also know by now that it is against forum rules to argue with admin decisions. So unless you want a time out, I'd strongly suggest you let this go and focus on answering the question the OP DID ask, which is how to socialize their puppy while dealing with Covid-19 social distancing requirements.

 

[pandora]

First, the OP never once asked for medical advice, only socialization advice. Second, you know full well what the forum rules are on giving out medical advice. Third, you should also know by now that it is against forum rules to argue with admin decisions. So unless you want a time out, I'd strongly suggest you let this go and focus on answering the question the OP DID ask, which is how to socialize their puppy while dealing with Covid-19 social distancing requirements.

Thanks .. i did

 

[keesshep]

I'd stay far away from people other than immediate family in the home, and dogs, that puppy will have to catch up later.

Hi everyone, I will be getting a lab puppy at the start of June and she will be 8 weeks old. Wondered if anyone can offer any advice on how to properly socialise her during these times and until she is fully vaccinated?

I live in downtown Vancouver in an apartment. Can I take her on walks on the streets, or should I carry her everywhere and never let her touch the ground (e.g. dog parks, beaches, forests etc.)? I am reading conflicting advice on this one.

Is interaction (e.g. with people and other dogs) essentially or would it be sufficient for her to only observe these things and other sights and sounds?

Thanks everyone! I grew up with dogs but I am a first time owner!