How long until we can walk around?

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Hi all,

I was just wanted to ask/confirm that you should wait until the puppy has had their shots at 12 weeks before they can walk around say a park or public area, something where there are other dogs. I got Loki when he was 12-13 weeks so I didn't have the option to walk him around and about earlier but Moose comes home at 8 weeks exactly and I could have sworn I have read on here that they needed their 8week shots and their 12 week shots but a friend who just got a puppy (not a doodle) said their breeder told them after their shots at 8 weeks they were free to go anywhere. I'm concerned for my friends puppy and also want to make sure I know what I'm doing (for lack of a better phrase) when I pick up Moose. Thanks for your help guys!

Jess, Loki, and Moose (almost!)

[Laurie, Wally & Charlotte]

I was told to wait until after the 12-week vaccines by our breeders and our vet. It was a long wait, but I didn't want them to be exposed to anything dangerous before they were protected.  

[Debb, Lucy & Oscar]

Both Lucy and Oscar got the 'go-ahead' from their vet to walk the neighborhood on sidewalks only after the 2nd set of shots at about 11 weeks old. Only your vet will know the communicable dog diseases that are prevalent in your area and will advise you accordingly.

[Roy]

Usually pups are protected after the 2nd vaccination according to my vet. Others say 2 weeks after the last vaccination. I waited one week after the 2nd shot because I wanted to expose Nickie to as much as possible. We've been to 2 puppy socials, walks, and she's starting class tomorrow. 

[Ginny Nightingale]

I raise puppies and we recommend that the puppy not be exposed to parks or other dogs until 16 weeks--after the vaccinations are complete--you are right that there is a lot to worry about and puppies should not be going everywhere at 8 weeks--if you want to socialize the pup, carry them--one of our clients even used a stroller! no nose-to-nose contact with other dogs even if your pup is in your arms. 12 weeks is probably safe enough, but we like to go further to be sure the pup is fully protected. 

Puppy classes can start at 12 weeks though.

Congrats on the new puppy!

[Stephanie and Ragley]

I have heard (and waited) until a week after the 16 week shots. The vet told me that it was the safest practice to allow a week for that final round of shots to take full effect. Better safe than sorry in my book!

[Amy and Annabelle]

I was told to wait until a week after the 16 week shots, which I did. We got Annabelle in October so it has only been recently with the warmer weather that we have had her out to a park anyway.

[Cheryl and Finnegan]

My vet recommended 16 weeks.  When all the shots are done so the pup has full protection.  Somewhere around 14 weeks, Finn started puppy classes.  12 weeks is probably safe if you know all other dogs have their shots, but I carried him in and out of the facility to the car until he was 16 weeks.  

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Ok awesome, thanks a lot guys! I will pass all this on to my friend too!