Puppy socialization before 16 weeks? A few questions

[Jen D]

We are picking up our new labradoodle puppy in 2 weeks (YAY)!!

I'm reading a lot about early puppy socialization and I have a few questions about keeping our new puppy safe.

1. If I know a dog is fully vaccinated, is it totally safe for the puppy to play with that dog (in a safe, non-dog traffic place)?

2. I'm thinking of getting one of those front pouch carriers. Is it safe to bring him out and about in public as long as he's not on the ground?

3. We are signed up for puppy classes at a local training facility. They require vaccination records so I assume it is safe to start our classes before he has all his shots?

Thank you for any info!!

[Adina P]

I would call the local vets and see what the parvo climate is at this time.  I mean of course things can change any day, but if parvo is going around in a big way it might sway me in one direction. 

If your dog is going to be 'in your arms' the whole time he should be safe. 

[Kris and Sawyer]

My thoughts:
1. Yes, on visiting homes with dogs you know are vaccinated. (not parks or public places).
2. I'd say yes.
3. No! Until he has all his shots (our vet said actually 2 weeks after last set of shots, to ensure they are in his system) I would not take him anywhere where he is on the ground in a public place. Parvo can live for long amounts of time on the ground and can be picked up on people's shoes and tracked around. But you can start training him yourself from the moment you bring him home! :-)

Just my 2 cents... I'm not a vet. :-)

[Cindy and Olive (Ollie)]

We did puppy k classes before Rip's shots were finished. Parvovirus wasn't so prevalent, plus they cleaned the floors between classes, asked for records, etc. and he'd already had 2/3 of the shots. Socialization is super, super important (they let pups play supervised in certain groups or pairs and trained us how to intervene if needed) and for us, to get the classes in early when we had so many questions about training and life with a puppy, was SUPER helpful. We did healthy/friendly dog one-on-one play dates too, and brought him (carried) to meet construction workers, Home Depot, the train station, school dropoff, we dressed in hats, winter clothes - everything he might be exposed to - all in a safe, positive way. Phew! ;) Have fun with your new pup!!

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

1) Yes, but as stated, not in a public place.
2) We brought Enzo everywhere with us...but her feet never touched the ground. Virgin feets! As she grew, it got tougher and tougher, but so worth the trouble and aching arms. The front pouches get really warm and with the summer months approaching, not sure how that will work. I know Enz HATES to be warm. Just a thought.
3) I would worry about this...but that's just me.

[Jen D]

Thank you for all the input. I will definitely ask his vet about the local Parvo climate.

Will also have to think about the puppy class. I really love the idea of social time with other puppies but am definitely worried....