Puppy socialization tips with dog flu?

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

So the dog flu has arrived to Michigan and just in time for Moose to be nearing the end of his puppy shots. I'm so bummed because I had him all set up to go to a puppy program at the doggie daycare, trips to the dog park, puppy classes ect. ect... Now I'm just not sure what to do. I would never want to do anything that could get either of my boys sick! Do you guys have any tips for socializing a puppy when the main options are out? My vet says I can still take both the boys to daycare since they screen all the dogs in a very controlled setting but that still makes me nervous because what I've read said that a dog can be contagious up to 48hrs before their first symptoms and for up to 4 weeks after their last symptom. I would really like to play it safe and just not be around any dogs at all but I'm not sure how practical that is. I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for the help!

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I think I might wait a little longer until the flu epidemic passes.  I really don't think a few more weeks would matter that much, and I'd rather be safe.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Anything I can/should be doing while I wait?

[Jane, Guinness and Murphy]

I still take my guys to different places for our walks every day.  We go for a "ride" to parks or trails.  Sometimes we just ride until we find a new place to walk.  This gives the new experiences and keeps it interesting. 

[Wendy and Myla]

I'm not really sure what you consider socialization.  I don't like Myla going to dog parks and socializing per say with other dogs.  I do want her to respect other dogs, but it's not our priority.  To me, socialization is taking her to different spots where she can interact with other people and situations.  I love walking her downtown, where she has to see lots of people, but I can train her to keep walking and ignore.  I love taking her for walks where there are horses in a field, or a train crossing or a busy highway and she just listens to my commands. I love taking her to a playground with the grandkids and making sure that she doesn't get overprotective when others come to play.  It is always a training in progress and I think far more socialization skills than going to a dog park and interacting with other dogs. 

[Wynnie & Jim]

What a great reply by Wendy. I couldn't agree more.

Walk your boys in your neighborhood, downtown or wherever their are people and other pets. Make sure that they become accustomed to noise and teach the elements of training on your walks...leave it, sit and stay. Some of these are elements of the Canine Good Citizen test where the focus is on socialization and good behavior with people and other dogs.

[Jessica, Loki and Moose]

Oh awesome thanks so much! I am I guess you can say focused on socialization with dogs too. I'm sure it's just me being paranoid and moose being a puppy but I get nervous that he won't act appropriately around other dogs. Especially since the older doodle is very tolerant of moose's puppy behavior and I'm not sure other dogs would be.. But thank you for your answers it helps to re focus me and put everything in perspective I guess you could say :)

[Lynda Kamrath]

I agree.  I think you should play it safe.  As long as the flu is around, you don't want them to be exposed.  I think Wendy had an excellent response.  Socialization is more that just interacting with other dogs.