When is puppy school ok?

[Kim/Mark and Sierra]

Hi...I was hoping to get some feedback about when puppy school should start.  I've been getting mixed messages about when it's safe.  Sierra has had her first two series of shots, first bordello (sp? kennel cough), and her rabies.  I've been extremely careful about keeping her away form anywhere that is frequented by dogs, doing her socialization in more people places.  The trainer I have found has a class starting on the sixth, which is a week before her third series of shots and second kennel cough shot.  The trainer says it's ok...I have a call into my vet for her opinion...but thought I'd ask here as well.  I would really love to get her started but not if it's risky.  Thx for your advice...Kim and Sierra

This was her Home Depot socializing experience and one of my all time favorite pics of her...  :)

[Amy, Cubbie & Ollie]

I don't know the answer to your question other than to say to listen to your vet.  If the vet gives you the green light then go for it, but if they suggest you wait then that would be best.  Socialization is important but not if you risk their health.  My dogs were well past the initial shots phase when I got them so we didn't have this issue.

By the way, I just love that picture!

[shelly]

LOVE the picture!  I think it's GREAT that you are taking sierra out to "people" places.. MY big mistake was that I was so afraid to bring her out anywhere,  that it actually backfired and now I can't take her anywhere - due to her fears... I would just ask the trainer if you could start a week later...of course the vet would tell you best.  You are not going to go to only one class and may even continue into a second session - so the one week you wait won't hurt at all... may even help to keep her healthier... good luck!  she's so cute!!!

[Lynne of Fountain Falls]

What a great picture and you are smart to take her to people places to have the experience.  I personally err on the side of caution when it comes to taking a puppy around anywhere other dogs have been.  Once I learned why they give three sets of shots it only made sense to me to caution my new families to wait until after the third shot.  Three shots are given because it is not know for sure when the mothers antibodies are no longer active in the puppy.  It is my unscientific understanding that if say the first shot is given and the mothers antibodies are still active, the shot isnt effective.  Just to be sure they give another two weeks later and another two weeks after that.  

Although I will always say, listen to your vet first, I like to have the background information also. One week wait wont hurt anything.  Doodles are so smart they can always catch up and still be the star of the class.  What  a cutie.

[Kim/Mark and Sierra]

Hi...thx for the input!  I did hear back from someone in the vet office and she said starting would be ok.  But since I didn't talk to the vet myself I am hoping the message was relayed to her and from her accurately.  The next puppy class would probably be a good month out if we don't start this one.  So I think I'll leave a message for my vet to call me back herself just to confirm everything.

The trainer I found seems to be really good.  I talked with her the first time before bringing Sierra home.  She's the one who told me to socialize, socialize, socialize as much as possible.  She suggested rolling her around in a cart at places like Home Depot, Lowe's and Bass Pro.  She also suggested sitting out front at places like Walmart or Target letting people come up to greet her.  Her objective was to get as many different looking types and ages of people around her.  I never actually did the Walmart thing, but as you can see in the pic we did do the Home Depot stroll!  I know this is going to sound silly, really embarrassed my macho partner...lol...but I also got a stroller so I could safely take her on walks.  I have to admit, I was a tad embarrassed myself.  I got a good bit of teasing over this one.  Thx, Kim