vet told me to take my 11 week old puppy on walks everywhere

[Anna]

I'm a little confused.

I've been trying really hard to keep my puppy from possible getting any sickness before he is fully vaccinated.  but I've been told by my vet again and again - that the importance of puppy socialization is WAY more important than the very small chance he can sick from having contact with other dogs/poop etc...

 

Am I wrong for - for keeping Buck from taking walks and going to petstores and other people's home that have dogs?

 

I have to admit - I haven't been too good about the whole  - "puppy needs to meet at least 100 people before 3months"   but having people over is exhausting work too.   I have had some over but not 100.

 

Should I start to walk my pup?

[Elizabeth & *Kosci*.]

I've been trying to take my puppy everywhere possible without her actually touching the ground, I have her sitting in the car with the windows down when I pick my children up from school, that way all come and pat her, she hears the kids joyful yells and screams etc.... We started puppy- preschool last night, all dogs have had their first lot of shots.Also others on DK have suggested they sat at outdoor coffee shops so they could socialize.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Myla was in puppy class at 10 weeks, I felt ok because you need verification of all shots in order to apply and pay for the class. We also liked to take them to random stores and sit outside and let people pet them they LOVED the attention and belly rubs they got. I would also stay away from parks and such because of the bugs. Good luck,just make sure she gets to meet lots of people safely.

[Kate C Pappas]

IMHO....you are not wrong. Best be safe than sorry. I gave my girls their vaccinations one by one which made it take longer until they were fully covered. One thing my vet offered was she has a trainer in the same building and they offer puppy classes where all the puppies are the same age, similar shot coverages so it was perfect. A couple weeks is not going to affect the socialization process.

If you know anyone with a puppy the same age, you could arrange a play date.