Puppy early exposure

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

I signed up my puppy for a kindergarten class that will start when he is 10 weeks old at petsmart. Not my first choices of places to go, but it's close to where I live. I mainly want it from the socialization standpoint.

My concern is this, I went in last night to watch a class to see how they conducted it. After about 20 minutes they walked the puppies out of the classroom into the store. It was very busy with lots of dogs who were not in the class.

Is this safe/ good idea at 10 weeks of age? Who knows the vaccination status of all dogs not in the class, but who happen to be in the area at the time. Am I being too cautious to not want my pup exposed like this? Or does it sound safe enough. Not sure what we should do.

[kristine & Auggie]

When we did Petsmart for puppy classes they all had to have had all shots and most puppies were closer to 4 months old.  We did a lot of store walking to get them used to distractions.  We socialized Auggie in a pet stroller and we took him everywhere.  Personally, I think 10 weeks is too young to do a puppy class in a store setting without all shots.  I am surprised they are letting them in at that age.

 

[Kathryn digregorio]

HI leslie,  My vet made me wait to expose Breezy until she was four months and had all her shots.  Could not even take out of the neighborhood, it is an in convenience, but a good safety measure, some people are not careful with their pups and who knows what they may carry,especially Parvo.  Lost a Westie to Parvo before they had develo[ped the vaccine.

[Kris and Sawyer]

Our vet told us no to any class of any kind until 3 weeks after the last set of shots. I know it is hard to wait, but it is not worth exposing them. They will get socialized. Sawyer only met people that came over to our house and only a couple of dogs we knew personally. He just started obedience classes at 4 months and he is fine. He loves everyone. No anxiety.