I'm afraid of my backyard...

[Danni & Jedi]

I am expecting to receive my GD pup in a few weeks, and the more I read about parvo (SCARY), the more afraid I am to take my puppy into my backyard. We intend to train him to go potty outside, and we have a nice large backyard for him to play in, but... parvo!!! Even though our yard is fenced, there are awful stray cats that roam the neighborhood and think my house and backyard is a part of their territory. Do cats carry parvo? I've never seen a dog back there, but we've been in the house for 2 years and the fence isn't even a yr old. What should I do?

1) Wait until he's fully vaccinated to take him to the backyard to play or potty and use puppy pads at first? 

or

2) Clean/sterilize his potty spot to reduce or eliminate the parvo threat? 

or

3) Something else I haven't thought of... 

[Judy, Meg & Polly Wolly Doodle]

Your vet should be able to give you good information on how to prepare your yard to make it safe for your new pup.  Call as soon as possible and you should be able to relax about bringing your new baby home.

[Rosemary (Ro) and Enzo]

Probably more info than you really want to know!

http://www.ansci.wisc.edu/jjp1/ansci_repro/lab/diseases_2002/parvov...

[Adina P]

You are most likely fine.  The chances your dog will contract parvo in YOUR yard is slim.  Talk to your vet about parvo in your area and follow his advice.  Letting fear of the unknown drive your decisions can paralyze you and make it hard to socialize your dog appropriately.  Not that you should take stupid risks, but your backyard is a good place.

[Amy & Albee]

Like Adina said, ask your vet about the prevalence of parvo in your area. We were still in an apartment when Albee was a pup. We cleaned his paws after all outdoor outings.

[Julie and Max]

You could also put some two side tape on the top of your fence with a little bit of paprika, this will help to keep the cats out of your yard, I know it won't stay through rain, but it's pretty effective. 

[Leslie, Yogi & Maci Bear]

Our yard wasn't fenced when we got yogi, so I just chose a spot close to the house that he was allowed to be in. Maybe 6x10. Just cut down on the exposure until he was fully vaccinated.

[Danni & Jedi]

Thanks for all the great replies. We've already chosen a vet that we'd like to go with, so I guess it's time for our first call.. That being said, I am glad that we will most likely be able to start out with outdoor potty training. It would be a real shame to waste such a nice backyard. 

Danielle