New Puppy! Parvo Prevention in Yard and visitors?

[Bethany]

Hi All! New to the DK Community! We are bringing our little Mini Goldendoodle home in about 6 weeks and cannot be more excited! I have been reading a lot on this site and have received many tips and advice already!

I am really concerned about parvo. I have had a friend who's dog got parvo as a puppy and was a horrible experience for both the puppy and them. My plan is to keep the puppy at home while she is still young to prevent contracting parvo. We don't have any other dogs, but my parents have brought their two dogs over in the past, and have played in our yard. Is there a way to disinfect? Looks like bleach may be the only solution, but should I be concerned enough to bleach the yard?

Also, are visitors okay? Or should we wait a certain amount of time until our puppy comes into contact with others?

We will be new puppy-PAWrents so we want the best for our girl. Any advice is great!

[Ginny Nightingale]

I do not think you have to have concerns about your yard as you know your parents' dogs and are sure they are vaccinated--it is outside of your yard that you need to be concerned--carry the pup when venturing out---you need to expose the puppy to lots of sights and sounds so you do not want to isolate her, but you also do not want her walking around in dog parks, on sidewalks etc. Some people use old strollers to get the puppy out!

Visitors are fine but have them wash their hands and remove their shoes. This is temporary until she is fully vaccinated. No nose-to-nose contact with another dog unless you know the owner and the dog is vaccinated--

[Bethany]

Great thank you! I definitely do not want to isolate her! So those ideas are helpful!

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

One of the things that I did with my new puppy was very helpful.  I ordered one of those slings that go across your chest and walked that way with my puppy until she had all her shots. I thing it was only like $20 on Amazon.  That way she became used to walking everyday, and I did not have to worry about diseases.  Ginny is right about socializing though - go to as many places and people to get her accustomed to other things.  It will cut down on the fearfulness. 

[Bethany]

That's also a great idea! We actually have a party scheduled to go to the day after we get her, but I was thinking it would be too much for her and staying home wither? Especially since it's the day after she comes home, she won't know us that well and I don't want to overwhelm her. Is that too soon? But glad we can take her out and about, as long as we are cautious!

[Nancy, Ned, Clancy, and Charlie]

I wouldn't take her to a party when she first comes.  It might be too much activity and attention and definitely overwhelming.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree.

[DonMarie and Picco]

You don't need to venture out till all vaccinations are done.  You can use that time to bond and get her used to her name.  There will be plenty of time for socializing later.  Just be selfish and enjoy her!

[Bethany]

Thank you all for the advice! I am sure it won't take long to know her likes and dislikes and hoping it will come natural for us!

[Ginny Nightingale]

In some cases, DonMarie, that is four months of age--a crucial time for socializing has passed--I do not agree--I think a few weeks to bond is good and then getting her out is important!

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

I agree with Ginny. Early socialization is so important for her to develop a balanced, calm, friendly personality. 

[Bethany]

I think we will stay low-key for the first few days she is home to let her get used to her new home and to bond!

Another question I have-I've seen a lot of members here mention the Snuggle Puppy and it seems to be great to calm and help new puppies, especially through the first few nights. We will also be crate training and I am thinking it will help her feel more 'at home' in her crate. Any thoughts?

[Barbara, Zoey and Zeke]

The Snuggle Puppy worked great for Zoey.  She was crate trained and only whimpered a short while that first night.  She was by my bedside - making it easier to calm her and to know when to take her out to potty.  She also had a baby blanket that was wiped on her mom and all the littermates to help her cope.  Those two things really enhanced the early days.