Most people who get a young puppy are told not to expose their dog to outdoor areas until vaccines are finished. There are lots of airborne viruses that can be contracted as well as a multitude of worms and illnesses that can be picked up through the droppings of other animals.
However, at the same time, people are also advised to work on housebreaking right away and are told of the importance of thorough socialization for young puppies.
With puppies not fully completing their vaccination schedule until about four months of age, many pet owners are stricken by this conflict, unsure of what to do. Should you paper train your puppy for four months so he doesn’t go outside? Should you prevent your pet from meeting any other dogs until every vaccine is finished? It certainly provides a dilemma.
While the risk of contracting a disease from outdoor exposure is a legitimate concern, it is also a big concern that dogs can develop long-term ongoing housebreaking confusion as a result of paper training for four whole months (not to mention the mess made along the way). Another concern is that lack of socialization in the formative months could lead to fear problems when you finally do start bringing him out.
My opinion has always been that it is better to exercise caution by limiting outdoor exposure, while still going ahead and house training and socializing the dog. However, not wanting to advise my clients incorrectly, I interviewed numerous veterinarians and asked them what they thought about this dilemma.
Each and every veterinarian I interviewed responded that even with their own personal dogs, they always go ahead with housebreaking and socialization, but in a prudent manner. In other words, the best way to go about these issues is to go ahead and train your dog while still limiting exposure.
Beginning house training can be accomplished by choosing one area of your yard to bring the dog to for “bathroom business.” In order to keep your pet safe from potential diseases, be sure not to choose an area where, for example, you know raccoons hang out at night. Likewise, if you don’t have a private yard, do not choose a fire hydrant that is frequented by all the dogs in the neighborhood. Do not allow your puppy to roam free, eat sticks, etc. until vaccines are finished.
When it comes to socialization, it is also important to exercise caution while still socializing your puppy. Instead of taking your pup to the park or a pet store where there are a multitude of animals who you don’t know, socialize your puppy with dogs who you definitely know are vaccinated, friendly and healthy. Perhaps your neighbor’s dog or a family member’s pet might be a good buddy for now.
Like most things in life, there is some risk involved in every decision. But by exercising some prudence you can housebreak, socialize, and keep your dog healthy all at the same time.
