The Corona Virus Pandemic has emptied Dog Shelters. Fortunately, this has allowed many people who are now working from home to foster or adopt a puppy. We can all agree that this is great news! Yet, many puppy parents are reaching out to us to remedy behavioral issues they are experiencing. We are constantly being reminded that many of these issues could have been prevented in the first place if the puppy was just properly socialized. With lots of conflicting information, many new puppy parents naturally find themselves wondering at what age can puppies go outside?
At What Age Can Puppies Go Outside?
Believe it or not, one of the biggest obstacles to proper puppy socialization can come from a trusted and seemingly unlikely source: veterinarians. While no veterinarian wants to see a puppy grow into an under-socialized, reactive, or aggressive adult dog, their main goal is NOT properly socializing your puppy. Your veterinarian’s primary goal is to prevent your puppy from being exposed to infectious diseases. Because of this, many veterinarians suggest not bringing your puppy outside, especially in Urban Environments. They suggest to wait until your puppy finishes their full set of booster vaccinations around 16 weeks of age. However, this coincides with when your puppy’s Critical Socialization Period ends. Some traditional veterinarians even go as far as to recommend not bringing your puppy outside until 6 months of age.
It is understandable why many veterinarians are overly cautious. Yet, the biggest reason why dogs are surrendered to shelters and often euthanized is because of behavioral issues. According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), “behavioral problems are the number one cause of relinquishment to shelters. Behavioral issues, NOT infectious diseases, are the number one cause of death for dogs under three years of age.” So at what age can puppies go outside? The AVSAB advocates that puppies should receive socialization, with the necessary precautions, BEFORE they are completely vaccinated.
Navigating a Puppy’s Vaccination Schedule and Socialization
Clearly, it is imperative to socialize your puppy before they are completely vaccinated. Here’s how we navigate a puppy’s vaccination schedule while simultaneously providing socialization opportunities:
Socialization After the First Round of Vaccines
In a puppy’s first 4 months of life, they typically go through 3 rounds of booster shots. After each set of vaccines, there is a waiting period of 5-7 days until it is fully effective. Around 6-8 weeks of age, puppies usually receive their first round of vaccines. Your puppy can start to go outside one week after receiving the vaccine.
1-week after the first round of shots, your puppy can explore private, fenced in backyards. Your puppy can be around other dogs who are puppy-friendly and fully up to date on all of their vaccines. In addition, you can carry your puppy around the neighborhood in your arms, a carrier, or a backpack. You can also lay a blanket on your stoop, front porch, or a less crowded public park, and hang out with your leashed puppy on the blanket. Of course, you can also take your puppy over to friends’ homes and on car rides. All of this will help your puppy acclimate to the sights and sounds that will be a part of their world.
Socialization After the Second Round of Vaccines
Puppies usually receive their second round of vaccines around 10-12 weeks of age. 7 days after their second round of vaccines, puppies can go for short walks up and down your block. Be sure to stay on clean, paved surfaces such as sidewalks. Avoid any grass or dirt patches where urine or feces may be hidden, and avoid interacting with unfamiliar dogs. If a dog owner approaches with an unfamiliar dog, simply tell them that your puppy is not fully vaccinated and cannot say hello.
Socialization After the Third Round of Vaccines
The third round of vaccines occurs around 16-18 weeks of age. One week after this last round of vaccines, your puppy should be completely immunized. Your puppy can now safely walk around the block and sniff fire hydrants and grass patches. They can also say hello to unfamiliar dogs, and join group walks around your neighborhood.
Dog Walker in Astoria
Helping your puppy learn proper socialization is one of the best things you can do to ensure a calm, well-adjusted dog. If you require help providing socialization opportunities for your dog and you live in Astoria, you can enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. We offer daily 1-hour Socialization Walks. If your pup is under-socialized, we will work with them to help desensitize them and get them ready for our group Socialization Walks. You must live within our coverage area and your dog must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations. Laying a strong foundation in socialization is the best gift you can give your pup for a long and happy life together!
Buster and Whiskers is The #1 Dog Walking Service in Astoria, NY. If your dog needs more exercise or social interaction, enroll your pup in daily Socialization Walks with us. Contact us for a professional and reliable Dog Walker in Astoria!
