Socializing an Un-Vaccinated Puppy

socalization, un-vaccinated - By Staff Writer on Monday, September 27, 2010 - 11:33

Puppies usually finish their final vaccinations around 12 weeks.  While this will vary for dogs depending on when they were started and when you get them to the vet, on average that is around the time when they are fully vaccinated and ready to take on other puppies.  So if you the period of time for super absorbent socialization is from 3 to 12 weeks than how do you safely socialize without endangering your pup?  With a little bit of knowledge you can make sure your pup is safe and fully socialized before they are able to take on the dog park.

Understanding Vaccinations
Its important to understand what the vaccinations do so you know what to avoid.  Vaccinations introduce small amounts of a specific virus  (rabies, distemper, parvovirus, etc.) into your pup so their body may fight the illness and build up antibodies.  It means that your dog will be able to easily fight the virus if she encounters it again, since she already has the antibodies in her system.  If your dog is unvaccinated and gets a full dose of the virus her system will not know how to fight it and it could be lethal.  Having a vaccination does not mean she does not come in contact with viruses or carry them, it means that her systems knows how to fight them effectively so she don't get sick.  You can never tell if a vaccinated dog is carrying a virus without blood work, there will be no outward signs.

Knowing What's Safe
Since vaccinated can be carriers of viruses without any outward signs, healthy vaccinated dogs are strictly off limits for puppies.  You should avoid all dog parks and any areas where people walk and allow their dogs to relieve themselves. Since viruses can exist on surfaces for long periods of time, your dog could get sick from simply sniffing or licking where another dog sneezed.  Your pup can, however, hang out with all the healthy unvaccinated puppies about since all the puppies are in the same boat.

Finding other Puppies
Much of the socialization you can do alone, like taking your dog to the city to walk in traffic or near trains to experience the sound, but your pup must meet other dogs.  The easiest way to find other healthy puppies is through your vet.  Some vet offices hold puppy mixers and if they don't they should be able to direct you to a reputable daycare that does.  You should keep an eye on other puppies and if one looks sick take your dog out immediately.

Hit The Streets Safely
You do need to take your dog out to experience sights, sounds and people and the best way to do this is hit a high traffic area.  Pick a place where dogs do not frequent often.  Pick a place like a mall, in front of an office building or restaurant or near a library or school.  We guarantee people will flock to pet your puppy and there will be few dogs in sight.

The key is getting your puppy out and about and keeping it safe and healthy.  If you avoid all sick dogs, any dog that is fully vaccinated and any area of high dog traffic and your puppy should be socialized in no time.