Second Oppinion

[Hathor]

I would restrict where you take your pup. NEVER walk it outside your backyard until 2 weeks post 2nd vacc. Parvo is spread via faeces, vomit etc and it IS parvo season (we are full up in our isolation ward now - usually because of idiots who have failed to vaccinate their pets ).

It is vital that the pup is socialised, though in a controlled setting. Ie - puppy preschool etc. Common sense comes into play - ie - you can socialise your pup with a friends dog - provided it is fully vaccinated.

Trust me - not worth the risk. Horrendous watching the poor things go through such a PREVENTABLE disease. We shouldn't even be seeing parvo as it is preventable - but sadly - I see it all too often

[huski]

And more often than not, catching parvo means ending up with a dead puppy.

And not socialising your pup when it's in it's most critical learning period can mean that you end up with a dog who has behaviourial problems for life...

There are risks associated with both sides of the argument, personally I take my pups out and about the day they get home; just sensibly by carrying them most places and not taking them places other dogs frequent like dog parks. I've seen countless dogs with serious behaviourial problems due to lack of socialisation in their critical period, there is no way on earth I would be locking a baby puppy up in the house until it was 19 weeks of age.

Hathor, parvo can be tracked into your house on the soles of your shoes. I don't see the difference between taking my pup to puppy pre-school and sensibly taking them out and about.

[nickojoy]

Remember right now is the worst time of the year for parvo... The hotter it is the more active the virus is. Even Melbourne has been hit hard with a stronger strain than normal and it hasn't exactly been hot there.

[Danois]

And more often than not, catching parvo means ending up with a dead puppy.

And not socialising your pup when it's in it's most critical learning period can mean that you end up with a dog who has behaviourial problems for life...

Not arguing with that- it was Alpha Bet's comment about "life sometimes means taking some risk" which I was responding too. IMO, parvo is not something to take a risk in relation to.

Taking risk means going to a dog park or other areas populated with dogs.

You can not take that risk by carrying the dog in such areas and limiting socialisation to playing with friend's dogs in a backyard or in a house.

[Seven]

Just had 12 weeks vacs and the vet said it is ok to take around the house and during daylight hours on paved areas. She said puppys need it at this age, but said never on parks etc where you cannot see other dog stools.

Also mentioned its ok with other dogs as long as you know have been vaccinated.

She just said dont go crazy and use common sense.

Also thinks a few rides in the car are a good way for a dog to see the world, but in a controlled environment.