Need Some Advice!

[Mak]

Hi.

As some of you know, I'm getting a Bichon Frise next month. He will be a male called Charlie .

I was just wondering, how and where would be the best place to socialize the pup at a early age until he gets his vaccinations. (Say, 6 - 16 weeks). I'm confused because some people say this is crucial time for socialization..while others say don't take him out until hes had all his vaccinations! I just don't know who to listen too.

I was planning to meet with some DOL'ers but I don't really know any 'Parvo-free' areas. Does anyone know of a safe place for my puppy?

Also, some good obedience clubs around the Lecihhardt Area, any suggestions? What age should I take him here?

Thanks for all your help,

Mak.

Edited February 21, 2007 by Mak

[MonElite]

Contact Dogs NSW for a listing of all obedience clubs in NSW.

Id say taht Homebush, Concord and Centenial Park are the closest to you, but perhaps there is somehitng closer.

[Mak]

Thanks! Still need some more advice

[Mystiqview]

Most vets run puppy schools for puppies from 8 weeks onwards. In Qld at least, puppies need to be 12 weeks before they can run puppy class (vaccinations). Some other private dog schools/organisations run puppy classes from 8 weeks onwards.

As for socialisation: I take my pups for drives, take them to the markets and walk around the markets with the puppy in arms until vaccinations complete. But to be honest, for most of your diseases, it is as much air borne as anything else.. so even in your back yard, your puppy can still run a slim risk of getting parvo etc.

I think as long as your sensible about it.. don't take new puppy to off leash area until all vaccinations complete.

The real risk of getting a disease to the real risk of poor social manners... the social manners is a higher risk than that of disease. (except if there are specific outbreaks in your area.) Socialise your pup..

When I breed my litters, I have a pretty much open house from birth (friends I know). come and visit, pat puppy, play with puppy etc. From 6 weeks, they go for drives in the car. I pile them all in a crate in the back of the ute and go to the local coffee shop. I park near a table, order coffee, drop the back of the ute down and let the puppies watch the world go by. At this stage to say the least, no one pats puppies.. but they get to watch shopping trollies, kids running and screaming and a whole heap of other noises. By 8 weeks, they are well socialised.

[ReXy]

Most vets run puppy schools for puppies from 8 weeks onwards. In Qld at least, puppies need to be 12 weeks before they can run puppy class (vaccinations). Some other private dog schools/organisations run puppy classes from 8 weeks onwards.

As for socialisation: I take my pups for drives, take them to the markets and walk around the markets with the puppy in arms until vaccinations complete. But to be honest, for most of your diseases, it is as much air borne as anything else.. so even in your back yard, your puppy can still run a slim risk of getting parvo etc.

I think as long as your sensible about it.. don't take new puppy to off leash area until all vaccinations complete.

The real risk of getting a disease to the real risk of poor social manners... the social manners is a higher risk than that of disease. (except if there are specific outbreaks in your area.) Socialise your pup..

When I breed my litters, I have a pretty much open house from birth (friends I know). come and visit, pat puppy, play with puppy etc. From 6 weeks, they go for drives in the car. I pile them all in a crate in the back of the ute and go to the local coffee shop. I park near a table, order coffee, drop the back of the ute down and let the puppies watch the world go by. At this stage to say the least, no one pats puppies.. but they get to watch shopping trollies, kids running and screaming and a whole heap of other noises. By 8 weeks, they are well socialised.

great advice i agree.. i did same with my dogs as pups,, markets schools shops etc,, socialisation is so important