Going out before 12 weeks

[DottyHarmer]

I have a big puppy who is still two weeks away from his second injection which will be for reasons of (not my) delay at 14 weeks. He is too large to be carried for more than a couple of steps so he is still confined to barracks. Would it be possible to take him to someone’s dog-free garden for a visit?

I would. I would also take him to visit dogs that I know to be vaccinated. The danger is out in public areas where you don't know the other dogs visiting and can't be sure of their vaccination status.

Would it be possible to get a dog pram? Someone might be selling one second hand locally. Just make sure he's attached on a harness, not collar, in case he tries to make a break for freedom

Yes, it's fine for a puppy who is not yet fully vaccinated to go on the ground in places where there are never any other dogs, or where the only dogs are fully and in-date vaccinated.

IIRC foxes can carry parvo, so don't put him down in places where they might have been

Yes definitely. I'd also look for friends who have puppy-friendly vaccinated dogs, and any gardens that have a good view of stuff going on - people, prams, buses. Or you could sit him in the boot of the car if you have a hatchback or similar and sit there with him, with the boot open, to watch the world go by.

It’s really important he gets socialised, even more so if he’s a big breed. You don’t want him fear aggressive or running away in fear. Just don’t put him down in the middle of a dog park.

I’m panicking over all this. Our garden is quite “wildlifey” so he’s kept on a line to stop him going in the hedges and bushes. He ‘s making a couple of visits in the car next week. He needs to get out and about, but the vet said mid-February before he can properly go out

Before we were free to go out we did a mix of the following

• stood in the front garden for 5 mins carrying pup and watching road/passers by
• drove to places (supermarket, tram stop) and sat in the car boot and watched
• visited the pet shop and put pup in a trolley
• had a friend visit with their older dog
• went for tea and cake at a cafe

You'd be amazed at how sitting and watching stuff tires a young puppy out.

Ooh, pets at home trolley - good idea! (Although I’ll antibac it to death - last time I was in there nearly passed out due to weed smell on bloke with hairy dog who pooed on floor….)

Yes, I agree that just sitting watching new things and hearing new sounds can really tire a young pup out. I used to go to our front garden (no fence) and just hold the pup and watch the passers by...it really calmed her down and also tired her out!