Scratchings-and-Sniffings

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Early Puppy Socialization and the Risk of Infectious Disease Posted: 22 Dec 2009 07:53 AM PST We all want to get our new puppies off to a great start. We want to keep them healthy and disease free and we also want to attend to the critical needs of early socialization. Some people worry that doing both may put their puppy at risk by exposing them to infectious diseases during one of their most vulnerable periods. Most experts on puppy behavior and learning advocate that you err on the side of socialization while minimizing the risks of disease exposure. Their argument is quite simple. The first three to four months of a puppies life are critical for socialization and these lessons are key to becoming a well behaved dog. When you consider that behavior related problems are the number one reason dogs end up in animal shelters and that fully 56% of shelter dogs end up being euthanized, the case for early socialization gets very strong.   There are some health risks involved with getting young puppies together during the first few months of life. Their immune systems are developing and the antibodies they received from mom's colostrum don't last forever. But, if you take a few common sense precautions the risk of disease can be minimized.    Puppy classes can be started as early as 8 weeks of age. If you start your puppies vaccination series one week before the first class and continue the series as recommended, the risks are minimal. Most puppy classes start off with people only and cover supplies and philosophy before the actual play and learning begin, so you have some leeway. And good classes will require you to provide proof of vaccination.   Choose a class that is conducted indoors on a hard, non-porous surface if you can. Ask them if they clean and disinfect the facility between puppy classes. Avoiding outdoor classes will reduce the risk of Parvo Virus transmission, in particular. Parvo can remain infective in the soil for months in some parts of the country. Puppies should have had a fecal exam before starting class, too. Parasite transmission is minimal on hard, clean surfaces.   I'd avoid dog parks with puppies for these very reasons. Wait until they've had their full series of vaccinations and they are about four months old. Dog parks are great places for ongoing socialization and exposure to other people and other dogs but unprotected puppies are at risk in these places.   Early socialization and training are critical for puppies. These skills and lessons will last a lifetime. Preventing infectious disease is also very important but don't sacrifice one for the other. Do both and you and your pup will be happy you did.

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