When to start socializing a puppy?

Get it out now. Avoid Petsmart. Concentrate on places with people, not dogs.

The period between 6-12 weeks is a dangerous time. One sniff where a sick dog relieved itself in the last 6 months can bring on parvo or another life threatening disease. Fail to expose it to strangers, including men, women, children, noise, etc. and you could end up with a misfit you can't take out in public. They also need continuing contact with other dogs, but it must be limited to ones you know are getting good care.

http://www.apdt.com/veterinary/assets/pdf/Messer_N...

http://www.apdt.com/veterinary/assets/pdf/Silvani_...

http://www.akc.org/enewsletter/akc_breeder/2008/wi...

Ok I will answer this question again not to sure why people can't do a search on Yahoo answers?

Anyways the socialization and vaccination protocol has changed about three years ago research was done and they found 75% of dogs that where euthanized hadn't been socialized properly.

Puppy socialization is most importantly done from 8-16 weeks but this period also is the same time pups are still being vaccinated. So some risk must be taken to socialize your pup. Basically after your pup has his first shot 75% of all pups are safe and after the second shot 95% are said to be safe and the third shot should make all dogs safe from disease.

Here is a website that explains more about this topic:

http://www.4pawsu.com/vaccinations.htm

please read this site.

I have always believed heavily in socialization as being the most important thing you can do with your pup. I walked my dog 2 and 3 times a day and in areas that I would most likely meet the most people and new things. With my new pup we did a Pets in the Park event probably had my dog around 5000 dogs that day. He has gone to agility trials and practises and even was involved with some very large dog demo type shows in front of thousands of people. Lets just say my pup has been exposed to way more than most but I believe he will be so much more outgoing and stable mentally because of it.

You should wait until at least the second set of shots to take your puppy out with dogs and people you don't know, for your own pet's health and the health of other pets your pet might come in contact with. Remember, not everyone is a responsible owner, especially at stores where pets are allowed freely, and they may not have all of their vaccines or be healthy. You don't want her to get sick because someone else is an idiot. If you're just going to a friend's house, however, just be sure any pets they have are properly vaccinated and well behaved, and always watch play closely so no accidents happen. If you really want to be sure, call your vet and ask. They should be able to tell you better than anyone when it's ok for your dog to do what activities. Have fun with your puppy! They can be a real joy!

Hi Orly!

Such a good question, I want to share with you our experience.

We adopted a dog from the shelter (we had one already) who was 6 weeks old, she was very sweet and docile. She got along great with our other dog.

But our veterinarian told us not to let our new dog interact with other dogs, or even in places where other dogs have been, until she was fully immunized.

Well the vet scared us, so we kept her inside for six months until her shots made her fully protected.

WRONG!

After six months, our dog was terrified to go out of the house and on walks. She completely loses it when she sees another dog (freaks out, pees, defecates) and is uncontrollable on a leash.

We have worked with her for the past year and she has gotten better, but please don't listen to these idiots.

Socialize your dog as early as possible, your vet is only concerned about infection, not long term sustainability as a well balanced dog.

Congrats and good luck with your pup!

We took our dogs out as pups after their first vaccination in our arms - obviously not very far and we didn't go near other dogs, it was literally for them to get used to outdoor noises. The key period is up until 16 weeks.

Socialisation classes take puppies that have had their first vaccination.

Yes they usually say to wait until all their shots are completed. But i never waited that long with my husky, receiving all those shots could take some time. I started taking my pup after he had about 2 sets of shots. But its up to you, again it is not usually advisable before all the shots are completed.

Dogs feel they need to protect both, making it difficult to relate with new pet. In my own opinion, you can get your dog to get along with other dogs, it all depend on how you raise them.

I am not sure where this idea of "socializing" came from and why its so widely believed.

Your puppy should not be out in public until ALL of its vaccines are done.

There will be no negative impact on your dogs development by not "socializing" it before its done with its vaccines.

socializing should begin between 3 and 4 months of age. you don't have to take your puppy to a germ infested pet store to socialize. just taking your puppy out on a walk to an active area of your town where he/she will get to experience all types of sights and sounds would be great.