A lot of people ask us when their puppy is old enough to meet other dogs and go for walks. It's hard to answer this question because every dog is different, but I can give you my best advice based on what we've seen over the years. Puppies should be at least 10-12 weeks old before they're ready to start socializing and going outside in public places. This allows them time to get all of their vaccinations and build up their immune system so that they're not as susceptible to illness from another animal or person. Until then, it's important that your pup stay home with you where she will be safe and comfortable!
Puppy Socialization vs. Vaccination Safety
To answer these questions we must consider 2 important considerations. First, when is your puppy going to be fully vaccinated against the core vaccines, such as distemper, adenovirus/hepatitis, parvovirus, and leptospirosis (DA2PPL/DHPP)? Assuming a typical vaccine booster schedule of 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, your puppy will likely be fully protected by 5-6 months of age. Second, we must appreciate that the majority of puppy learning and social development occurs at a very young age, throughout the vaccine booster schedule. Therefore, if you let your puppy go off-leash, go to the dog parks, and play with other dogs during this window, your puppy is at risk because they are not yet fully vaccinated. So, if you isolate your puppy throughout the vaccine series to protect them against serious infections, you are putting them at risk of developmental and behavioral disorders.
In the interest of keeping your puppy protected and safe as well as developing good behaviours, we recommend that you take your puppy on leashed walks as much as possible but to avoid areas in which there are other dogs (e.g. dog parks), walking trails and off leash activity. We do feel it is appropriate to have your puppy meet and play with dogs that you are familiar with and know they are up to date on their vaccinations. Never let your puppy drink from puddles or standing water sources.
We do acknowledge that you are assuming some risk of your puppy contracting serious pathogens, but there is an equal risk of isolating your puppy only for them to develop behavioral issues and lack of social development.
Ultimately, do what you feel is best for you and your puppy with your individual circumstances, and hopefully, this guide is helpful so you can do what is right for your particular puppy.