Advice on early walking needed

[LindaW]

I personally feel we have done nothing wrong and would hope that the new friends we have made on this site would recognise that too!
  

Of course you haven't done anything wrong and I think that providing you don't take your puppy to a place where loads of other animals have been, particularly rats, there isn't a problem.  

Your dog will be better for his early walking experiences so don't worry.  I tend to agree with your vet.  So many people wait until 12/14 weeks which is nearly the end of the critical socialisation time for puppies.  Vets generally state that you shouldn't take the dog out for a certain period of time as recommended by the vaccine company to cover themselves for obvious reasons!                    

[JoHarborne]

Thanks for your opinions!!  Looks like I've started a healthy debate which is no bad thing at all and I have taken all your comments into consideration.  

Husband did some research on the internet this afternoon looking at the various different doggy diseases and how the vaccines effect them.  We learned an awful lot!!  The danger period is definitely the weeks BETWEEN the two sets of vaccinations and we also learned that the main threat to the spread of diseases is FOXES!!   :shock: Basil has a lot to answer for!!!   :wink:

We are reassured that Woody has not yet come into any contact with other dogs as yet and is simply getting confident on his lead - his daily walk to the paper shop was a success this morning I gather (although I was allowed a lie-in!!)   :wink:

So all is well but armed with our new knowledge we are considering his 5 mins walks very carefully especially avoiding busy roads like our local High Street where the worry of disease would be higher.

Thanks again for all your posts!  I know that you are all looking out for Woody and he sends woofs and lots of wet licks!!!  xxx                    

[PennyB]

I personally feel we have done nothing wrong and would hope that the new friends we have made on this site would recognise that too!
  

Of course you haven't done anything wrong and I think that providing you don't take your puppy to a place where loads of other animals have been, particularly rats, there isn't a problem.  

Your dog will be better for his early walking experiences so don't worry.  I tend to agree with your vet.  So many people wait until 12/14 weeks which is nearly the end of the critical socialisation time for puppies.  Vets generally state that you shouldn't take the dog out for a certain period of time as recommended by the vaccine company to cover themselves for obvious reasons!

I think also vets should be emphasising that while pups can't be walked out and about they can and should be carried to as many places as possible. We live in an area that was rife with parvo last summer so its quite crucial that we adhered to our vets advice even though my heffalump Wilf was carried everywhere.                    

[Sandie]

Hi,

     Just to add fuel to this debate. The first of my cockers was vaccinated at 8 and 12 weeks. When I asked about when I could take her out, the vet said "she can go out now."  My second cocker was vaccinated at 8 and 11 weeks and another vet (a locum at the same practise) said two weeks. So my other cockers were not allowed to go to any training classes until two weeks after vaccinating.

I also got told off by some breeders for walking a puppy for 15 minutes a day (at puppy pace) before it was 6 months old as it can run the bone off. This was probably vital if you intend to show your puppy. Now I left Wesley until he was just over 6 months old before he had his first proper walk and he has got lovely bone structure  

Also, I know of a cocker that was walked at a very early age and ended up with bandy back legs. Doesn't stop it from enjoying its walks though.

Sandie                    

[Magic Star]

I think also vets should be emphasising that while pups can't be walked out and about they can and should be carried to as many places as possible. We live in an area that was rife with parvo last summer so its quite crucial that we adhered to our vets advice even though my heffalump Wilf was carried everywhere.

Penny.....That is a very important point, there is no reason why a pup still can't be socialised as long as his/her feet don't touch the floor :wink:   I too carried Indie everywhere, until it was safe for her to go out and I know it does seem like an eternity before they can go out, but I personally believe the guidelines are there for a reason!   Another good thing to do, is take your pup out in the car on short journeys, I did this with Indie and she is an excellent passenger in the car now, no sickness or crying   Of course, it goes without saying that dogs should never be left unattended in a car, especially in the heat!

Sandie...... Like you, I have been very careful not to overwalk Indie too, she is 14 months now so not so much of a problem, but I was very carfeul not to over excerise her when she was younger, I don't show her, but was just concerned about any future problems she may have encountered, if I over excersised her when she was too young.  It was really difficult sometimes, but I am pleased I stuck with it, and in another few months I will start agility with her, knowing that her bones are ready and fully formed    

There is such a lot to consider isn't there, you don't realise when you go and chose your puppy, how much worry, over doing the right thing you will have, but they are all totally worth it  

Jo.....I am happy that you researched it on the net, I think we can all tell from your posts, that you adore your Woody and only want the best for him   Let us know how you get on with the lead walking :wink: