Advice on socialising

[carla]

Hi

I've been reading all the discussions on socialising and how it's important before 12 weeks. Going for "carries" around the block and meeting as many people, animals, new experiences etc.. I'm getting my puppy in the middle of July and I'd like to take her to visit my mum, however, mum has a cat who although vaccinated likes to go out catching mice small birds etc in the allotments behind the house (probably home to a few rats as well)....(the allotment that is not my mums house of course)!
Anyway, what I want to ask is can other animals carry diseases even if they are immune to them themselves? and so will I be best to wait until after the puppy's vaccination program is complete before visiting my mum?                    

[Pammy]

There is always an element of risk but the vacc's he's getting won't stop him catching anything from the wildlife you've mentioned anyway. Chances are the cat won't let him get near enough to catch a cold let alone anything else.

As long as he's not going to be going onto ground where non vaccinated dogs go he should be fine.  Go and enjoy the fussing your baby will get                    

[PennyB]

I agree with Pam. I have cats and they went out and about while the pupy was in that waiting period before being able to go proper walks.

I'd make a checklist of all the things you can think of and take your pup with you. Summer is an ideal time as theirs lots of fairs, fetes and all sorts of events so go out of your way to socialize your pup and basically have fun.

If they get too heavy to carry for long get one of those pouches that Kyven or whoever do (I got the large one from petplanet and it was a godsend especially as I had another dog to walk and needed my hands free). If you do get one then get your pup a harness and clip them in (Wilf fell out of his as he kept wriggling!)                    

[carla]

Thanks for the advise Pam and Penny,

I think I'm going to find it really hard not to be over protective ( being a first time puppy mum and all).

A pouch sounds like a good idea and a great excuse for a shopping trip at the weekend!

Your absolutely right about the cat, he used to give our old cocker a real run for her money when he first came to us, but they ended up great friends and Lucy even let him share her bed in the end!                    

[PennyB]

I've only seen the puppy pouch/dog carrier things online but petplanet do get them to you quite quickly                    

[lorri]

Yeah i reckon the same. Your mums cat will probabley really wary and keep her distance at first. I think it's good to  get them used to cats pretty early and then it will make it easier when you go round to visit your mum when he gets igger without having to worry.

lorraine and Jarvis                    

[JoHarborne]

We've got two cats - both girls and both eight years old - and they only get close to Woody when he's asleep in his den.  Most of the time we have to stop him chasing them down the garden!!  They really don't get too close but they tolerate each other and our cats have accepted him which is great - surprising - but great.

I think meeting cats is all part of the socialisation process.  Go for it!                    

[Andrea L]

I,ve also got a cat, who has shown Silas in no uncertain terms who,s boss . Silas now will shout at Chivers but only from a safe distance :!:  :!: