Socialization VS Parvo/Distemper

[SaharaNight Boxers]

Originally Posted by 2manydogs

There are many people, including myself that believe in Natural Rearing. Google it, I think you might appreciate it Natural Rearers either do very limited vaccinations or no vaccinations at all.

If you are interested in this please feel free to PM me. It isnt for everyone but it is something I would be more than happy to discuss with you. I agree with you 100%. Puppies need to be socialized, this should have nothing to do with vaccinations

Yep, whenever I finally have a litter they will be raised on raw with only one possible vaccine, parvo. It would be more for new owners peace of mind.

Probably no more vacs for Duke here. Just titers.

And I'll be honest Duke went everywhere before he even had his second round of puppy shots. No problems here.

Also just wanted to mention, vaccination doesn't equal immunity necessarily.

[Katielovesleo]

I agree with you too. Socialization is important to me as well. So us keeping my puppy healthy. But nobody gave me that advice when he was a puppy so oh well! And even if they had i wouldn't have listened bc with proper socialization during those important weeks he is more likely to become a a confident and calm adult, if a puppy spends his first few months in isolation with no socialization he will not be well prepared for the real world. Nothing bad ever happened and he got to meet lots of long time friends. So I believe too that it is important to give a puppy fun experiences with different kinds of people, dogs, places, and situations.


Sent from my iPhone using Petguide.com Free App

[cadkids]

When my rox had her oops litter we often went to the park down the road with the whole dozen after they had their first round of shots but before their second they met kids encountered dogs and bikes and strollers and a few other mammals ie cats and yes it was quite the sight and extremely tough to take 12 at a time plus momma but they are the most social boxers as adults was I worried about parvo etc yes did I clean everyones feet really really well when we got home before they got in the house yes we used betadine and water 50 -50 but I felt it was important that they were exposed to everything young
I also had two stray pups a long time ago whos mom and sibs were killed by a truck they had parvo one died in my arms and one pulled through and lived to age 22 with me so I was hyper aware of the risk but felt it was worth it

[Bosley'sMom]

I have to agree with most here that the benefits of early socializtion outweigh the risks of contracting parvo.

Obviously use common sense here; don't go bringing an 8 week old puppy to the dog park. However, like Greg mentioned, controlled play groups with known dogs (vacinnated and in good health) is very beneficial.

They really do need that socialization, I've seen it first hand how not being socialized creates either an unfriendly dog or a fearful one. I took Bosley everywhere. In certain areas (like a children's park, where there was sand, ect) if I wasn't comfortable with the cleanliness or what-have-you, I would simply pick him up and walk around with him.
We went into the pet stores (again, if I wasn't comfortable I would hold him instead of letting him walk) but for the most part he experience everything. Parks, stores, different types of people! I cannot stress how important it is to introduce your pup to different races of people. It may sound silly but trust me I've seen first hand what a lack of socialization with people results in.

He'd had one round of shots before I got him and I had his second ones done shortly afterwards. I did not pick him up until he was about 11 weeks old from the breeder so he had very nice manners and I never had a problem with bite inhibition

I will be getting tittres done this year because I do not want to overvaccinate. They are more expensive than the actual shot but why would you give them something that is totally unecessary once they've built up their immunity.

Yes, I agree there is still a risk of contracting parvo however, if you are careful then that risk is rather small and you'll end up with a well rounded dog afterwards.

[Jimstigator]

Originally Posted by Mgibs

Excuse me? Are you posting that thread to contradict what I wrote about Parvo?

Uh... no? I suppose technically, yes, I am contradicting you, but not on a personal level, just the general beliefs that were shared with me in that thread.

When I raised my first boxer pup 10 years ago, I wasn't as aware of parvo, and he was out an about from day one. He received the shots, but there was never instruction to keep him isolated. This past time, I had a mortal fear put in me from the forums, and I don't think it is wholly justified. Rather, it's overall bad advice to give to new dog owners. It might be your way, and the way of many, but its not great for new folks around here. People come to respect those around the forums and take their word as law, such as I did.

WHERE WERE THE REST OF YOU WHEN I ASKED ABOUT PARVO??! My little man was sheltered for the first few weeks before I decided enough was enough.

-Jim

[cadkids]

Originally Posted by Jimstigator

Uh... no? I suppose technically, yes, I am contradicting you, but not on a personal level, just the general beliefs that were shared with me in that thread.

When I raised my first boxer pup 10 years ago, I wasn't as aware of parvo, and he was out an about from day one. He received the shots, but there was never instruction to keep him isolated. This past time, I had a mortal fear put in me from the forums, and I don't think it is wholly justified. Rather, it's overall bad advice to give to new dog owners. It might be your way, and the way of many, but its not great for new folks around here. People come to respect those around the forums and take their word as law, such as I did.

WHERE WERE THE REST OF YOU WHEN I ASKED ABOUT PARVO??! My little man was sheltered for the first few weeks before I decided enough was enough.

-Jim

I apparently missed the post or would have told you the same as I did above

[Bosley'sMom]

Originally Posted by Jimstigator

Uh... no? I suppose technically, yes, I am contradicting you, but not on a personal level, just the general beliefs that were shared with me in that thread.

When I raised my first boxer pup 10 years ago, I wasn't as aware of parvo, and he was out an about from day one. He received the shots, but there was never instruction to keep him isolated. This past time, I had a mortal fear put in me from the forums, and I don't think it is wholly justified. Rather, it's overall bad advice to give to new dog owners. It might be your way, and the way of many, but its not great for new folks around here. People come to respect those around the forums and take their word as law, such as I did.

WHERE WERE THE REST OF YOU WHEN I ASKED ABOUT PARVO??! My little man was sheltered for the first few weeks before I decided enough was enough.

-Jim

lol.. I don't remember seeing anything. Sorry that I missed it!

[2manydogs]

I also apologize for not responding to your previous thread. I must have missed it.

[Jimstigator]

Well no need for apologies, and I hope I haven't hurt the feelings of those who do believe the dog should be kept in a certain way.

I just wish I was able to hear both sides earlier in the process of raising the little guy.

-Jim

[MYA]

ok I had a friend whose puppy got parvo. Not good - eventually the puppy died.

Here are my thoughts....

Yes, socialization is important but you have to do it cautiously when the puppy has not gotten all his shots/vaccinations. You dont have to isolate the puppy from everything.

First, socialize puppy by carrying him in your arms while walking around areas that dogs frequent. Mya for example was carried around dog parks and we sat for a while away from others so she could just observe.

Second, have the puppy walk on lease in areas where people are. This area should not be frequented by many dogs.

Third, have the puppy socialize with dogs you know are vaccinated - in someones house preferrably.

Fourth, have the puppy interact with many of your friends.

The puppy is young and should be socialized accordingly. Having the puppy observe, play with trusted dogs, socialize with kids and people should be enough.

By being careful these early stages- you are mitigating the risks of the puppy contracting parvo. Afterall - its only for a few weeks until the puppy gets all the shots needed.