ok so we collect our puppy in 4 weeks tomorrow (how is it going SO slow!) We are in the UK and the puppy will be coming to work with me everyday, I work in a school and so we have a massive field that is enclosed with high fences... no dogs have been on this field... However I know of a fox family that visited with Cubs about 2/3 years ago but haven’t been spotted since.... can puppy go on the field for wees etc before he’s had his jabs? If not... what am I meant to do with him for his toileting needs? I really really don’t want to use puppy pads if I can help it! Thanks!
Should add I’ve read this link http://foxproject.org.uk/fox-facts/disease-aggression/ Which states foxes have no disease risk in the UK but I can’t quite figure out if that’s the only risk I should be thinking about. We do get a lot of cats on the field...
From what I understood from my vet when Cassie was a puppy it is ok for them to go on the ground where other vaccinated dogs have been. I don't think cats would be a risk, but could you be sure at the school that no unvaccinated dogs have been there? Would it be possible to make an outdoor pen area and perhaps put down some artificial grass or similar so he can have a safe area until he is fully inoculated? How exciting that you have booked your puppy, he will be here before you know it!
100% no dogs have been on the school site, it’s totally locked up with 6ft fences and the only access is through the main school...
Are you sure that people don't walk their dogs up there after hours? I take Xena up to the local school for a nightly stomp about 4 times per week.
They couldn’t get in. It’s not a school park it’s the actual school grounds (forest school) so there are 6ft fences (with no gate) all around it. You might be able to break in as a person I suppose but no ones going to chuck a dog over a 6ft fence for a walk (I hope!)
Dogs are not allowed on school grounds here. Such a shame, but I understand why - the minority spoil it for the majority. I'm a bit naughty and use the small car park in our local primary school during the holidays for some obedience practice. I haven't been caught yet.
It sounds like your school grounds are as safe as they could be! But I'd check with your vet about the risk from the foxes first. Some schools have NO DOGS signs (I know, because I've used them), but I'm lucky that my local principal is all about locals using the school grounds after hours. The more people walking through the school or using it to ride bikes etc, the less likely delinquents are to target the school for vandalism. Apparently it has made a huge difference.
Our local primary school is very similar. We often go to play a bit of basketball and Nathan likes to play in the playground. If we're the only ones there we have Ella off lead but pop her on if others are there too (also, often with dogs). I think it adds to the community feel of the area
If there are 100% no unvaccinated dogs frequenting the area then it’s still a bit of a gamble re: foxes. We let our pups in dog safe gardens and the Fox risk is the same there. But, I would think there is no fox poo around on a children’s playground? So I would use it for the pup but keep close to the school and not on the perimeter. It’s good of the school to let you take the pup - how will you manage him along with your job? (Check with your Vet first, of course re the field)
I am also in the UK and have taken Maisy to work with me since she was 9wks old. I work in a shop and we have a yard at the back which is gated and secure (so foxes could not get it there). Is there no where else on the school site that you can use for those few weeks, perhaps you could buy a roll of grass from B&Q, put it outside the building somewhere you know is safe? I think puppy pads are just harder work in the long run, basically teaching toilet training twice, and the pup may not even use them (Maisy went to the toilet next to one and tried to chew it up!) There are lots of other things to consider when you take a dog to work (especially as a pup) and most of these did not occur to me until I was in that situation, mostly you have to be able to give it lots of attention and that is not always when you decide and may not be convenient either. I would check with the vet about the foxes. How exciting for you , I remember that wait, good luck.
