Dear Forum Family, I'm reading Pippa's book; which is great and I'm a bit flummoxed by the vaccination issue. It seems that between the ages of 8 weeks and 12 weeks i.e. until the 2nd vaccination, the pup cannot touch the floor outside or associate with unvaccinated dogs in case of infection, which could then prove fatal. Mmm... So what does one do? Pippa advises that the essential socialisation can be done by carrying the pup from destination to destination and then, when the pup is too big to carry with one's arms then a sling can be used. Obviously there are practical issues with this solution particularly as I don't drive. How far am I going to be able to carry my pup realistically. What are we going to do about toilet needs if he can't touch the ground??? What about visiting the family; will he be able to touch the ground in my family's houses and gardens (necessary for toileting again) and are unvaccinated or even vaccinated other family pets going to make a difference?? I don't mind holding on for dear life but I'd like to introduce him to other experiences as early as possible too :-\
Re: Holding on for dear life Hi John, I felt the same when I got my pup! I was able to carry Harley until she was about 12 weeks old (she was little though). In your families homes, as long as any dogs that are there are vaccinated, you will be fine. For toileting needs, I would make sure she went before we left our house and if she was desperate whilst we were out, I would find an area that wasn't used too much by dogs and popped her down briefly then picked her up as soon as she finished. Hope this helps a bit
Re: Holding on for dear life Thanks Naya Sounds good to me. It's amazing... so simple yet knowing someone else has done it and survived really perks me up! Many thanks.
Re: Holding on for dear life For toileting purposes your own garden should be fine for your pup to be in, as long as you don't have any other dogs that use it. The same goes for friends and families houses. I think most vets are ok with pups meeting adult fully vaccinated dogs once the pups are 7 days post first vaccination. So if you have a friend with an adult dog who is up to date with yearly boosters and otherwise healthy, this shouldn't be too much of an issue. As for cats and other animals, I don't think it's likely they'll have any diseases that they would transmit between them - at least I've never heard a vet say don't let the pup meet any other animals at all. But apart from that carrying your pup around is the best option. If you feel he will be too heavy a few people on here have mentioned backpacks or old baby slings to help transport the pup if you go out for a wander. If you don't drive a lot of bus drivers are happy to let a dog on the bus, just be aware that this could potentially be a risky environment with regards to picking up infections. But if you feel you have to use the bus then just make sure the pup doesn't touch the floor and not too many fuss him. Pet shops and dog friendly shops and pubs would make good socialising opportunies. Also just carrying him around your local park or past your local school at kicking out time.
Re: Holding on for dear life Yes, it is a problem. You know it is important to expose your young pup to experiences but you don't want to expose them to infection. I think a baby sling is a great idea. I didn't think of it, but wish I had as Molly very soon became too heavy for me to carry far. However I did stagger down to the ring road so we could watch the traffic. As soon as she was allowed on the ground we walked along it and with massive 16 wheelers roaring past she was quite happy. Don't worry too much. Remember it is a problem all new puppies and their owners face and most puppies turn out fine.
Re: Holding on for dear life I've got a rucksack with drawstring top so she doesn't jump out. I am going to have to half fill it with folded towels to start with!
Re: Holding on for dear life Oh my! Have seen it all now : Looks like there's a window in the front so that pooch can see out when it's lying down ;D
Re: Holding on for dear life There is an article and thread on the problem here (I mean vaccinations and socialisation, rather than pink buggies for pups! ;D http://www.thelabradorforum.com/index.php?topic=6286.msg82782#msg82782
Re: Holding on for dear life My neighbour pushed her old springer around in a blue version !!!!! :. The poor thing looked so embarrassed when he saw us and desperately tried to get out obviously wanting to save face in front of the young pups.
Re: Holding on for dear life I've seem a few people use them for smaller dogs who can't get around anymore so they do have their practical uses. Also saw a lot of the smaller show dogs carted around in them at crufts which was also really practical.
Re: Holding on for dear life What a giggle!! Thanks Jacqui; genius. I think I'll pass though and stick to the rucksack idea with towels...nice one Mrs Martin
