I’ve finally brought home Stanley who is 8 weeks old and as he won’t be fully vaccinated until he is around 14 weeks will it be ok for him to play with our friends golden retriever pup in our garden as I don’t want him to miss out on socialisation, I’m just worried about how rough play might affect his joints.
He won't miss out on socialisation. Carry him out and about to see different sights. Sit on a bench and watch stuff. Just shout, 10 minute sessions.
If your friend's dog is vaccinated, you can certainly let them say hello, but ensure that there is no rough and tumble. It might be worth noting that socialisation isn't just about meeting other dogs, actually, that is a very small part of it. It is more about familiarisation with new sights, sounds and textures, so they become comfortable with them. Examples are cars, men in hats, odd noises, and the hustle and bustle of our busy lives!
That was and still is the biggest issue with Mango. He loves everyone who passes us, specially children and other dogs, even goats, sheep and a pig we meet on our walks, he doesn't mind cars (yet), he is not yet sure around trains (not so much trains but the electrisity wires sound). But men in hats....oh dear! If he wasn't on a lead, he would run back home every single time.
