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Comment by Ludi on January 27, 2013 at 5:54pm

This is anecdotal information, but I treated my 8 week old Border Collie as a fully-inoculated puppy from the start. I did exercise common sense and avoided dog parks and common "toilet areas" (they're usually brimming with feces, gotta love France), but Lady was confronted with everything else a dog would otherwise encounter. I took her regularly to schools, shops, my workplace, industrial zones, etc. and as a result I have a dog from a usually fairly shy breed who is absolutely fearless. Just the other day she hopped on to a small ice floe in the canals running through my city - she's a bit reckless in her puppyhood, and it did kind of jolt me to see her out on the ice like that, but it reassured me that this dog fears literally nothing. :-)

Comment by Jane on January 27, 2013 at 5:43pm

I would get him out experiencing things ASAP or you may cripple his social skills. He does not need a rabies shot to go for a walk or go outside to potty. The first 3 months of their life are critical for new experiences and you are already passed that. Get him in puppy classes, sit on a bench in a public place and ask people to pet him and give him treats - men in hats, children, people wearing sunglasses, etc. Take him to friend's homes with other dogs you know are vaccinated, people with crying babies, different flooring types, etc. Call around and see if nearby humane societies/vets/daycares offer puppy play groups for socialization.

You can read the AVSAB statement here:

http://avsabonline.org/uploads/position_statements/puppy_socializat...

An excerpt:

The primary and most important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing over-stimulation manifested as excessive fear, with-drawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.

Comment by Samantha Hernandez on January 26, 2013 at 5:31pm

I don't have a fenced yard. I would like to take him on a small walk but he doesn't have his rabies yet. Not til he's at least 16 weeks old. I also remember taking my other dog to petsmart when she was only 10 weeks old and she did not catch anything. She's well socialized now. He seems skittish around loud noises and I want him to feel more comfortable with traffic, cars, other people etc.

Comment by Jane on January 26, 2013 at 11:09am

I would get him out socializing ASAP. As Beth said, the risk of poor social skills highly outweighs the risk of parvo, and the window is small. I wouldn't take him to the dog park or anything, but regular parks, walks, etc where he will meet new people and dogs you know are vaccinated should definitely be a priority. Does he not even go out to potty?

Comment by Terry, Maya, & Brees on January 25, 2013 at 2:10pm

my maya is now 4 months old and i have been taking her outside ever since i got her from the breeder back in dec 2012. she stays inside but does have access and free reign to our fenced in back yard. i never let her outside in our front yard unless myself or my wife is supervising her beings that she is a curios puppy and likes to check new things out. i would say yes, take oakley outside, as long as he is be supervised though.

Comment by Priss, Charlie & Kaylee (PK) on January 25, 2013 at 11:33am

I was told that dog parks and pet stores (like petsmart) should be avoided, but socialization within your puppy class, neighborhood adult dogs who you know are vaccinated and healthy, and places people frequent (we went to the local university quad on Friday evenings). BTW, a corgi puppy will get attention from everyone he/she meets if you take them for a walk. 

Get your puppy used to people of all ages and races, wearing hats, sunglasses, other dogs, different surfaces. Your puppy class instructor may have a list of things you should expose your puppy to.

Comment by Beth on January 25, 2013 at 10:20am

The risks of poor socialization outweigh the risks of parvo, IMO. Remember, unless you are leaving your shoes outside and not bringing them in the house, you can track in Parvo even to a dog who never leaves the house. Just avoid areas frequented by lots of dogs to cut down the risk, but do get puppy out and about or you may have a fearful or suspicious dog.

Comment by Yuki & Ellie on January 25, 2013 at 7:51am

I'd say keep him away from any areas where a lot of dogs go (common potty spots, dog parks, etc.), but definitely you can take him outside to experience the world.  :)  

Comment by Jane Christensen on January 25, 2013 at 12:09am

As long as he also has his rabies...I would say "go for it"corgis have that small window of time for socialization...maybe not a dog park yet.