Question for Vet's and Gun Dog Members

Tom Russo

Tom Russo

Active member

Greetings all,

I have an 11-week old Lab, vaccinations on schedule. We live in Brooklyn NY, urban but in an area with mostly single family homes with driveways and backyards and a large park nearby. We have a 40'x20' backyard (stray cats passing through).

I'm looking to get him socialized with people and the outside world and train outside. I'm hearing two sides; outside the house is fine with limited contact with people (no touching from strangers), keeping clear of other dogs, keeping him on a lead, away from animal waste, and on the pavement (no dog runs or other areas where dogs congregate). On the other side; others who say he basically should not leave the house until all his shots are complete. Our Vet, an excellent Doctor, is not experienced with managing gun dogs advised that our backyard is fine but should not leave the property.

What are your thoughts? Feel free to PM me with any advice.

Thanks,

Tom
 
I would take him out but be cautious. I did have a puppy get parvo, who knows where from. I took him with me but didn't go out of my way to expose him to things.

Tom
 
At 11 weeks socialization can come directly from your immediate family without exposeing him to other areas if need be. As far as training I,ve always found a long narrow hallway is the easiest way to introduce them to play fetch as they,ve no option but to return to you and not run by. Can even be coaxed on a light lead if need be. First though pup needs to be trained in returning to you and praised.. Even whistle training can be introduced as your playing hallway fetch. Make everything fun.
 
I would avoid areas that get a lot of dog traffic with unknown health/vaccine history. I usually tell people to avoid roadside rests when taking puppies home. I would not worry about socializing with dogs that you know are current on shots and healthy.
 
He is still at what I would call his infant stage in life, there is no hurry to get him out in the big bad world. Enjoy him at home, now is the bonding time let him know you are the provider of all and everything good ! 5-6 months is good time to introduce him to the world after he has the utmost confidence in you!
 
We live on a farm,very little opportunity to socialize so once our pups have had all of their shots and are well on the way with obedience training we take them to places with lots of people and other dogs. Examples would be waterfowl shows or stores like Rural King or pet stores.
 
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