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Cathy is the lead instructor at Pupstanding Academy and a Preventive Vets dog behavior expert. She focuses on fostering strong bonds between people and their pets through open communication, positive reinforcement, and the use of non-coercive training techniques. She has had the chance to work with hundreds of dogs on a variety of training and behavior issues over the course of her more than 13 years of experience. Dog aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization are some of her areas of expertise.
Cathy holds the CPDT-KA and CBCC-KA certifications from the Certification Council of Professional Dog Trainers. Cathy is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, the Pet Professional Guild, and the Dog Writers Association of America. She is also a Fear Free Certified Certified Professional.
She enjoys reading, hiking with her two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, and paddleboarding when she’s not obsessing over dogs.
Interacting with Other Puppies and Dogs
If the other puppies are kept up to date on their vaccinations and haven’t come into contact with unvaccinated dogs, then your puppy can interact and play with other puppies of the same age. It’s preferable to arrange play dates at your house or the house of the other puppy owner and to stay away from public areas. When older dogs of friends and family are fully vaccinated, haven’t been exposed to unvaccinated dogs, and are known to be gentle with puppies, it should be safe for your puppy to meet them. However, if, for instance, your parents’ sweet older dog frequently frequents the dog park, keep your puppy away from them and postpone introductions until after your dog has received all necessary vaccinations.
Introducing a New Puppy to Your Own Dogs
Make sure your own dogs are up to date on their vaccinations and that they haven’t been exposed to any potentially unvaccinated dogs if you’re bringing a new puppy into a home with older dogs. It’s crucial to take into account your adult dog’s temperament and aggression potential. You might be able to introduce the puppies during their first few days at home if your dog has a track record of acting appropriately around young puppies, says Thompson. Use baby gates and exercise pens to protect the puppy and enable you to gauge how your dog is feeling throughout the introduction if you’re unsure of how things will go. You can start to let them in without the pens once you notice friendly curiosity and play solicitation. ”.
On the other hand, you’ll need to keep the two dogs apart if your older dog doesn’t accept the new puppy. First impressions with young puppies are crucial, so you don’t want to take a chance on a bad one, advises Thompson, who also suggests hiring a professional trainer to help with introductions between a puppy and an older dog with a history of aggressive behavior. She cautions, “A bad experience with a strange dog as a puppy can instill a lifelong fear in the puppy.”
Make sure any additional dogs living there have received all necessary vaccinations. In this manner, they can serve as the child’s mentors and safe playmates.
Let him play with the other dogs to have a normal, outgoing dog. Just make sure they have been vaccinated.
Some veterinarians advise dog owners to wait until their young puppies have received all of their vaccinations before introducing them to other canines. Remember, months are years for dogs, so this could take up to four months. You wouldn’t let your child play with other toddlers until after they had all of their shots, wouldn’t you?
When a puppy is about a month old, you can put a collar on him to help him get used to it. Attach a leash once he’s comfortable, then walk him around inside where there won’t be as many distractions.
Puppies need socialization, especially after weaning, which typically occurs at three weeks and ends at eight. They may not have received all of their vaccinations at this time, but they do need socialization.
FAQ
Can my 8 week old puppy be around other dogs?
Some veterinarians advise dog owners to wait until their young puppies have received all of their vaccinations before introducing them to other canines. This can take up to four months!.
What age can I let my puppy be around other dogs?
The best time is right around 16 weeks or older, which is when a puppy can go outside and interact with other dogs safely. The general rule is that a puppy shouldn’t go outside without at least two (and preferably three) rounds of the recommended vaccinations.
Can my 3 month old puppy play with other dogs?
Your puppy needs puppy vaccinations during those critical first few months of life, as well as plenty of proper socialization through enjoyable encounters. Until their shots are finished, keep them safe by steering clear of unfamiliar dogs and dangerous areas.