My 8 1/2 week old dalmatian puppy just had his 1st jabs last night, and is due his 2nd set in 2 weeks. I've just rung the training clases that several people have recommended, and the trainer says we should take him to a class tomorrow! His view is that all dogs there are vaccinated and therefore there is minimal risk. My puppy is a very bouncy, lively little chap who will no doubt benefit from lots of socialisation and puppy classes and we wouldn't have another opportunity to do a class for at least 4 more weeks. Has anyone else ever done this? Obviously I wouldn't take him out into the world at large until he has finished his jabs, but would the benfits of carrying him in to the classes outweigh the risks?

I know a lot of people will disagree with me, but I would take him if you feel he is ready. The reason for this is the day before my older bitch could go out into the world, she pulled a muscle in her leg and needed rest for 4 weeks. Catching up on that lost 4 weeks took for ever, and I always regretted that I didn't take her out before the week following her final jab.

The risks of undersocialisation far outweigh those connected with vaccination. (IMHO)

OK - here's the opposite view. How would you feel if he got sick & died for the sake of 4wks? Presumably, if he's 8 1/2wks, you've only just had him, so he's already got a load of new things to absorb. Things to do ...... people to meet ........ far better to bring people, kids, old ladies etc. to meet him than to take him out.
Socialisation is very important, but there's such a thing as information overload - even in a puppy!

Up to you, obviously, but I wouldn't risk my precious puppy.
(IMHO)

Providing the dam was boosted up to date I would not be worried, the pup will still be carrying immunity from the dam and as the instructor said all the pups there are inoculated. Think the risk is minimal and it is the best time to start the puppies introduction to different breeds and people. Nothing in life is without risk, and we would not get out of bed unless we were prepared to take them.

Personally i would wait, a few weeks isnt going to make alot of difference, and then at least you will know he will be safe, i know how your feeling when i bought Toby i couldnt wait to take him training and out for walks i was itching to take him but his safety had to come first. :-)

slight discrepancy here....the trainer says take him, as all the other pups are innoculated. ?????? but shes letting your pup go un innoculated, so how do you really know she/he hasnt said the same to the other owners? so you could end up with several non vaccinated dogs. also, dogs dont just catch infection from each other...they catch it from the environment...do you know what germs are on the floor? the people in the class could have anything on their feet. socialise your pup by carrying it about, my girl completed her vacs at 12 weeks and started then, she has always been perfectly well adjusted.

At our local dog training clubs, people are encouraged to bring young puppies, but they don't have any touching contact with other dogs/handlers, and don't go on the floor - they're either in a cage on table, or can sit on the owners lap. As all the puppies in the class are vaccinated anyway, I don't see a real risk. Like someone told me, it could be just as likely that you take a walk somewhere, and bring home a virus on your shoes - and puppy hasn't even been out.
Hilda

Took my puppy along to watch training classes and obedience right from the beginning. She was fine :) Trainers take their young pups along at 5/6 weeks to agility - they get passed around for a cuddle while people are waiting - never a problem.

Daisy

I did the same - took mine along at 8 weeks to the puppy parties and she was about 9 weeks ie before her second jab, for the socialisation classes :)

Vets will almost certainly say No, but trainers, who have had numerous pups in who stay for classes when older and so they do know the pups are OK, will say Yes.

Dilemma eh - only you can decide :)

What i would suggest is, if you decide against it, take her out and about "in arms" to places where there are lots of people and start her socialisation that way, at least that is better than nothing :)

LIndsay

Have know 2 vets who have puppy classes at the surgery and the pups can go after their first jab.

Edited to say I think a lot depends on the situation in your area,

If they have had one vaccination then surely they have some immunity? My pup started classes at 8 weeks, carrying her to and from the club house, but socialisation and training wise i think it is great. All the dogs are vaccinated so there is minimal risk. The actual risk of getting one of the vaccinated diseases is quite minimal as nearly all dogs are vaccinated these days and the diseases aren't very common.

My dog didn't go out proper till 14 weeks but our vet told me that our dog was immune till at least 12 weeks from her mother. Because we asked if it was ok to go to a dog show to see her father and meet up with her mother and brothers and he said yes.

Sarah