Been thinking about this for awhile now, and have not got anywhere so were turning to you guys for some help and advice on where we go from here.

In abit of a quandary, you may or may not know that our pup Fudge (12 weeks fri) contracted parvo, and came through it, but what is abit concerning is how we now continue his socializing and training classes. As he is still possibly shedding the virus, he is unable to meet with other dogs, the advice given is he probably won't be able to have his vaccinations for 4-8 weeks, (he did have his first whilst still at battersea) and we may have to start from scratch and do them both it just depends how well he recovers and puts on weight. Our problem is we know how vital these weeks are, we of course don't want to put any other pup/dog at risk, as we wouldn't wish what we went through with Fudge on our worst enemy, he would of normaly by now met a variety of dogs and possibly started puppy classes this week. Do we just have to be patient and wait till he is fit and well before we can start anything, i no we can do some basics at home but its abit hard when he sleeps still alot because of what he has been through. Of course we want the best for him hence why i'm abit worried, how much this will affect him later, as you will understand we want him to be ( like our others have) a well socialized and adjusted dog. Any suggestions / help will be gladly welcomed.

Thanks Diane

Im sorry to hear about what youve been through

ok.. so he wont be able to see other dogs until up to 5 months of age. Its not an ideal situation - but, dont worry just yet... even though he will have little experience with strange dogs he will soon learn, and you can still teach him that there are boundaries and rules. I would keep him away from other dogs until its completely clear, let him rest and recover and he will be back on his feet in no time.

You may find when he starts meeting new dogs he is either rather timid, or rather exitable... but with careful socialisation he will be just fine im sure..
Also its good that you have other dogs, as he will still be familliar with them.

Take this opportunity to get him reeeeally well socialised with people, invite people over, take him to friends houses (if they dont have a dog) and he will be so confident and happy with himself that meeting other dogs will be less of a big deal than you imagine

good luck to you and fudge :)

Sorry to hear of your poor pups dice with parvo, glad that he is recovered and on his way to full health again. Just to echo don't worry, these things happen, illness and quaranteen can interfere with socialising, but he isn't acting like a normal pup of his age right now anyway, he is still sleeping a lot, still weak and so really not mentally progressing for a pup of his age, which actually is a plus in another week or two he will no doubt have perked up and be acting as a younger pup getting used to exploring and finding an interest in the world, so up until the next couple of weeks he really is not missing out on his socialising, in a couple of weeks he will be ready for catch up and to be honest you can treat him then as you would an 8 week old pup.

Giving him confidence as already said is the key, others may not agree but I would not even carry him around for outdoor socilaisation until at least another 4 weeks, his immune system is not good, (not sure on his shedding of the virus and affects on meeting people with dogs so can't comment on that part but nethertheless I would keep him away from people who own dogs) if your able to use your garden I would use that time to get him ahead in little training and play sessions, make the house and garden fun for him, get him healthy and used to visitors and family members and after his first shot then begin to do outdoor socialisation. Get one of those baby carriers for dogs :-) you can pop him in and take him basically anywhere with you then.

Get him used to bangs and clatters, show no reaction and keep very upbeat around him so that the world holds no fear also when you first begin to socialise him outside he will look to you for guidance if your happy,  he will be happy.

But, I really wouldn't worry, he is in a home with plenty of love it will take him a long way and he will catch up with everything. :-)

> good luck to you and fudge :-)

thanks for your help, will try not to worry to much which is difficult! :-)

Thankyou for your response, i will as said in above post try not to worry :-)! i will take each day as it comes and take note of advice given by you both.

> Get one of those baby carriers for dogs :-) you can pop him in and take him basically anywhere with you then.

I have a very large bag that i could use which would be suitable to carry him about it, i'm not worried about what people say (i no he isn't a designer dog and thats not why i'm going to do it) i think its a great idea, helps him safely to get out and about and see the world :-)

Thanks Diane

I'm not sure how big he is, but you can also get "Puppy prams" if he is a weight to carry.  People will think your nuts but it might save back trauma!  http://www.roofrackshop.co.uk/pet/pet-gear-pet-strollers-pushchairs.htm  I have seen them for around £35 in places like PAH.

>> ok.. so he wont be able to see other dogs until up to 5 months of age.

Hi all.. sorry to be slightly off the original topic here, but is this how long parvo can be contagious for?
Are other dogs who have been vacc'd safe?
thanks

From my own experience and from what our the vets told us, vaccinated dogs should be ok, but there is conflicting opinions as to if this is true, we have a 5yr Rotti at home aswell and although she would of been exposed to parvo, she has showed no signs, but then some dogs ( so iv'e been told) can be a carrier of parvo and never show any symptoms. After they have fought the virus it may take up to 10 days for them to shed the virus (again what the vets at royal veterinary college advised us) but the virus may still be in your home for a year, and are only killed with chlorine bleach, there are products online you can buy, but i just used this diluted in water.

Hope this helps, if you need anymore help let me no
Diane

Hi
He is still quite small as he lost a load of weight whilst being ill, i'll have a look at the link thanks!!

> People will think your nuts
Who cares lol :-)

Diane

hi Diane..thanks for that.. I only ask because a colleague at work who has 2 dogs is going to see a friend's pup (she fosters) this evening and the pup had parvo.. is well now, but nonetheless did have it... I just wanted to be able to say whether she had to be cautious or not..

I wouldnt take him outside even in a puppy pram or anything until he is fully recovered.... he needs to just rest and build up energy in the home in my opinion.

ok, i see your point we have only recently and dubiously let him out in the garden, he wears a jumper most of the time to keep him warm being so under weight now he has not much body fat and gets cold fairly quick, i dont want to rush anything especially if it compromised his health.

Diane

I took my GSD pup out and about in a puppy pram for a few weeks before his vaccinations kicked in. It would be terrific in your situation, as the dog is totally enclosed, so no risk to him or other dogs. Yes people do think you're crackers, and we got a few laughs but it does allow him to see sights and sounds and other dogs in the park.

You may be able to borrow one, I borrowed mine from our breeder :)

Good luck, just glad he got through it.