Hi, when is it a good time to start socializing puppies outdoors, ie car rides, meeting people etc. My friends puppies are 5 wks old on monday and are well socialized with family and children but is this too early to be taking them out and about. If so what age do you suggest?. Thanks

What age are you going to be getting your pup Suzy?  Your friend could be helping now with puppy socialising cd's. they are a good way to get started. i used on my pups from wk 1 and even when pups went to new homes a cd went with each pup. as for outdoors, well, that is a very personal choice. me, i get my pups out straight away, i carry them around when i go out and try to get them used to as many diff sounds, smells as possible. then when i feel they will cope i do pup my pups down in a 'safe' non dog area and get recall taught from a very early age. this way i can honestly say i have never had a dog with bad recall. it is all about being sensible, checking their is no parvo/distemper ect in are, going to safe area. remember at the end of the day visitors and yourself could be bringing disease into your home by carrying it on the soles of their shoes.  

I start carrying mine beyond the confines of the home at about 6 weeks, though of course they are outdoors from 4 - 41/2 weeks so will have heard traffic etc.

I do think we need to take care not to flood the puppies with too much stimulus, as I do think socialisation can be overdone too quickly.

Under 6 - 7 weeks I like their new experiences to occur at home.

I think it depends on breed , some are more forward than others .I take rough collie pups to be eye tested ,8-12 weeks, making sure it was an easy/gentle as possible process for them . I dislike the idea of a pup going to the vet just for jabs and like the idea of visits in arms for introductions , cuddles from vet nurses  and treats . Stand at corner of the road with a pup in arms  , to hear traffic. I hate to see young pups walked too far . I too am one for gently- gently ,slowly -slowly.

Thanks for all your advice. I'm not getting a puppy myself, just helping my friend with hers. They are doing very well.