Puppy class now or later?

[brutus'mother]

I am confused..AGAIN. I took my 11 week rotti pup to the vet this week had 3rd vaccination, talked with the vet about getting out and about with pup, she advised continuing to "stay close to home" for another 6 weeks when all vaccinations have been completed. We are already walking around our cul-de-sac. Obviously, I know not to take him to areas where strays are known to be, but I think it's really important for him to be out and about and be socialized as long as we stay away from the high risk areas....any members have advice?

[Canadianrotti]

Waiting a few more weeks is not going to hurt his development, but contracting parvo or something else would be much worse IMHO. I would wait untill all shots are done before going to classes or bringing him to pet stores and other place where there are a lot of dogs.

Oh, and have fun with the puppy classes, they are a blast!!

[rottcrazed]

You can take him in the car EVERYDAY and get him out to meet people and see the world and hear the sounds outside of his house and yard. You can also take him out in front of grocery stores in that time to see different people, shopping carts, etc....

Waiting until he is 4.5 months to get him out to see his world, IMO, is not a great idea.

Yes, you need to be careful where you take him (no dog parks, no pet stores UNLESS you are carrying him, etc...), but if you leave a Rottweiler at home until he is pushing 5 months old - that may well be very detrimental as well.

Having a puppy meet new people is important, but if it is always done in your home, he is not getting a realistic picture of life. I have always started puppy classes right after their second set of shots. I know there are some people who don't agree with this, but I have also never had a problem, and I have raised a lot of puppies.

Using common sense is the best thing. Putting a Rottweiler 'away' until he reaches 4.5 - 5 months old is not sensible, not with this breed.

Kristi

[brinabear]

I took my 10 week old out for walks, but only on streets. When she had her 3rd set of shots at 12 weeks, we took her with us out on vacation, vet said we probably shouldnt, but rottys need early interaction with new things,people, sounds, and other dogs. She did great . Just be careful she does not go where other dogs have been that you dont know, like strange grass and parks. I have taken all my rotts on walks very early in life, it is so important for them.
Brinabear

[brutus'mother]

Thanks for the advice, we are doing the car rides and increasing the time we are in the car gradually, doing some people watching from the car, and staying around the yard or on our street. I've had him to several family members homes that have fully vaccinated healthy dogs and he has got to have some playtime with them. I think I'm anxious to get him into class!! I just don't want to isolate him during this time but I don't want him to get any of those nasy virus' either.