Can my 12 week old puppy be around other dogs?
Isabella Little
2025-08-10 16:43:03
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Your pup needs to have had their full vaccination course before leaving the house to exercise and meet other dogs. But, you can start socialising puppies before their vaccinations. This doesn’t just mean introducing them to other dogs. It’s the time when they learn about life and what is safe and normal. You can do this by carrying them outside to start to introduce them to the sights, sounds and smells of the world. Start by getting them used to the sights, sounds and smells of other dogs from a distance. Then you can start to step a little closer and allow them to interact. Once you have done this they can start playing together too.
Brianne Aufderhar
2025-08-10 16:14:38
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: 13
You’ll need to wait until your puppy is fully covered by their vaccines before they can meet most other dogs. By waiting, you will help to reduce the risk of them getting the nasty diseases that vaccines protect against. Once you have the all clear from your vet, you can take your puppy out and about to socialise, but it’s still a good idea to stay away from any dogs that have recently been unwell just to be safe. If you have friends with vaccinated dogs, or there are other vaccinated dogs in your household, then your puppy can start mixing with them at home straight away as long as they are otherwise healthy. Just remember to confirm that the other dogs’ vaccines are up to date before arranging a meet and greet. Meeting dogs is a really important part of your puppy’s socialisation, so it’s a good idea to find ways for them to safely get used to other dogs while they’re young. You might want to carry them round the park so they can see and hear other dogs, without actually meeting them. Avoid putting them on the ground or letting other dogs approach to keep them safe. Once your puppy is able to meet other dogs, always ask owners before you allow your puppy to approach, as it’s really important that their experiences are as positive as possible during their socialisation period. Keep your puppy close to you and on the lead when doing introductions, and watch the other dogs’ body language to make sure they’re happy to greet your pup.
Macey Hagenes
2025-08-10 10:53:38
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It’s less about a puppy reaching a certain age to play with other dogs and more about your pup’s vaccination schedule. Van Lidth de Jeude Roemer says a puppy is considered fully vaccinated and able to socialise with any other dogs one week after their third set of shots. Usually this final round is given between 12 and 18 weeks of age, but that can vary depending on your vet and vaccination schedule. Until your pup is fully vaccinated, you should avoid letting them interact with dogs who aren’t vaccinated or dogs whose vaccination status you’re unsure of. As long as your other dogs are up to date on their vaccinations, van Lidth de Jeude Roemer says it’s perfectly fine for your puppy to interact with them. Letting your young puppy meet other dogs who you know are up to date on their vaccinations is perfectly safe and important to begin their socialisation. If you are 100% positive the other dogs are vaccinated, puppies can start socialising with other dogs in a clean, safe environment, like friends’ or family members’ houses. You can also bring your puppy out in a carrier or while holding them to allow them to see the world and other puppies, but van Lidth de Jeude Roemer advises pet parents not to get too close, either to other dogs or unsanitary spaces. Ensure the interactions take place in a clean environment, not a location where unvaccinated dogs may frequent.
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