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Where's safe to take your unvaccinated puppy?

Updated 05 December 2024
Read time: 7 mins
article author
Written by Charlotte Niblett
Copywriter
article author
Reviewed by Dr. Linda Simon
Team Vet

In the first few weeks of being a fully-fledged puppy parent, you’re probably itching to show them off to the big wide world. But until your little pup has had all their vaccinations, all the excitement and fun is often restricted to behind closed doors. 

That said, working on socialising and desensitisation training with your pup is crucial, especially in those first few weeks. So how can you keep on top of this important training even before vaccinations?

We’re here to show you that there are plenty of ways you can get in that all-important training, whilst keeping your pup safe and happy. Read on to learn about the importance of vaccinations, and how you can continue their development out of the confines of their new home. 

 

 


Safe places to take your unvaccinated puppy

If you’re looking to start safely introducing your pup to the world beyond the front door, here are a few great places to start!

 

Your garden

Not too far from the confines of the house, but a very easy first step! Letting your pup explore a bit of your garden introduces them to a whole new world of smells, and even noises depending on where you live.

If you suspect old habitants had dogs or your garden has been known to house other critters, you can set up a clean, safe area in the garden using a playpen or blankets. 


At home with visitors

Continuing with the easiest and safest options, asking people to come to you is a great way to start socialising your unvaccinated pup. It introduces them to new faces in an environment in which they’re learning to call home, creating a calm and relaxed atmosphere.

To further create a positive experience for your pup and help their development, be sure to treat them as their meeting goes on. This way, they’ll be loving life and will hopefully offer the same reaction to anyone else they meet in the future!

For the perfect puppy-safe treat, try our Puppy Jerky. Packed with nutrients and tasty ingredients perfect for puppy tummies, our puppy treats are a great size for teeny mouths and make for the best high-reward treat to channel focus. 


Houses of friends or family

Take your puppy to the homes of friends or family to socialise them with new faces and children. It’s a brand new environment, that’s safe and controlled.

 

Around your neighbourhood

Before they can go on a proper walk with four paws on the ground, introduce them to their stomping grounds by carrying them around your neighbourhood. Not only does this desensitise them to the sound of traffic and bustling streets, but gets them acquainted with all the sights and smells where they’ll eventually have their daily walk. Don’t forget to provide a constant stream of treats and reassurance while doing this, so their confidence grows and they view the outside world as a great place to be.

 

Your local coffee shop

Fancy a latte? Take your pup along with you! Sitting down in a dog-friendly cafe is a great way to expose your pup to lots of different sights, smells, people and sometimes dogs (from a distance of course), whilst keeping them close. 

 

Dog friendly garden centres

Taking your pup to a dog-friendly garden centre is not only a great day out for all the family but also provides another environment for a whole new world of sights and smells, one that is easy to control. From carrying your pup through the garden centre, you can show them the sights and greet all different kinds of people as you go.

 

Pet shop

Treat your little pup to a new smell paradise by taking them to a pet shop. Not only is it a chance to spoil them, but you’ll be greeted by dog-friendly people and other puppy and dog owners. Since other dogs may be present, be sure to keep your pup securely in your arms. 

 



Why vaccinations are so important for puppies?

Everything about your young puppy is still developing, from their body, their brain and their immune system. Vaccinating your pup helps protect them from contracting any nasty diseases. Some of which, as young puppies, they wouldn’t be able to easily fight off.

Vaccinating puppies not only keeps them safe from germs and other nasties but protects other dogs and pets around them from a potential spread. In other words, it makes for happy and healthy pups all round!


     

    Should you still socialise unvaccinated puppies?

    As new puppy parents, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Especially when experts stress the importance of keeping your pup safe before vaccinations, whilst also talking about how crucial socialisation training is.

    And they’re right, keeping your puppy safe AND focusing on their developmental training is very important, and it’s very possible to successfully, and safely, do both.

    It’s important to focus on socialising your pup from a young age to avoid any unwanted nervousness and anxiety, especially as they encounter more of the world as they grow.

    Taking them out as young pups teaches them that things like strangers, loud noises, cars and other dogs, are nothing to be afraid of. Negative experiences or lack of training very early on, however, can have long-lasting effects on their development and behaviour.


    When tackling this training before vaccinations, you must prioritise your pup by ensuring both the environment and your approach avoid any opportunity for infection. That said, there are a few things you can consider to make sure you can tick both boxes effectively.

     




    How to safely take out your unvaccinated puppy

    When it comes to facing the outside world and safely approaching your pup’s socialisation and desensitisation training, you need to consider both the environment and the company to ensure you’re extra safe.

    When choosing a place to take your unvaccinated pup, consider:


    • How busy is it? You wouldn’t want to overwhelm the tiny baby! Over-socialisation with lots of noise and people could have the opposite effect, with over-stimulation having the potential to make them more anxious.

    • How many dogs will be there? Is there enough space for you and your pup to establish some distance? The biggest risk with unvaccinated pups is coming into contact with a dog that’s also unvaccinated or worse, infected. Remember, there is no need for your pup to get too close to ‘unknown’ dogs, we want them to see them and not react. They should feel comfortable in their presence.
    • Can you have control over the situation? Be sure to make some of their first outings in a controlled environment, so there aren’t too many things that can catch you off guard and make for an anxious pup. Play dates with sensible adult dogs known you you, is a great place to start.

      When taking your young pup out (unless in a very safe and well-known environment with no dogs, or where lots of dogs have been), be sure to always keep your pup in your arms.

      Carrying your pup allows them to be exposed to the outside world and meet people, and even dogs at a distance, whilst being safe and away from the possibility of infection.


      If your pup isn’t your typical small puppy size (we’re looking at you Retrievers, Labradors, Greyhounds and Great Danes), there are lots of products on the market to help you take them out and keep them safe, including puppy carriers.


      You may be itching to show your pup the rest of the world, but gradually easing them into the world whilst they stay in your arms is the best and safest way to start their socialisation training before they’re vaccinated. When they’re ready to hit the streets, be sure they’re doing so with their best paw forward.

      Shop our wide range of puppy wet and dry food to supply them with nutrition and energy,  specially formulated Puppy Treats for rewarding good behaviour, and our Planet Friendly Dog Poo Bags to clean up their mess along the way!

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