Hey Leslie, when can I take my puppy out in public? This question has been asked so many times by my friends, and I feel obliged to write a blog post about it. Indeed, it is actually a pretty common question too, considering that there are quite a few dog forums asking the same question on when is the time correct to bring the puppy out, for the first time, in public.
When Can I Take My Puppy Out In Public
Much alike to babies, sometimes we do wonder when is it a good time, or the right time, to take the puppy out in public. It is a very normal reaction, given that we humans are protective of our babies as well as our puppies.
There are actually some pointers that you would want to take note before you decide to bring your puppy out to the public for the first time.
Has Your Puppy Been Vaccinated
This is actually the main question that you should be asking yourself. The whole idea behind this is that puppies, who have not been vaccinated, will be exposed to viruses that will cause plenty of problems to your puppy. Some common problems that can develop will be rabies or even distemper.
The whole idea about vaccination is actually to prevent your dog from contacting those diseases via the faeces from infected dogs or other animals. Hence, to prevent all these from happening, if you ever feel the need to bring your puppy out, please have them vaccinated early.
Local Regulations
It is important to be aware of any local regulations when taking your puppy out in public. Some areas may have leash laws or restrictions on where dogs are allowed, and it is crucial to adhere to these regulations to avoid any legal issues. Additionally, some areas may have higher risks of certain diseases or parasites, and it is essential to be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions.
Things To Note Before You Bring Your Puppy Out
Of course, once you have your puppy properly vaccinated, there are still some pointers that you should take note of before you and your puppy embark on a new journey.
Does Your Dog Have Any Allergies
You should always be mindful of your dog’s allergies if any. By being in the know, you can better protect your frail puppy in the public, especially when there can be many potential allergens. In the event that your dog does have any allergy and requires medication, always ensure that they take their medication before you bring them out in public.
Check The Location
Many owners omit this part. Actually, the location is very important, especially for puppies. Some of the locality can be infested with fleas or ticks. This can be very evident in places where dogs usually frequent. If you do want to bring your puppy out, you can consider purchasing flea collars or applying flea repellents. Just ensure that the puppy will not have any reaction against the repellent.
Why You Should Bring Your Puppy Out In Public Often
If you are wondering why is there a need to bring your puppy out often, then you should really continue reading the following section. Here are some of the obvious and not-so-obvious reasons at which why you should bring your puppy to the public often
Developing Social Skills
To be honest, this is really my own experience. We made the mistake of not bringing the puppy out often. And now that she is in her adult stage, she dislikes socializing with dogs. Indeed, while she still loves to be brought out for a walk, she does not interact much with other dogs when they are in the pen. On hindsight, if my dog has been brought out to the public more often when it was younger, she would be more social than she is now.
And this is why you should really bring your puppy out in public often. When you bring your puppy out often, they would have a higher chance of developing its social skills. Much like babies, puppies do need the avenue to develop its social skills, and we are perhaps the best vehicle to ensure that this can be done.
A Happy Puppy Is A Healthy Puppy
Of course, when you bring your puppy out often, you are also keeping the puppy fit and healthy. When the puppy is happy, it will generally bring up its overall health.
Preventing Aggression
This is actually one of the main reasons why you should bring your puppy out. When they are coped up in the house for long periods of time, there is a tendency that the dog will develop aggression. Also, if you bring your puppy out, it can actually be a good avenue for you to train them to be less aggressive.
Safe Practices
Regardless of your puppy’s age and vaccination status, there are some safe practices to follow when taking them out in public. These practices can help reduce the risk of disease and infection and keep your pup safe and healthy.
One of the most critical safe practices is to keep your pup on a leash. This not only helps you keep control of your pup but also helps prevent them from interacting with other dogs that may not be vaccinated or could pose a risk.
You should also avoid areas where other dogs may have eliminated. The feces and urine of other dogs can contain harmful bacteria or parasites that can make your pup sick.
It is also crucial to monitor your puppy’s behavior and body language when in public. Puppies can be overwhelmed in new environments, and it is essential to recognize when your pup may be uncomfortable or scared. Be sure to provide positive reinforcement and reassurance to help your pup feel more comfortable.
Conclusion
If you follow our guide, you will know exactly when is it a good time to bring your puppy out in the public. Remember, do not be overzealous about it, if not you will cause irreversible harm to your puppy’s development.
