- \n
- Canine Parvovirus<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Canine Distemper<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Leptospirosis<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Parainfluenza<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
When can a puppy go outside in the yard?<\/h2>\n\n
If your puppy has not been vaccinated yet, it\u2019s often still safe to go outside<\/a> in the yard during their first weeks. This is so long as it\u2019s your own yard and there aren\u2019t many foxes or wildlife.<\/p>\n\n
The following scenarios are also safe for a puppy to go outside:<\/p>\n\n
- \n
- A friend\u2019s house<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A Veterinarian\u2019s office<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If carried in your arms or a puppy bag<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- In Puppy Socialization or Puppy Training classes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"puppy](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Puppy-vaccines-to-go-outside-for-the-first-time.png\")
<\/figure>\n\nJust to make it clear, your puppy is safe to go outside as long as there\u2019s no risk of them being exposed to nasty viruses or diseases. If that\u2019s out the picture, you\u2019re all set. <\/p>\n\n
How soon should I take my puppy outside?<\/h2>\n\n
The sooner, the better. Taking your puppy outside during the first weeks<\/a> is one of the best things you can do for their emotional development. <\/p>\n\n
The idea is to get a head start for introducing your pup to the many surprises life can bring. <\/p>\n\n
Imagine who you\u2019d be if you had grown up prepared for people pushing into queues! Maybe there\u2019s a chance you wouldn\u2019t get so frustrated.<\/p>\n\n
\n
Getting used to the changing weather, buzzing cars, people and other dogs as puppies will make it easier to avoid possible anxiety or aggression problems in the future.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
What can I do to prepare my puppy to go outside?<\/h2>\n\n
How can I prepare my puppy to go outside?<\/h2>\n\n
You know when you can take a puppy outside, but what can you do during this waiting period? Simple \u2013 you can help to prepare them! From simply observing the world, to testing new surfaces and socializing, there are a few things you can do. See below for more.<\/p>\n\n
We don\u2019t want our pups to have too much of a big shock! As you may know from living so many years on this planet, there are many things to see outside. Not only that, but learning about how to live<\/em> in it is sometimes a mystery, even for us.<\/p>\n\n
Here are three sets of exercises you can try to prepare your puppy for life outside. <\/p>\n\n
Exercise 1. Watching the world go by<\/h3>\n\n
This exercise is all about building positive associations with the outside world. Big post boxes are good places for a wee, not scary monsters. No need to rush things! The goal is to boost their confidence with everything that lives outside. <\/p>\n\n
Before you start:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
- \n
- Pick a time when there are people around, but not so busy. Avoid going for a place that looks like Piccadilly Circus on a Friday night. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Have a good handful of treats in your pocket<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Exercise:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
- \n
- Carry your puppy to the end of your yard or drive, or just outside your building if you live in a apartment. Let them see what\u2019s going on outside. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Let them watch the world go by at a safe distance for 10 minutes. This might be brightly dressed joggers, some of the many cocker spaniels living in England, and a speedy red Mini; among many others. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Give your puppy the occasional treat around every minute or so, particularly if something new has gone past like a loud double-decker bus. This will teach your puppy that the outside world is a good place.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
TIPS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
- \n
- If your puppy seems worried by something, move further away rather than \u2018showing them that it\u2019s safe\u2019 because it will just be overwhelming, and make them more fearful, not less! <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Unless they\u2019re fully vaccinated, remember to keep your puppy in your arms! It\u2019s not safe for them to be on the ground just yet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Try to repeat this exercise every day to ensure they continue having more positive outside experiences.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"puppy](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/When-can-puppies-go-outside-safely.png\")
<\/figure>\n\nExercise 2: \u2018What\u2019s under my feet\u2019<\/h3>\n\n
You\u2019ve probably already experienced walking on unsteady ground which can be difficult! For this exercise, the objective is to teach them to feel confident on different surfaces outside of your home. So, when your puppy is ready to go outside, here is how to make the experience easy for them.<\/p>\n\n
Before you start <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
- \n
- Make sure the surfaces you use for this exercise are safe \u2013 nothing slippery or wobbly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Do this exercise in the room that your puppy spends most of their time in, it will help set a safe environment.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set up three different surfaces on the floor such as A towel, scrunched up paper, a square of AstroTurf, a large piece of cardboard, or a rubber doormat. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Let your puppy explore them in any way they choose; 15 minutes should be all right. Sniffing, walking, or having a go is a great way to let them build confidence in front of them too. It will also be highly entertaining for you, so enjoy the show!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Don\u2019t worry if your puppy takes a long time to explore. As long as you stay close to them, it will help make them feel more confident and safe. <\/p>\n\n
\n
PRO TIP: <\/strong>Try and aim for three new surfaces per week. This will help build their confidence in a variety of situations. Don\u2019t get too excited now, no need to dig pieces of gravel up or bring piles of sand inside your home. They\u2019ll get to meet those soon enough.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
Exercise 3: Meeting people you know <\/h3>\n\n
Just like Auntie Pat looked quite scary to you as a young lad with her uneven red lipstick and loud kitten heels, your puppy may be frightened of her too. What\u2019s important is that you show them her good heart; they\u2019ll learn to love her \u2013 Just like you eventually did. Obviously.<\/p>\n\n
The goal of this exercise is for your puppy to learn to be social<\/a> and interact with unknown people, so letting them explore at their own pace is very important. <\/p>\n\n
Before you start<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
- \n
- Set a date for friends or family to come and meet your puppy<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If they have dogs, make sure you know their vaccination status so that your puppy is kept safe. And no, it\u2019s not awkward to ask.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Exercise<\/strong>:<\/h4>\n\n
- \n
- Remember the last time you were the only newbie at a party? Let\u2019s keep them from experiencing such terror. Invite visitors to come to your house one or two at a time to avoid overwhelming them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- We know it\u2019s excruciatingly tempting, but make sure everyone knows not to grab, or hug your puppy. It\u2019s way better to ask your visitors to sit on the floor and allow your puppy to come to them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Let your puppy sniff them in their own time.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- When you can see your puppy being happy and confident with your guest (you can tell by their tail helicoptering away), you can now ask if they\u2019d like to stroke them. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Congratulate your guest for keeping their hands to themselves all this time, and let them play a gentle game together. Have treats ready to reward them! (We mean the puppy. But we sure think having a couple of human treats around such as tea and cake would make your guest happy too) <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n
TIPS<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
- \n
- Only invite people you can trust to follow your instructions. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- If you have a regular postal or delivery worker, you can ask them to do the same. At least give your puppy a treat when the mail comes!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Invite as many people as possible to come over in the next few weeks to make sure your puppy is happy meeting all kinds of different people. This means people of all genders, older people, people in wheelchairs, burly builders in high viz, people on bikes or wearing hats and headscarves. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
The key is variety so that they learn not to be worried about people different to \u2018their\u2019 people. Funny how puppy training could be so easily applied to humans too. For more puppy socialization tips<\/a>, don\u2019t forget to check out our in-depth article.<\/p>\n\n
How to prepare your puppy to meet other dogs when outside<\/h2>\n\n
![\"puppies](\"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/Puppies-making-friends-going-outside.png\")
Puppies need to meet other dogs and socialize. Otherwise, he\u2019ll struggle with friendships later.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n How lovely are dog friendships? <\/p>\n\n
Prepare your puppy to meet other dogs by:<\/p>\n\n
- \n
- \u2018Watching the world go by\u2019 like in the exercise above to allow your puppy to see other dogs outside. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Schedule play dates with your friends\u2019 dogs \u2013 pick the ones you know are friendly and vaccinated. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Take your puppy to well-run puppy classes \u2013 those where they teach Life Skills and allow supervised off-lead play are ones you\u2019ll get the most out of.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
How to teach your puppy to explore the yard<\/h2>\n\n
Your own yard is probably the safest space to explore the outside world for the first time. But make sure your collection of poisonous plants are out of reach.<\/p>\n\n
Taking their time to touch, smell and have a first wee on fresh grass will feel safe and exciting to them. Especially thanks to you and your mastered rewarding skills. <\/p>\n\n
Checklist for taking your puppy outside for the first time <\/h2>\n\n
So, now you know the answer to \u2018when can puppies go outside\u2019, your puppy is almost ready to go explore the big wide world. For both yours and your pup\u2019s safety, we suggest ticking off this checklist in preparation.<\/p>\n\n
- \n
- Make a plan of where you\u2019re going on your outing <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Have your puppy in their carrier or bag. Believe us, puppies get heavy quite quickly so you\u2019ll probably want to have one since it\u2019s likely they\u2019ll tire easily. Don\u2019t worry, you\u2019ll look fab.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Pack treats \u2013 the Golden Rule of rewarding can\u2019t be done without them. Food is useful for building positive associations, just like mince pies and Christmas. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stay away from main roads on this first trip \u2013 nobody likes to get startled by raging traffic. Let\u2019s start off slow and steady \u2013 small parks or boring residential areas are good places.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Sit on a bench and allow your puppy to watch, observe and enjoy the treats you\u2019ll reward them with every so often. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- As for yourself, remain calm and confident. Positive vibes are a real thing, let that rub off on your puppy!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
FAQ<\/strong> about puppies going outside for the first time<\/h2>\n\n
Can my puppy go outside without vaccinations?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
If you can make sure they don\u2019t come into contact with areas where unvaccinated dogs or wild animals may have been around, then yes. <\/p>\n\n
This probably means you\u2019ll have to carry them in your arms so that they don\u2019t touch the floor or so that you can run off in case excited park-goers refuse to let you go without a good selfie of your puppy.<\/p>\n\n
It\u2019s way too early to be catching diseases or fame. Catching rubber balls in your yard will do for now. <\/p>\n\n
But we don\u2019t want to discourage you completely from introducing your puppy to the outside before they\u2019re fully vaccinated. <\/p>\n\n
Jokes aside, the The American Veterinary Society (AVSAB)<\/a> says that the benefits that come with socializing your puppy with the outdoors (including friendlier and better integrated adult dogs) outweigh the risks of disease. People showing admiration for your dog aren\u2019t that bad, really. <\/p>\n\n
What vaccinations does a puppy need before he can go outside?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
A puppy should be fully vaccinated before you take them out for walks or they go on the floor outside or in the park. <\/p>\n\n
The core puppy vaccinations when it\u2019s safe to go outside are:<\/strong>
Don\u2019t worry about knowing what they\u2019re for. We\u2019re sure your vet will be happy to explain them all. Ask about the kennel cough vaccine, your puppy might be required to have one for their doggy day care<\/a> or dog sitter.<\/a><\/p>\n\n
When can my puppy go outside after vaccination?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
The date your puppy can go outside after vaccinations will vary depending on the vaccine maker. Make sure you ask your vet or call them for advice for your individual puppy. <\/p>\n\n
In our experience, it usually doesn\u2019t take more than two weeks after the second round of vaccinations.<\/p>\n\n
What are the risks of going outside before vaccinations?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n
Canine Parvovirus (or Parvo, depending on your slang skills) is the biggest risk to puppies\u2019 health when taking your puppy out before they are fully vaccinated. <\/p>\n\n
To avoid running into Parvo, follow these simple instructions:<\/p>\n\n
\u2013 Don\u2019t put your puppy on the ground where other dogs may have toileted, or in areas where wildlife such as foxes may have wandered through.
That\u2019s it: Have a pup-tastic day! \u2665\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n
If you\u2019d like more information and tips for your puppy, take a look at our articles \u2013 where the answers to all your questions are, such as how to toilet train a puppy<\/a> the easy way. Our experts in the Zigzag Puppy Training app<\/a> are also happy to talk and share advice about anything too! <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"