When Can I Take My Puppy For A Walk? Here’s What Your Vet Might Say

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Nothing beats the thrill of bringing your puppy home for the first time. While it's wonderful to introduce them to new people and places, it's critical to take the necessary precautions to keep your puppy safe. If you’re anything like us, one of the first questions that had popped into your head were, “When can I take my puppy for a walk?” Here are a few things you should know.

When will my puppy be able to go outside?

Puppies must be immunized before they are allowed to interact with other dogs. However, it is also critical for the development of young dogs that they are exposed to a variety of environments and interact with a variety of people and objects.

You may be wondering, "Is the garden safe for my puppy before they've been fully vaccinated?" Yes, the answer is yes. If your garden is securely fenced and cannot be accessed by other dogs, you can immediately introduce your puppy to it.

Familiarizing your pup with a safe and controlled outdoor environment helps them gain confidence as they explore their new surroundings. Allowing your puppy to explore the garden is also an excellent way to begin potty training.

You should only take your puppy for walks after they have been fully vaccinated and your veterinarian has given you the all-clear.

Before your dog gets their shots, keep them mentally stimulated at home by playing games like tug of war and fetch. Another great way to keep your dog entertained before allowing them outside is to teach them simple commands like “Sit” and “Stay.”

12-week-old puppy

When your puppy is about 12 weeks old, they will begin to be wary of new experiences. As a result, it is critical for their development that they are exposed to a variety of new situations while they are still young and receptive.

You can walk your puppy in public places to meet friends and family before they've received their complete set of vaccinations. It's a good idea to take your puppy to as many places as possible. This will help them become well-adjusted adult dogs. This process is called socialization.

You can also train them to ride in a car, expose them to various noises (such as traffic), and introduce them to livestock from a safe distance.

By ensuring that your puppy does not visit places where other dogs have visited or come into contact with unvaccinated pets, you are reducing the risk of them contracting viral diseases.

When can I take my puppy for a walk after their vaccinations?

It's always best to consult your veterinarian and follow their recommendations. Still, as a general rule, you should be able to take your puppy for a walk two weeks after their second vaccination.

Because puppies do a lot of licking and sniffing as they get to know their new surroundings, before they get their vaccinations, they are vulnerable to infectious diseases and dangerous viruses like parvovirus and distemper.

After consulting with your veterinarian and waiting the recommended amount of time, you will be able to walk your vaccinated dog outside, where they will be able to meet and play with other dogs.

How often should I take my puppy for a walk?

Puppies do not require the same amount of exercise as fully grown dogs. Whereas adult dogs enjoy long walks, puppies can develop bone and joint problems if they get too much exercise while they are still young.

WORLD DOG FINDER TIP: Allow five minutes of exercise for every month your puppy is old. For example, if your pup is three months old, take them out for 15 minutes. This, however, varies depending on the breed. They can go out twice a day, and once fully grown, they will be able to go on much longer walks.

It's a good idea to get your dog used to wearing a collar or harness and walking on a leash before going on your first walk. In the garden, you can practice by keeping plenty of treats on hand and rewarding your dog for good behavior.

Is it better to use a harness or a collar on a puppy?

There's a plethora of leashes, collars, and harnesses to choose from, and it's a lot of fun shopping to see what will work best for them.

While a flat collar is preferable for everyday use, a harness may be preferable for preventing accidents, especially if your puppy pulls on the leash. Get them used to wearing it for short periods of time. You can start that process when the puppy is 8 weeks old. Don't forget to adjust or upgrade the equipment as the puppy grows larger - which they will in a very short period of time!

Hopefully, you now have a good idea of when your puppy can go outside and when you can safely take them for their first walk.

Puppy walking tips:

• Allow your unvaccinated puppy to go outside only in your own garden.
• If you take your unvaccinated puppy to a public place, do not let them play on the ground.
• Allowing your puppy to meet another dog should be avoided unless they have been fully vaccinated.
• Vaccinations should begin at the age of eight weeks.
• Wait 1-2 weeks after their second vaccination before exposing them to the outside world.
• Only take them for walks that are as long as their age allows.
• Begin introducing them to a harness at the age of eight weeks.
• They should only be walked when the weather permits.
• Most importantly, enjoy every minute of your walks together!

World Dog Finder team