When Can Your Puppy Go Out For Walks

People often ask us when can puppies go outside safely for walks or to meet other dogs standard traditional advice used to be that puppies can go outside in public places when they are fully protected by their immunizations at about 16 weeks old.

When can your puppy go out for walks. Your puppy will be done with his vaccinations at 14 16 weeks old. Make sure that you bring plenty of water and treats on your walk as this can be a good time for obedience training after 12 weeks. 15 minutes up to twice a day when three months old 20 minutes when four months old etc. Although protocols vary a puppy is usually fully vaccinated against a variety of serious diseases by 20 weeks.

Before you start heading on walks with your puppy you need to wait until they have had their complete set of vaccinations. Puppies typically receive multiple injections with the same type of vaccine starting at age 6 8 weeks. Walking your puppy in areas frequented by other dogs can expose him to some viruses and parasites that are potentially fatal including parvo. The main reason people ask when can puppies go outside is because they want to take their precious pooch on a walk.

Normally the vaccination process ends between 3 and 4 months of age so until that point you can t take it out. Don t be afraid to pick up your puppy and carry them home if they get tired. Puppies will possibly feel nervous on a leash at first and might give up walking after a few minutes. It is not safe for your puppy to come into contact with other animals.

Vets recommend waiting until 10 14 days after your puppy s last vaccination booster usually at around 14 16 weeks of age before introducing them to the wonders of local parks beaches and walking trails. Even then you may find that your pooch isn t as keen on walkies as you expected. When deciding on the right time to take your puppy outside it is helpful to include some knowledge about how vaccines work in your decision making process. Your puppy should not be walking outside or going to dog parks unless he has been vaccinated.

Vaccination protocols will vary so specific advice should be sought from your own vet but most vets would advise waiting 1 or 2 weeks after the second vaccination before walking your puppy out in public or socialising with animals that may not be vaccinated. Puppy vaccinations are repeated every three to four weeks until 16 weeks of age. Don t resist this time in your puppy s life embrace it. When your puppy has had all the mandatory vaccines you can start to take out.

A good rule of thumb is a ratio of five minutes exercise per month of age up to twice a day until the puppy is fully grown i e.