When can puppies go outside?
Puppies benefit from going outside as soon as possible to start getting used to the big wide world. However, they also need to be kept safe and protected from nasty diseases.
When is it safe to take a puppy out?
It’s a good idea to take puppies outside as soon as possible to get them used to different sounds, smells and experiences. However, they are at risk of catching nasty diseases until after they have had their second vaccinations. Until then, you can stick to the garden, carry your puppy outside in your arms or in a puppy sling, or use dog buggy so they can still experience everything safely.
When can a puppy go out in the garden?
Your puppy can go in the garden straight away – provided it’s secure. Make sure there are no holes or broken bits of fence that your puppy could sneak under or through. Reduce the risk of disease and clear your garden of any fox or cat poo before you let your puppy outside. If you have areas of gravel or decorative stone that your puppy may try to play with, or vegetable beds that you don’t want your puppy digging up, it’s a good idea to section these areas off with a temporary barrier.
Did you know that many garden plants are toxic to dogs? But there’s also a number of plants that have beneficial properties. Read more in our guide to creating a dog friendly garden.
When should I take my puppy out to poop?
If you have a garden, you can start toilet training your puppy to go outdoors straight away. If you do not have a garden, you can use puppy training pads inside. You can ask your vet for advice.
When can you take a puppy out after vaccinations?
Puppies are generally considered to be ‘safe’ two weeks after they have had their second round of injections. If your puppy was vaccinated at 8 weeks, again at 10 weeks, they will be ready at 12 weeks old. Your vet is the best person to advise on this.
When can you take a puppy for a walk?
You should wait until after your puppy has had their second vaccination before taking them out for a walk. You can also carry your puppy in your arms or take them out in a dog buggy or puppy sling to get them used to the sights and smells of the world outside before they are fully vaccinated. Did you know there are lots of other ways to entertain your dog without leaving the home? Dogs love a treasure hunt in the garden or to follow the scent of treats in the house. Benefits of scent work include:
- Release of dopamine and serotonin.
- Calming.
- Brain work, 10 minutes is the same as a 30 minute walk.
When can puppies meet other dogs?
You can introduce your puppy to other dogs once they have been vaccinated. If you have another dog, it’s fine for them to be introduced to your puppy in your home. Make sure your other dog has been fully vaccinated.
It can be daunting for puppies to meet other dogs for the first time. Allowing them to observe dogs from a distance while remaining calm and feeling safe is hugely beneficial. They also need to learn how to behave appropriately around other dogs to avoid getting nipped or growled at. Puppy School is a good place for meeting other dogs. This will be in a safe environment under the watch of a professional dog trainer.
Likewise, not all adult dogs can cope with an exuberant young puppy so choose the dogs that your puppy meets carefully. Make sure they have plenty of space and can have a break from each other if they need to. If you have a female puppy, be mindful of socialising her when they are in season. Female dogs first come into season at around 4-6 months.
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Testimonials
What Clients say
about Puppy School
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“Celia was outstanding, friendly, welcoming, professional, knowledgeable and efficient. I very much looked forward to our classes. She took into account my disability and was professionally accommodating. I have 2 friends with new puppies and have already recommended. I loved the website to back up the training, with the training videos and the initial pack with the puppy manual. Fabulous! ”— George
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“Great experience. I’ve been to dog training classes in the past and the instructors can be very “it’s your fault”, “you’re doing it wrong” to the owners, however, Eleanor was very patient, kind, and explained things in a helpful way rather than making you feel like you were at fault. Loved these classes. Rum loved them too!”— Ryan
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“The training was invaluable in helping me to ensure Toby developed new skills as he grew into the confident, well behaved pup that he is. The training taught me how to be a successful puppy parent, and we are both looking forward to starting puppy college. ”— Mary
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“We attended puppy school with our American bully puppy coco, we had already had a terrible experience with another school who made us feel tidally uncomfortable and unwelcome with our puppy. Puppy school Hollywood could not have been more different, Sarah was a fantastic tutor and a real supporter of Coco, encouraging us when the muzzle made exercises that bit more tricky and thinking up modifications so Coco was never left out. We were introduced to the class and the explanation of why Coco was wearing a muzzle was done in a way that we didn’t feel in any way uncomfortable and the other puppy parents were reassured. Thank you so much for giving our very restricted puppy the opportunity to be ‘normal’, I can’t articulate what an impact it had.”— Frances
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“Brilliant trainer. The humans and puppies felt quickly at ease with the trainer Kelly. Learnt a lot and already putting into practice. Will be recommending the school to others.”— Henry