Once your puppy has been vaccinated against nasty diseases, they will be ready for trips out. This is usually two weeks after they have had their second round of injections. However, short trips in the car are possible before this time as you can carry your puppy to the car, go for a short drive and then return home.
We recommend keeping your puppy in a travel-safe crate or boost seat during car trips. As your dog grows older and bigger, you may need to upgrade to a dog car harness that attaches to a seat belt. It's best to keep your dog in the backseat of the car, or in the rear of a station wagon.
After your pup's second round of initial vaccinations, he will be able to go out for walks with you one week later. Although it's tempting to take him out earlier, it is incredibly important to listen to your vet's advice.
It's best to wait 10 to 14 days after your puppy has received their final vaccinations before taking them on outdoor walks and exposing them to environments and other dogs.
We actually recommend that dogs do not fly until they've reached the age of at least 16 weeks. At this point, in addition to being able to receive the required vaccines, they're also stronger and better able to withstand the rigors of travel.
According to the American Kennel Club, puppies younger than 10 weeks cannot be left alone for more than an hour. From 3-6 months, they should not be left longer than their age in months (for example, 3-month-old puppies cannot be alone for longer than 3 hours).
Socialising puppies before vaccinations
Puppies usually go to new homes at the minimum age of eight weeks old when they're not fully vaccinated, so can't get fully out and about just yet. Until your puppy is fully protected by vaccination: don't allow them to mix with dogs of unknown vaccination status.
As long as your puppy is 10 weeks old or older at their second vaccination, they will be immune to distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus one week after this vaccination. So, one week after their second vaccination, your puppy can be walked in public areas, and usually attend puppy classes.
Once your puppy is fully vaccinated, the general rule of thumb is to exercise them for five minutes per month of age. So, if your puppy is 12 weeks old, then they can be walked for 15 minutes per day.
Teach your pup to potty on a designated spot outdoors, making him think. After you bring home your new puppy the first thing you need to teach the pup is to walk to the door. Do not carry it.
Do not let your puppies walk outside as the risk of parvovirus and leptospirosis with unvaccinated puppies is high.
But in all honesty, there's no 'right time' for a puppy to go to sleep, as long as it's the same every night. While this may be the case, do note that your puppy will need, on average, around 8-10 hours of sleep per night.
Minimize Risk Outdoors
Using some common sense will help your puppy become well-socialized without encountering unnecessary risks. Go for walks, but keep your pup on a leash and away from dogs you don't know. You should also keep them away from piles of poop and areas that might attract potentially unvaccinated dogs.
Be Sure the Puppy Is Old Enough
Puppies must be at least eight weeks old and have been weaned for at least five days for air travel, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. If it's a small breed dog, there may be weight and age minimums, too.
First, if possible, put your dog in the back passenger seat. The back seat is the safest place for your pup because crumple zones, which are often likened to crushing a soda can, absorb the impact in the front and cargo areas. Meaning in a serious accident, your best bet is to keep your pet restrained in the back seat.
Remember, dogs and especially puppies need to urinate often. As a guideline, new puppies up to 10 weeks old typically can't hold their bladder for more than an hour. Dogs between 10 to 12 weeks old can usually hold it for around two hours.
Typically, it's not recommended to take your dog for walks until they are fully vaccinated. Puppy vaccinations help protect your dog against diseases, making them essential when puppies go outside. Pups in particular are vulnerable to serious diseases, such as parvovirus and canine distemper.
Your Dog's Exercise Tolerance
Most dogs can tolerate a daily 20–30-minute walk if they have a relatively good body condition. Dogs in great physical health can tolerate walks for up to two hours or go hiking for hours at a time.
Take things very slowly, always at the pup's pace. The first walk will likely only last a few minutes; short and sweet is the key to success. A long walk may cause distress and a puppy will quickly become over-tired. Try to read their body language, removing them from the situation if they seem to be overwhelmed.
Discomfort and local swelling at the vaccination site. Mild fever. Decreased appetite and activity. Sneezing, mild coughing, "snotty nose" or other respiratory signs may occur 2-5 days after your pet receives an intranasal vaccine.
After your puppy's second round of vaccinations we advise waiting two weeks until taking your puppy outside so that they are fully protected in public spaces. Once any puppy has had their initial course of injections, they will only need one injection per year afterwards to keep that immunity 'topped up'.
Similarly, it should be safe for your puppy to meet older dogs of friends and family, provided they're fully vaccinated, haven't been exposed to unvaccinated dogs, and are known to be gentle with puppies.
Delaying their potty break by 15 minutes every night will teach them to wait a little longer to do their business, eventually turning it into a morning routine. Once your puppy is three or four months old, they will most likely be able to go the full night (7 to 8 hours) without a toilet break.