we just got a Beagle Pup he is 7 weeks old dog tomorrow. our friend has a Bichon Frise who is 4 months old. Our Beagle has had Vac and is due its second set in 5 weeks time. until then is it safe for our dog to mingle with my friends Bichon Frise or other dogs
I wouldn't recommend it until the dog has had its full rounds of shots. During this time your pup is most suceptible to parvo and other things. It is kind of a grey area with some pet owners because the earlier you start socialization the better. I personally say to wait until the dog has been fully vaccinated before socializing (unless you have other dogs in the house, then it's pretty much impossible). However, if you want to socialize, make sure that the other dog is utd on all vaccinations, and is in good health before playing. Make sure the play date is scheduled for your house and yard because your pup is less likely to pick anything up when on or in its own home environment (generally speaking).
p.s. You never want to take a pup from its mother and litter mates until at least 8 wks. This is the time when puppies learn bite inhibition from their litter mates, and gain so much more valuable socialization information from other dogs. Most pups that are taken from their litter earlier than 8 wks. tend to have behavioral problems later on. Aggression, fear, anxiety, mouthing, biting, and difficulty in housebreaking, to name a few. I just wanted to point that out so for future reference you know to wait at least a few more weeks. The ideal age would be closer to 10 to 12 wks, but most breeders and owners want to get a pup as soon as they can.
It wouldn't hurt if you make sure you don't show her/him off to every dog you see.
Especially not another puppy, If the puppy isn't vaccinated it could make your puppy sick.
I don't recommend you letting your puppy meet other dogs just yet, But 1 or 2 wouldn't hurt.
I have a 12week old puppy & She has met about 4 dogs, I made sure they were all vaccinated & healthy. Hope I helped.
yes with the bichon even if he does not have all his shots ... i would keep away strange dogs (no face to face contact) until your pup has all his shots ... i live in one of the most densely populated cities in canada and i walked my puppy around a dog full neighbourhood since she was 8 weeks old with no problems at all ... socializing with the bichon will be beneficial to your pup
Keep him away from dogs who are not vaccinated, or if you don't know whether they are vaccinated or not until the vet says he's fully protected. You can put him on the ground before that, but don't let him sniff around places dogs go to the toilet on, for instance lampposts, or to places where lots of dogs go.
As a beagle he'll be really easy to socialise with other dogs because they are bred to live in a pack, I would make sure you concentrate as much on making sure he is friendly with people too, in fact do this more - don't rely on other dogs to 'exercise' him or to give him all his playtime.
He will be much easier to train if he is happy to be with people - a lot of Beagles don't ever get let off the lead because they don't care enough about their owners to come back when there's something nice to smell on the ground! Work on your relationship as being just as important as other dogs, his owners should be his main playmates.
since your puppy has had his first set of shots i dont see where it would hurt to let him play with your friends puppy (as long as that dog has his/her shots also)..
as far as other dogs, i wouldnt do that as you may not be sure if they are vaccinated or not..