[Dailydrool] PUPPIES

[saraberry at aol.com]

I agree with Beverly on this issue.  

If the babies are in the home, in an active area, then immediate family is good enough until their eyes are open.  The bleach protocol and the timeliness of the vaccinations is important, which I personally think really should be done at a vet.

Refrigeration of vaccinations is critical and many other sources for vaccine may or may not keep them properly refrigerated.  If vaccines are not handled properly, then they can quickly go bad, but vets know this and always refrigerate or insist on ordering new vaccine vials in the case of problems.

The vaccination of a pregnant female who may or may not have had vaccinations prior to rescuing is an issue for a qualified vet who sees many mothers and puppies to decide.  Certainly, more care must be taken with puppies where the vaccination history of the mother is not known.  Most puppies have the added immunity from the mother's vaccines, but in the case of a mother with a sketchy past, the puppies may not have this protection.

Socialization begins at home, and the family can do the Biosensor exercises until Day 16, along with other holding and touching, playing music and TV, dropping pans in a kitchen, cars and lawn mowers starting outside, etc.

I do take mine out for independent car rides at that age (after eyes open, about Day 16) to very carefully controlled areas where their feet never touch ground and any humans must sanitize prior to petting while they are held in my arms.

The American Veterinary Society for Animal Behavior has the following position paper on Puppy Socialization.  Feel free to print this out and share with your local rescues, shelters and vets.  http://www.avsabonline.org/avsabonline/images/stories/Position_Statements/puppy%20socialization.pdf

It is all about pairing stuff that could be scary down the road, with good experiences early on, like baby food treat licks, or the comfort of the litter.

Best*

Sara
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