When is it safe for my puppy to go outside after vaccinations?

It honestly depends on how many other pets are in your apartment complex. Some viruses, such as parvo, can stay in the environment for several months. If you are taking him out, making sure to use paths that aren't frequented by other pets, or even bringing out a potty pad for him to go on (to get used to the routine of going out to go potty, but remaining safe) can help. As for socialization, socializing with people or pets whose vaccine history you know is the best option until your vet gives the OK to be around strange pets.

You can get started right away! Consistency is the key to house training, so be sure to take Emmitt outside often - after eating, napping, playing, or at least every 2-3 hours. Reward appropriate potty behavior with praise and a small treat. If you catch him in the act of eliminating in the house, say "no" and take him straight outside. If you find an accident around the house, there is no need to scold or punish him. The main concern at this point is that Emmitt is not fully vaccinated against some highly contagious viruses, such as parvovirus. Until he has received his full distemper/parvovirus vaccine series, keep him away from other dogs. This includes areas where other dogs may have previously eliminated, such as parks or around your neighborhood. Keep Emmitt confined to your backyard until his vaccine series is complete.

As long as your puppy stays current on his [vaccination series](https://www.petcoach.co/article/vaccination-recommendations-for-puppies-puppy-shots) (boosters every 3-4 weeks until at least 16 weeks of age), he can certainly go on walks in your neighborhood. In fact, it's very important to get him out and about at this age since the critical [socialization](https://www.petcoach.co/article/socialization-of-your-puppy) period for dogs last from 6 to 16 weeks of age - so he needs to be out seeing the world, the sooner the better. I would recommend avoiding [dog parks](https://www.petcoach.co/article/dog-parks-fun-and-games) and other busy areas where large numbers of unknown dogs have been, but it should be fine to walk him in quieter areas.

Congratulations on your new puppy - Tucker is adorable! Puppies can go outside once they have all of their vaccines. These include rabies, distemper, parvovirus, along with several other viruses that commonly affect dogs. Depending on your area, you may want to consider having Tucker vaccinated for leptospirosis (a bacteria transmitted in the urine of wild rodents) or Lyme disease (a disease transmitted by ticks). These vaccines are typically given started at about 6 weeks of age, and are then given every 2-4 weeks until the entire vaccine requirement is completed. Most puppies start going outside once they are about 3-4 months old. Tucker should also be on a monthly flea, tick, and heartworm preventative before he starts going outside. I hope this helps and wish you luck with your new puppy!

I wouldn't take Koda into the backyard just yet because parvo can live in then environment for months. If her shots aren't complete, she still runs the risk of catching it from the environment. I'd take her in the front yard if your previous puppy hadn't gone there, but wait until she is fully vaccinated before taking her into the backyard. Best of luck!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Odysseus. He will only be old enough to have had one or two sets of vaccines at 10 weeks of age. If you take him to the same spot every time and make sure there are no unvaccinated dogs around, it should be ok. I hope this helps!

I do worry a little about him going outside if he has to go into areas that are public areas and where other dogs have been. The problem is that if other dogs have been in that area and you don't know whether or not they have been vaccinated, Diggy could just at risk for developing some serious viruses. If you live in a house and you have a private yard, then I would be less worried about this and I think starting to allow him to go into your yard only then you would be okay. I would only allow him to socialize with dogs of your friends whom you know are fully vaccinated. I hope this helps!