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When can my puppy safely socialize with older dogs after first shots?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Bichon Frise | Female | unspayed | 3 lbs

Hello, I have a 2 month old bichon frisé who’s had her 1st vaccination and due for her 2nd in 2 weeks. Is it safe for her to be around older dogs and safe for them also? Thank you in advance, Paula

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on February 20th, 2019

Thank you for submitting your question regarding O'Malley. It is a balancing act in young puppies as you want to provide them with plenty of socialization, but they are at risk as they are not fully vaccinated. She can be enrolled in puppy classes as long as vaccines are required. If you have a friend with a fully vaccinated dog, this could be a good playmate. I would avoid dog parks, group play scenarios or other areas frequented by potentially unvaccinated or improperly vaccinated dogs. I hope this information helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 6th, 2019
I personally recommend not socializing with other dogs until after the puppy is fully vaccinated at 16 weeks of age if you do not know the other dogs's vaccination status. Now if there are dogs who belong to friends of yours and you know for certain the dogs are vaccinated, Luke can socialize with them. No dog parks, however. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on June 2nd, 2017
Ideally pups should be exposed to their siblings up to age 8-10weeks then to other fully vaccinated/protected dogs, people and new situations between ages 10-16weeks. It is very difficult to make up the lost socialisation period beyond 16weeks of age so you should discuss the earliest dates possible with your vet for vaccination and also try to socialise him with a young, healthy adult dog that is fully up to date with all vaccinations (not given within the previous 4weeks) that has a pleasant and gentle nature, under direct supervision for short periods of time
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Ana M, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on November 7th, 2018
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Blu. This is an excellent question as it is a confusing topic. Puppies who are not fully vaccinated are most at risk of acquiring an infectious disease. However, this is the same age when puppies are most impressionable and need to be socialized. Puppy classes are a great option. Only chose a place that requires proof of vaccines on the pups. If you have friends with dogs that you know are fully vaccinated, then he can meet them. You must avoid dog parks, neighborhood parks or big pet supply stores where dogs are allowed so that he is not interacting with potentially unvaccinated dogs or their waste. If you do a puppy class in store, carry him in and out and don't meet other dogs on the way. I hope this information helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Yes, she can be around vaccinated dogs, but I would stay away from dog parks or pet stores where there are lots of exposures to dogs with unknown vaccinations. Puppy classes where proof of vaccination is verified would be an excellent way to help Jenna become socialized.

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Can I socialize my puppy before all his vaccines are complete?

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