When to take him into the garden?

This is my first of probably many questions.
So when should I take Alfie into the garden for the first time? I have shown him the garden through the window and he looks happy but is it to soon to let him explore?

Iain

How old is Alfie ? i reckon anytime when you think he is ready obviously not if he is too young. You can start putting a collar and lead on him too later on and let him drag it around to get used to it etc

You'll probably get different answers from different people, as I'm not sure that there's a specific age to let him out. In my opinion, he shouldn't be let into the garden before his first couple of vaccinations. However, if you know that no dogs (or even cats) enter your garden, it may be safe do it before then. If I were you, I'd consult a vet.

Tommy and Tilly went out in the garden from 8 weeks though vets will recommend to keep him indoors until the first jabs have worked

He is almost 10 weeks, never seen a cat in our garden as both ours neighbours have staff's and they go nuts if a bird lands on the fence. Alfie is due his first injection next week but don't want to risk things if it could cause problems.

Iain

If you believe your garden is safe then you should be fine but only you know that and if you have any doubts do what you feel is right yourself , not what we say . Like I say garden was the way for my 2 and it kick started the toilet training too as they never really learnt paper

wimpy wrote:He is almost 10 weeks, never seen a cat in our garden as both ours neighbours have staff's and they go nuts if a bird lands on the fence. Alfie is due his first injection next week but don't want to risk things if it could cause problems.

Iain

It's up to you and what you feel is best, but if there are dogs in close proximity (i.e your neighbour's Staffords), I'd be careful - germs are easily spread.

Darcy went in harden after her 1st jab with vets approval, maybe u shud wait till 1st vaccination

Bacchus was straight into the garden as there are no dogs next door ( didn't know about cats, must admit. We have 3 ) and was toilet trained in days.

Alfie' adorable BTW.

I waited until Bella had completed her vacinations before going in to the garden because next door has lots of manky looking cats, but my vet did say aslong as there isn't any other animals it would be fine to take her out in to the garden.

When we took Loki to the vet, he told us it's safe to let him in the garden straight away as long as no cats and etc. have been there. Unfortunately for us, we get cats and foxes in the garden, so it's a no-no for us. We let him play in the yard part instead where none of the cats go. So if it's free of cats, then it'll be safe I think, even before his vaccinations. If not, might be a bit of a wait.

Dave wrote:If you believe your garden is safe then you should be fine but only you know that and if you have any doubts do what you feel is right yourself , not what we say . Like I say garden was the way for my 2 and it kick started the toilet training too as they never really learnt paper

Was just going to say that we let Ralph into the garden as soon as we got him at 8 weeks. I've never seen a cat in our garden...

We did this, as Dave says, to get on with toilet training. We didn't want to pad train, then start again with outside.

We did keep an eye on him though, make sure he wasn't eating anything.

Made my mind up he stays in.

Skye went straight out as we don't have cats visit our garden and it had only been a short time after loosing our GSDs. We do have a dog next door but she didn't get to say hello till she had had all her jabs
It did help with toilet training but it was also summer so we were all out in the garden most of the time unlike now just want to stay indoors
Skye was 12 weeks when we got her

don't forget foxes, we have loads round here, i don't know if they are a danger to the pup (disease wise)

The biggest issue is parvovirus a nasty problem that sadly in most cases is fatal. Sorry- not to scare you but that is what I have been told by my vet, dog trainer and in all the books I have read. If you are really worried you can spray 1 part bleach with 1o parts water in an area to kill any germs. That is what my vet suggested and keep a small area for toileting that has been "sanitized". Not sure if parvo is an issue in the UK but it is in Australia. Try to not let your puppy eat any grass, sticks, soil etc until vaccinated. It is really hard as they are desperate to explore or at least Honey was and still is. Limit the time spent out doors- only toileting...... Hope this helps and apologies if I scared you