First Walk?

My Bellas 10 weeks now and has been given all her vaccinations. Is it ok to take her out for a short walk or should I wait for her to get a little older?

Check with your vet as some recommend waiting for a certain amount of time after vaccinations, but as long as she's covered I'd start taking her out asap socialisation is so important at this age - she's currently like a little sponge and positive experiences at this stage will shape her whole personality! Just ensure that the experiences are positive, as anything scary can also have a huge impact. Of course, the weather is awfu at the moment so prepare for that, but at 2.5 months she can have 2 x 10-15 minute walks every day! the time will increase by 5 minutes per month. Enjoy!

Thank u Rachel. The vet said to wait about a week and that was last Thursday So only a couple of days to go. I've been walking her on the lead in the house and she's doing quite well but she so badly wants to go out with my other dogs. She cries whenever I put them out lol

I would follow your vet's advice, and then as Rachel says get out there and get socialising!

I personally would recommend walking her alone for a while first so you can work on getting her attention without the distraction of your others. My advice is always to let them off lead straight away, before they gain confidence, as on the first walks they tend to stick to you pretty well and will come running it you appear to be going away. It's an ideal time to teach them that walks are with you, and are not for her to charge about doing what she wants all of the time.

You can work on lead work too of course, mix and match is best I think. And if she is a little way from you, you can call her to you for a treat.

Yes, take her with the others sometimes as well. If they tend to be a distance from you or if any other part of their behaviour when out is less than perfect, do be aware that she will learn from them, so maybe lead walks for the others but with Bella off lead might be good to start off with.

It's a big wide world out there, Bella...

Great advice thank u. My other 2 have never got off the lead but I want Bella to be able to. Think she'll need more exercise lol

Exciting times ahead - have fun!

My vet told me that prior to vaccinations puppies are ok to go in the garden or yard as long as no unknown dogs can have access there. I mentioned that cats go in our garden but she said that's not a problem.

Great advice and spot on from Rachel & Liz. It's only really dog diseases that need to be kept away so you're quiet right Rocco's mum that the garden is fine, even if a cat or squirrel should be brave enough to enter

Thanks everyone. I've had Bella out in the garden and she loved it. First walk tomorrow. Wish me luck