Hi everyone. I will be getting my first Bernese puppy next weekend and was wondering how much I can socialize him before he gets all his shots? I live in town and want to be able to take him for short walks, but I'm not sure if it is safe to do so before all his shots are done. Also, do most people get just one shot at a time and then wait about 2 weeks before getting the next one? Any vaccines I should avoid?

Thanks.

Hi there...Our berners haven't met another dog that they don't love so i'm not sure whether socializing them with other dogs before thier 1st shots is necessary ( other owners may have different experiences though).
We were told when we got our 1st that they can sometimes be shy of people and that was something we didn't want. Pretty much immediatley we introduced them to as many different people and situations as we could and it seems to have worked out fairly well, they will let you know when someone is at the door for sure but aren't stand offish with anyone now (the boys were a bit to begin with).
As far as shots and boosters....your vet should be able to tell you exactly when the 1st booster is needed (i know its fairly soon after the initial shot but not exactly how soon)...sorry that wasn't much help, lol

Hello and congrats on your new pup!

Please post pictures, I love berner pups!
Anywho to answer your question regarding socializing: you can socialize him/her at any age, but be careful. Start with dogs you know have all their shots up to date and are friendly. This ensures the pup wont get sick or hurt. If your taking him to a headstart puppy training class (it does require all students have their first shots) they have a "puppy socialize time" where puppies have the chance to interact and play in a safe environment. I just took Diesel last night and he loved it! He has a type A personality so he had to run around and check EVERY SINGLE dog out and have a game of chase. They also explain to you what yor puppy is doing during this period for example.. Diesel was barking and bouncing back and forth infront of a German Shepherd, the teacher explained to me he is trying to get the other pup to play and chase him.
Puppy class is highly recommended with these breeds because of the size they grow too! You don't want a 120lb dog thinking he can do whatever he wants! It's very important you socialize them with all types of people aswell.
I take Diesel with me everywhere I go, my mother's house, sisters, friends, and when I sometimes go pick up my little nephews from school I have him sit by me while all the kids run by and sometimes play with him. Kid socialization is very important I believe, but becareful with younger or smaller children they may be little now but they still like to throw what little weight they have around!
Stores like PetSmart are also a good place to take your puppy to interact with other dogs as well as people. Just, again, get his first shots and keep him close to you. Some dogs they bring there arn't the best behaved and you don't want anything bad happening.
This is an important socialization time for your puppy, get him acustomed to all shorts of sounds and sights and you should have a well balanced pup!

As for vaccines.. Diesel was vaccinated at 7 weeks by the breeder and he will be getting vaccinated again at 12 weeks. My vet likes to wait 4 weeks between vaccines so he should be getting his 3rd shots at.. 17 or 18 weeks. It totally depends on your vet, mine is an awesome whom is not at all like any other i've met before.
He has a boston terrier that he uses to assess new patient's temperments with and play with while they wait. The terrier of course is all up to date on shots and is very well behaved; Diesel loves the little guy.

I hope I helped, it maybe overwhelming at times but well worth it.


Emmy.

Ps: As for walking around neighbourhood.. Avoid parks if you can until ALL shots are done. Quick 10-15 minute walks are good for socializing aswell as burning off excess energy.

I agree with Emmy. I think puppy class is a must. Storm went to puppy class and he was the one that ran behind everyone and watched, did not get involved but it did teach him socialization.

I also took him everywhere as well. He learned to interact with people. when they are pups everyone wants to pet them, which it teaches them not to be timid, they love it.

I would not take a puppy to a dog park or park with out shots. I also would be careful of other dog fecis..

Truman loves puppy day care and has made a lot of new friends (human and dogs alike). It helps him burn off a lot of his puppy energy, but it is remarkable to see him interact with people and dogs. He absolutely loves dogs and is not timid around people. The only negative is that your pup can catch the latest viral and or bacterial infection going around.

Thanks everyone for the help. I will definitely post pictures once we get him in a week! Thanks again.

Thanks for the tipe and knowledge everyone!

We are expecting our first male puppy in 4 weeks! We were told by other dog owners to avoid Dog Parks during the first 4 months.