The December 2009 issue of Veterinary Medicine reported on a round-table discussion of early puppy socialization classes. The participants, all veterinarians involved in puppy training, looked at the benefits of classes. Then they turned their attention to the hazards of exposing puppies to infectious disease before they had finished their vaccinations.

Benefits

The panel members began by emphasizing that socialization during puppy classes is essential, and has to be done before the critical development period ends at 16 weeks of age. At classes, puppies learn bite inhibition, and how to interact with people. In addition, owners learn how to train their pups in a controlled setting.

Studies tell us that owners who invest time in training classes are much more likely to develop a strong bond with their dogs. Not attending classes, on the other hand, means the dog is at a much greater risk of being euthanized or surrendered because of poor social skills and lack of training.

Risks

However, the concern is that young puppies going to class might pick up an infection. Parvovirus is the main risk; the other diseases we vaccinate against are quite rare.

We now have excellent parvoviral vaccines. But, up to eight per cent of puppies may fail to generate protection with two vaccines; they need the final vaccine at 14 to 16 weeks of age. This small percentage of susceptible pups can’t be ignored, as they are the ones going to class.

Precautions

To minimize the risk, organizers of puppy classes can insist on pups having their initial vaccinations at least one week before classes commence. This includes the standard distemper/parvovirus/hepatitis vaccine and possibly Bordetella and parainfluenza.

Another way is to require two vaccines and start classes only after the second set has been given. This can be achieved with one set at seven weeks and a booster at nine weeks.

On-site risks can also be minimized. Classes held inside buildings are best as they allow the environment to be controlled. If there is fecal contamination, the area is cleaned and disinfected with a 1:30 bleach solution.

Puppy classes can be held before the adult classes, to reduce cross-contamination. Of course, owners should not bring puppies to class if there are any signs of illness.

The bottom line

In areas of high-risk for parvovirus, owners can be asked to take their shoes off at the door and carry their pups from car to classroom.

The panel agreed that puppies benefit tremendously from the early socialization gleaned through puppy classes. This benefit far outweighs the risk of infectious disease as long as basic precautions are taken. It is far more likely a pup will die from behavioural issues due to lack of socialization than from an infection picked up at class.

A multi-published writer, Jeff Grognet, D.V.M., runs a veterinary practice in Qualicum Beach, B.C., along with his wife, Louise Janes, D.V.M.