I live in a high parvo epidemic area and as a result most reputable trainers will not take puppies into obedience classes without full sets of shots, so they cannot start until sometime after 12-16 weeks. I picked up a puppy kindergarten form from my local Petsmart thinking we could try to go there for socialization as a last ditch effort and noticed they also require a full set of vaccinations before entering the classes. I'm curious, is this the same in other parts of the country or is it just a requirement here in this part of Texas due to the parvo crisis?

__________________


Meet Yogi! http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...tion-yogi.html

DG, I just went on PetsMart's website in the Training section and found this info:


*We require proof of current parvovirus, distemper, and parainfluenza vaccinations for all dogs. We also require current proof of a rabies vaccination for any dog over 4 months of age

So it's a new nationwide policy. Thanks, I distinctly remember some posters saying they got their new pup in PS puppy kindergarten week one or two after bringing them home and now I realize that just isn't possible any more. We'll just need more puppy parties here at the house I guess!

__________________


Meet Yogi! http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...tion-yogi.html

it is the same here in VA as far as vac requirements. Frankly I would stay away from anyone that does not follow those requirements. I put health before socialization and training. You can always train at home and you can always socialize your pup with known older dogs from extended family members or neighborhood.

It may be that some of the Petsmart locations weren't adhering to the policy or perhaps the policy has changed recently.

I agree with Claudia M, I'd be very concerned about a pup's health-socialize Yogi around dogs you know that are healthy and current on their shots.

His health is my primary concern as well, but some of the board members here in previous threads have gone a little overboard accusing those of us putting health first over socialization experiences as risking our puppies to an unsocialized life, which I found a little harsh at the time. There is little chance Yogi won't be socialized because it is my main priority right now (behind potty and crate training) and he's already met 116 people in a week, as well as 3 dogs.

__________________


Meet Yogi! http://www.goldenretrieverforum.com/...tion-yogi.html

Aahh, what a bummer! We get puppies in right away as long as they are current on their shots, they don't have to be finished. But I can totally understand the reasoning if the parvo is so bad.

Maybe you could get in contact with other puppy owners and have your own little socialization session?

__________________
-Valerie

DG-our Park District offers training classes for Pups and Dogs, no idea what the shot requirements are though.

Check to see if your Park District offers them, you should have a lot more options in your area than I do in mine.

If you read that notice it doesn't really state the age the dogs can begin the class. It only reads that the dogs' vaccination needs, which can vary based on different vet clinics protocol.
Here in CA there is a private trainer who allows dogs in the class at 9 or 10 weeks. I don't know what the local Petsmart requirement is but I would guess it is the same company wide.

__________________


"Beau" Mr. Beaujangles Dancin on a Wim CD, RN , ASCA CD, CGC (RIP my shining star 1-17-11)
"Baylee" UCD Baylee Golden Butterfly Wings CDX, RN , ASCA CD, CGC
"Baxter" U-Ch Promise's Purpose Driven Vision CGC (looking toward the future)
"Blayze" Promise's D'Best Aim For The Goal'd(the new kid on the block)

I started puppy class with Beamer at 8 weeks at my local dog training club. They were great. I had to start that early because the next session I would not be able to finish due to going back to school. Everything worked out fine. He just had his distemper vaccine to begin with. When he was old enough of course he got what was needed. Never had a problem. Maybe call and see if they will make an exception?

Personally I would not risk petsmart with the parvo endemic. They do not check if a dog is vaccinated that comes into there. I have seen and heard of dogs getting parvo from there.

---
And you are doing a great job of socialization so far! I know what you mean about the controversy going on and it can be difficult since we all want our pups to be safe!

__________________