Quote:
I have intimate experience with Parvo virus. One litter I lost all the puppies. The other I had all survivors, they were very lucky.
It is extremely hard to socialize dead puppies. I now err on the side of caution. Maybe too far on the side of caution, but have had no issues in my last 2 litters. Here is what I do:
I DO allow visitors. ONLY people who have been approved for a puppy from the litter, or friends selected to come and help socialize the puppies. ONLY in clean clothes. NO shoes come inside the house, and the first thing is hand washing. For myself and other frequent visitors, either no shoes in the house, or shoes get sprayed with a bleach solution. If I go to the vet, I take bleach solution with me, and disinfect my shoes and my hands before I get back in my van, and strip my clothes immediately upon return home and wash them.
My puppies are vaccinated at 7, 10, 13 and 16 weeks of age with ProGard Modified Live high titer vaccines for Parvo and Distemper only. These vaccines have been specifically developed to over ride maternal antibodies and get serum immunity in breeds known to have issues with this such as Rottweilers and Labrador Retrievers.
My puppies do NOT go out socializing until 15 weeks. My puppies do not go on grass at any time until 15 weeks. I will CARRY them so they don't touch grass, and take them to visit in the homes of friends who do not have dogs. I do invite people into my home to socialize with the puppies, I start this at 4 weeks of age with a particular emphasis on children. I do start early imprinting and positive obedience training, I do this VERY early, 6-7 weeks of age, using the clicker and positive reinforcement only.
I have had no issues with puppies being reticent of having any appearance of a lack of social skills. I will not risk my puppies getting Parvo Virus, ever again. These protocols, while they may not be suitable for everyone, are currently working very well for me, and I plan to stick to it.
I have intimate experience with Parvo virus. One litter I lost all the puppies. The other I had all survivors, they were very lucky.
It is extremely hard to socialize dead puppies. I now err on the side of caution. Maybe too far on the side of caution, but have had no issues in my last 2 litters. Here is what I do:
I DO allow visitors. ONLY people who have been approved for a puppy from the litter, or friends selected to come and help socialize the puppies. ONLY in clean clothes. NO shoes come inside the house, and the first thing is hand washing. For myself and other frequent visitors, either no shoes in the house, or shoes get sprayed with a bleach solution. If I go to the vet, I take bleach solution with me, and disinfect my shoes and my hands before I get back in my van, and strip my clothes immediately upon return home and wash them.
My puppies are vaccinated at 7, 10, 13 and 16 weeks of age with ProGard Modified Live high titer vaccines for Parvo and Distemper only. These vaccines have been specifically developed to over ride maternal antibodies and get serum immunity in breeds known to have issues with this such as Rottweilers and Labrador Retrievers.
My puppies do NOT go out socializing until 15 weeks. My puppies do not go on grass at any time until 15 weeks. I will CARRY them so they don't touch grass, and take them to visit in the homes of friends who do not have dogs. I do invite people into my home to socialize with the puppies, I start this at 4 weeks of age with a particular emphasis on children. I do start early imprinting and positive obedience training, I do this VERY early, 6-7 weeks of age, using the clicker and positive reinforcement only.
I have had no issues with puppies being reticent of having any appearance of a lack of social skills. I will not risk my puppies getting Parvo Virus, ever again. These protocols, while they may not be suitable for everyone, are currently working very well for me, and I plan to stick to it.
Last edited: