Before vaccinations, you should avoid public places like dog parks, streets, and beaches where unvaccinated dogs or contaminated surfaces might expose your puppy to deadly diseases like Parvovirus; do not let them interact with unknown dogs or sniff feces; and keep them home, socializing indoors with family, in a safe yard, or carrying them in public to experience new sights and sounds without direct ground contact.
Although it is safe to take your puppy outside in private areas such as your backyard, you should wait until they are fully vaccinated before bringing them to public places such as dog parks or walking trails.
The 777 Puppy Rule (or Rule of 7s) is a guideline for puppy socialization, suggesting that by seven weeks old, a puppy should experience seven different Surfaces, seven different Sounds, seven different Objects, seven different People, seven different Locations, seven different Containers, and seven different Challenges, all in positive, short, and safe ways to build confidence and resilience. It helps prevent fear and reactivity by creating positive associations with novel experiences during the critical socialization window (around 4-16 weeks).
Here are 11 things you can do:
Avoid Exposure to Unvaccinated Dogs
Socialization is important, but until your puppy has completed their full vaccination series, avoid dog parks, pet stores, or grooming facilities. Instead, arrange controlled playdates with fully vaccinated, healthy dogs.
The 10-10-10 rule for puppy potty training is a specific routine: 10 minutes outside in the designated potty spot, staying 10 feet away from the house/play area, followed by 10 minutes of focused supervision indoors to prevent accidents before the next potty break, creating a consistent cycle for success. This method ensures the puppy has ample time to eliminate and minimizes mistakes by closely monitoring them afterward, reinforcing good habits consistently.
The "3-2-1 rule" in veterinary medicine refers to monitoring post-vaccination lumps in cats for potential Feline Injection-Site Sarcomas (FISS): a lump needs investigation (biopsy/removal) if it's still there 3 months after vaccination, is bigger than 2 cm (about 1 inch), or is growing larger 1 month after appearing. This guideline helps differentiate normal inflammatory reactions from cancerous growths that can rarely form at injection sites, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and Veterinary Partner.
The "5-minute rule" for puppies is a popular guideline suggesting 5 minutes of structured exercise (like on-leash walking) per month of age, up to twice a day, to protect developing bones and joints from injury, meaning a 3-month-old gets 15 mins, twice daily, and a 4-month-old gets 20 mins, twice daily. While it's a useful guide to prevent over-exercising, some sources note there's no hard scientific proof, and it's more about managing intensity (avoiding jarring impact) rather than strict time limits, with sniffing and mental stimulation being as vital as physical activity.
How can I exercise my dog before they're fully vaccinated?
According to Animal Humane Society's Shelter Behavior Services Supervisor, Lauren Fries, “Giving dogs the opportunity to sniff can be just as enriching as physical exercise and is an important part of providing well-rounded enrichment for your dog.”
Red flag puppy behaviors signal serious issues beyond normal puppy antics, including aggression (growling, snapping, biting, lunging), extreme fear/anxiety (intense cowering, hiding, refusing treats, constant escape attempts, shutting down), resource guarding (guarding food/toys with aggression), and severe separation anxiety (destructive behavior when alone). Recognizing these early and seeking professional help from a trainer or vet is crucial, as these often stem from trauma or lack of socialization and won't just disappear with age.
The 3-second rule for puppies (and dogs) is a guideline for positive greetings and interactions, suggesting initial meetings or petting sessions last no more than three seconds before pausing, allowing the dog to choose to re-engage, which helps build confidence, reduce overstimulation, and prevent negative reactions like fear or aggression. It teaches dogs that social contact is on their terms, using short, controlled sniff-and-greet intervals (3 seconds), then disengaging, and repeating as needed, while also being used for petting to let dogs signal they want more.
The hardest months with a puppy often fall into two challenging phases: 3-5 months (teething/juvenile), marked by intense nipping, regression, and sleep disruption, and the adolescent period (around 6-18 months), when hormones kick in, leading to boundary testing, leash pulling, and independence, making consistency crucial. While the early teething phase tests patience with sleep deprivation and biting, adolescence brings stubbornness and new behavioral issues as they become "teenagers".
Avoid places where your puppy or unvaccinated dog could be exposed to parvovirus from unvaccinated dogs. Dog parks, pet stores, playgroups, your neighborhood and other public areas should be avoided until your dog or puppy is fully vaccinated.
Pro-immunity extras include red-bell peppers, berries (such as strawberries and blueberries), as well as spinach, carrots or kale. Many dogs will take these offerings as training treats, or they can be added to their meals. If you feel that your dog needs immune support beyond this level, consult your veterinarian.
Gentle Control and Enhanced Safety A harness helps you contain your puppy's movements without the risk of pulling or pressure on sensitive areas. With a harness, you can guide your puppy's movements, helping them stay safe during walks and training sessions.
Parvovirus can be life-threatening for young dogs. If your puppy is yet to have their first vaccination, it's important to keep them away from other dogs and out of public places in order to minimise exposure to the virus. Play with your puppy indoors and incorporate toys and games to keep them engaged.
Remember, the best exercise for puppies is safely free running. If you have access to a fenced yard, allow your pup to wander freely, choosing their speed and direction, but don't leave them unsupervised. She will naturally regulate her activity, going fast when she wants to and slowing down when she gets tired.
Early signs of parvovirus (Parvo) in dogs often include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, and fever, quickly progressing to severe, often bloody, diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which can be fatal within days if untreated. If you notice these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately as early intervention is critical for survival.
The hardest "commandment" (command) to teach a dog is often considered Recall ("Come"), due to powerful natural instincts to explore or play, followed by impulse control commands like "Leave It/Drop It", and complex obedience actions like the "Finish" (positioning at the handler's side) or "Heel", requiring intense focus and self-control, especially with distractions like other dogs or interesting sights/smells.
The 3-3-3 rule for dogs is a guideline for new owners, especially for rescues, showing a dog's typical adjustment phases: 3 Days (overwhelmed, decompression), 3 Weeks (settling in, learning routine, showing personality), and 3 Months (feeling at home, building trust, fully integrated). It's a framework to set expectations, reminding owners to be patient and provide structure, as every dog's timeline varies.
For puppies grow, it's important to gradually build their stamina and not over-exercise them at a young age. A good rule of thumb is to walk a puppy for about 5 minutes per day per month of age.
Louis suggests that circadian rhythm — the natural cycle of physical and other changes our bodies go through in a 24-hour period — may affect the body's response to the COVID-19 vaccine. The research suggests that vaccines given around the middle of the day may prevent more infections than those given at other times.
Treatment For Vaccine Reactions in Dogs
Serious reactions such as anaphylaxis and shock require immediate veterinary care! Medications and intravenous fluids will be provided to help your dog recover and restore your pet's vital signs. Epinephrine and/or cortisone may also be used in these cases.
Key Facts. Extensive testing is required for every vaccine, and research shows that getting multiple vaccines at the same time is safe. There is no medical reason to delay or space out childhood immunizations.