Puppy health while socializing at a young age

[ryanspeer]

We have a 9 week old Lab Retriever puppy that we're trying to socialize as much as possible. She's not due for her 2nd round of shots (including distemper) for another week or two, but I'm curious what everybody's educated experience is on how young is too young to socialize your puppy with other puppies. A co-worker and her husband are getting a purebread German Shorthair this coming weekend and we're anxious to get our puppies together for some socializing time. Our pup Molly will have had her 2nd round of shots by the time they get together, but my co-worker's pup won't. Considering that both pups are healthy (coming from reputable responsible breeders, respectively), is there any real risk to getting them together for play time prior to the Shorthair's 2nd shots?

[BratBoxers]

There is always a risk before 1 yr of age! You as an individual have to weigh is it better to use the opportunity to socialize or is it safest to wait.

IMO it is best to socialize. The crucial period is from 3 - 16 weeks of age. AT 8 weeks on my guys are taken out to meet as many ppl as possible before that they are socialized with everything in my house and yard and have many ppl visit.

[BabyElephant]

Our vets hold puppy parties for puppies from 8 weeks of age who have had their first shot - the earlier you socialise the better IMO.

As brat said everything comes with risks, you just have to decide what risk you're prepared to take.

[EmmaGirl]

Maddie is due for her first set of shots next week (she'll be 8 weeks).

After that, I will be working at socializing her as much as possible. There are several new pups that have moved into our neighborhood whom I'm dying to let her get to know. She's already met the neighborhood kids and various folks...but I want to be sure it's safe before she starts to interact with other dogs.
EG

[Moo]

I did NOT bring my dog off of private property, or any heavily dog trodden areas until my dog was 14 weeks old. Health was my priority. Many people will say that this is wrong, but I simply refused. There are an estimated 70,000 dogs in my city, and I'm sure a good percentage who don't vaccinate, etc, and parvovirus is a big risk around here.

Before then, I followed my breeders advice to have the dog meet at least 200 new people in the first month at home. And he did. He was fast to potty train, so he came to kid's parties and barbecues, to school, and to friend's houses. He met loads of people, but probably only 4 or so dogs, and 1 cat. His current dog manners in regards to socialization are fine, in my opinion.

[EmmaGirl]

We are not overcome with many dogs in this area. A couple of neighbors have gotten puppies as well, and my neighbor has a 2 yr old SK. There are 2 lovely large breed dogs that are very well mannered that take early morning hikes that I would love to introduce her too.

So far, she is very shy of strangers (the human kind) but allows handling and cuddling.....esp. with the children. So far, she has only been on her own backyard. I don't want to push her into socializing and don't feel the need too.

[fairlight]

At least the first set of shots should be administered before socailizing at all. If it were me, I still would not be comfortable socializing until at least 12 weeks of age...just my opinion though.

[ryanspeer]

Originally Posted by fairlight

At least the first set of shots should be administered before socailizing at all. If it were me, I still would not be comfortable socializing until at least 12 weeks of age...just my opinion though.

Both will have received their first set of shots, and by the time we get together ours will have had her second as well. Theirs won't until at least mid-July though.

[Moo]

Oh I would have my puppy meet a dog that I know. As long as the dog is UTD on shots, and the play time is on PRIVATE property. Kirby met Boo (White, 28" standard poodle) who belongs to a family when he was a baby. Boo was an adult at the time, but the meeting was in their yard.