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When can my puppy safely go outside and socialize before all shots?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Siberian Husky | Female | spayed | 3 months and 9 days old | 54.3 lbs

So Nova got her booster and rabies shot. But there is still one more booster after 3 weeks. I have got mixed suggestions about taking her outside. Trainer told me she can walk on cement just not grass. Vet tech told me no where until last shot. Nova is really shy and I would like her to start socializing soon but I don't want to risk it either. Can you please advise

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1 Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 29th, 2017

It's fine for Nova to be "out and about" as long as you avoid high risk places like dog parks, pet stores, etc. where strange dogs of unknown health status spend a lot of time. You can walk her in your neighborhood, take her to visit friends with healthy vaccinated dogs, etc. It's actually not advisable to wait until your puppy's vaccinations are completely finished to start socializing her, because if you do this you will have already missed her socialization period (6 - 16 weeks of age in puppies). You can take a look at the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB) position statement on this for more information, if you like: https://avsab.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Puppy_Socialization_Position_Statement_Download_-_10-3-14.pdf I would also recommend getting her enrolled in a good puppy kindergarten class in your area right away, if possible - this is a great way to socialize your pup and get her started on basic obedience training in a safe, controlled environment :)

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