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What shots does my puppy need, when to socialize, and neuter?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Staffordshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 1 month and 25 days old | 4 lbs

Hi, I was hoping for a breakdown of what vaccomations my puppy needs, and when. Like what amount of weeks. Another question, when can he be around other dogs to socialize him? Also, when is the best age to get him neutered?

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1 Answer

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on June 14th, 2018

Hi there! Congratulations on your new pup :) He will need his first DAPP vaccine (for distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza) at 8 weeks of age. This vaccine needs to be boostered every 3-4 weeks until he is 16 weeks or older. He will also need a rabies vaccine at 16 weeks. Additional vaccinations such as Lyme disease, leptospirosis, or Bordetella (kennel cough) may be recommended depending on what is common in your area and what your pup's risk of exposure is. Your veterinarian should be able to tell what else, if anything, would be recommended for Dallas. Dallas can be enrolled in a good puppy kindergarten class starting at 8 weeks, and can also be around healthy, vaccinated adult dogs. I would wait until after he's finished with his vaccinations at 16 weeks to take him to high-traffic areas where lots of strange dogs have been, such as pet stores, dog parks, etc. For medium to large breed dogs, it's best if they can finish growing before being neutered - this reduces their risk of developing orthopedic issues such as hip dysplasia later in life. Because of this, I usually recommend neutering around 10-12 months of age.

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