How soon can I take my Frenchie puppy outside or to a dog park?
We keep all of our puppies up-to-date on their DAPP immunization shots; shots are given at 6 & 9 weeks and the new owner, in most cases, will give the 3rd at 12 weeks, and then yearly thereafter. We give the first Bordetella at 9 weeks and the new owner, in most cases, will give the 2nd at 12 weeks, and then yearly thereafter. If you receive your puppy before 12 weeks of age, he/she will have just had the first two DAPP shots and the 1st Bordetella shot. If you receive your puppy after 12 weeks, he/she will have had all 3 required DAPP vaccinations and both required Bordetella vaccinations. Most of you will receive your new puppies at around 9 weeks of age, so it is important that you get him/her into your vet at 12 weeks for their final DAPP and Bordetella shots and their rabies shot which can also be given at 12 weeks [and no later than 16 weeks].
We typically do not let our puppies go outside into our yard until they are around 12 weeks of age (at which time they have had all three of their DAPP shots and both Bordetella shots) so as not to expose them to our other dogs, since young puppies immune systems are not fully developed.
Unless you have multiple dogs like we do, you should be fine letting your puppy out in your own yard once you receive him/her at around 9 weeks since he/she has had the 2nd DAPP shot and initial Bordetella shot, but you should avoid any dog parks until your puppy is at least 12 weeks old and has completed his/her 3rd immunization shot and 2nd Bordetella shot and his/her immune system is quite mature. There are so many different dogs from so many different owners and environments found at dog parks that you don’t know what your puppy will be exposed to. The series of three DAPP immunization shots and two Bordetella shots will provide your Frenchie with added protection from picking up things they are exposed to at the park that could make them sick. Also, be aware that in most parks there are going to be larger, older dogs present that may not always be the friendliest to cute little Frenchies, and whose owners are not always in control of them.
Remember that Frenchies should not be exposed to extreme temperatures, especially extreme heat. Watch for signs of over-heating and make sure your Frenchie has access to plenty of shade and water if outside on a hot day.
