Quarantined

Okay, so we're not quarantined because Jaeger or Izzy have a disease but Jaeger is restricted to the house for at least another two weeks. He's had two of three rounds of parvo/distemper shots. We restricted Izzy until she had all of her shots, but we're anxious to get Jaeger outside for several reasons.

First, we want to socialize him with other dogs. In particular, we want to take him to puppy parties so he learns not to be so rough. Izzy isn't doing a good job of teaching him this lesson because she never stops playing with him - she'll cry, but won't do the "I'm not going to play for you a while because you were too rough" thing. The trainer says its critical to get him socialized and that the risk of developing behavioral problems is so much greater than getting parvo or distemper. If we didn't have any potential behavioral problems - Jaeger trying to shake Izzy, being too rough, and growling occasionally, it wouldn't be such a concern, but we do have these potential problems.

Second, we want to train him to go potty outside - he actually has it down, but it's not so great to have to convert our patio/grill area into a bathroom for Jaeger, especially in the summer. My husband cleans it off, but he can't do so every day.

Third, it will be so much easier to take them both outside together rather than to take Izzy outside on a walk and then take Jaeger out to the patio.

But the main reason is really to socialize him.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, the doctor said we shouldn't go to training or outside with him. The trainers were pretty shocked to hear this proclamation, especially since he has had two of his three shots. Although I usually follow the doctor's order, I think I may just have to rebel this one time.