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My rule of thumb is that none of my pups leave the house till they have a second set of shots and are at least 12 weeks old. I tell the new parents, that they will need to wait for at least a week before they start walking out in public areas such as around the neighborhood. No petsmart, petco, until they have at least their third shot but obedience classes are okay as long as the class requires all puppies in attendance to have at least two sets and getting their third set while attending classes.
Taking your puppy outside on a short leash to learn potty manners isn't a huge deal, just make sure that you try to stay in your yard and away from areas where other dogs may have been.
Parvo is a huge concern, but there are other things such a worms that a puppy can pick up. Make sure that there is no snacking while out in the yard. Puppies like baby humans, put everything in their mouth, never once asking where it's been.
If there is a huge concern about the puppy catching something, remember where you have been during the day. Remove shoes before you come in the house and put them up where they can't get to them. Wash hands, etc. Honestly, it's not worth it, just think sensible. A puppy will need to be exposed to things in order to create their own immunity to the dangerous outside world.
Cindy and the crew at Foggy Bottom
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