In the 1980s, parvovirus haunted every puppy owner.

The virus was everywhere, puppies died like flies, and early vaccines were no guarantee.

Many recommended keeping a puppy at home until puppy shots were complete, around 4 months of age.

But modern high-titer parvo and distemper vaccines are far better than their ancestors of the 80s and 90s.

Veterinarians can get decent immunity in nearly all puppies at 8-9 weeks of age.

It is no longer necessary for 10-week pups to be totally isolated. In fact, it is dangerous to isolate them.

The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior recently released a position paper, urging puppy class for all puppies prior to 3 months of age.

Unlike pet stores or dog parks, puppy classes require appropriate vaccines and use proper disinfection.

Disease transmission is exceedingly rare at puppy schools.

The window for puppy socialization slams shut around 12 weeks of age.

People of all ages, crying babies, street noises, dogs of different breeds, handling by strangers – anything a puppy doesn’t meet by 12 weeks is liable to cause fear later, and fear leads to fear aggression.

True, keeping your pup in a bubble may prevent parvo.

But parvo is mercifully rare in western Washington. Most vets encounter fear aggression every day.

And behavioral euthanasia is the leading cause of death for young adult dogs.

So vaccinate your puppy against disease with a modern high-titer vaccine.

But also vaccinate him against behavior problems, and get your puppy in class by 12 weeks of age.

Terri Hartung, DVM DABVP, is a Redmond based veterinarian.