Most puppies will not get all their shots until they are 15 to 16 weeks of age. Some breeders and veterinarians recommend an even more extended schedule. It's very important that you do not expose your puppy to dangerous diseases until she's had vaccinations to protect her.

Puppies can get diseases by walking where sick dogs have been and by picking up traces of feces or other bodily fluids. Some viruses, such as the parvovirus, are extremely durable and contagious, and it only takes a small amount of exposure to infect your puppy. How do you prevent exposure?

Do not let your puppy walk in public places. This means that you should not let your puppy walk in the neighborhood or in public parks until she has had all her shots. If you must take your puppy to these places, carry her. Of course, this will be easier with a Maltese puppy than it will be with an English Mastiff, but it's up to you to keep your puppy safe.

The need to keep your puppy safe from disease can compete with the need to socialize her. If the ideal window for socialization is up to 16 weeks, and your puppy will not complete her shot series before then, how can you expose her to the world? Here's how to do it safely:

Invite friends and family to your house. If your puppy can't get out, bring the people in! Ask them to remove their shoes before coming into your home just in case they've stepped in something that can cause your puppy harm.
Invite safe, friendly dogs to your home. If you have friends who have suitable dogs for your puppy to meet, invite them to come play at your place.
Only visit safe houses. If you have friends who have a suitable, healthy dog who would play well with your puppy, visit their homes. This is safer than letting your puppy walk in a public park or in a neighborhood where you don't know the dogs who have been there. Be sure to carry your puppy from the car into your friend's home.
Do not let your puppy run up to dogs you don't know, especially at the veterinarian's office. Dogs who visit the veterinarian may be sick. If you let your puppy greet them, you could be exposing her to a contagious disease. Carry your young puppy into the veterinarian's office, and keep her in your lap (or in her crate) until her immune system is protected.

These simple steps will allow you to socialize your puppy while minimizing exposure to disease.