The Rule of Sevens
The Rule of 7's: A Socialization Checklist for Young Puppies
A fun and effective way to help your puppy grow into a well-mannered, confident companion.
Early socialization is one of the most important things you can do to help your puppy grow into a confident, well-adjusted adult dog.
Puppies go through a critical learning period in their first few months of life, and the experiences they have during this time can shape how they respond to the world around them for the rest of their lives.
Introducing your puppy to a variety of people, places, objects, and situations in a positive and gentle way helps prevent fear and anxiety later on.
The Rule of 7s is a simple, structured way to guide this process and give your puppy a strong foundation for a lifetime of good behavior and emotional resilience.
THE RULE OF 7'S
By the time a puppy is 7 weeks old she should’ve…
— Been in at least 7 different locations (backyard, garage, kitchen, neighbor’s yard, etc.)
— Eaten from at least 7 different containers
— Been held and petted by at least 7 different people
— Taken at least 7 one-mile car rides
— Been in a crate at least 7 times
— Played with at least 7 different kinds of toys
— Walked on at least 7 different substrates (grass, gravel, concrete, etc.)
— Been taken somewhere alone, without mom or littermates, at least 7 times
— Been exposed to at least 7 challenges (climbed on a box, gone through a tunnel, climbed up steps, etc.)
Adapted from original article “The Puppy Puzzle” by Pat Hastings
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