Have you ever heard of the Rule of Sevens? It’s a rule of thumb for training puppies and helps you keep them socialized and ready for anything. If you follow this rule, your puppy has a better chance of growing up to be a socialized, well-behaved dog.
What is the Rule of Sevens?
The Rule of Sevens is a series of socialization guidelines for a puppy. It includes several milestones your puppy should have reached by the time they’ve reached seven weeks old. If you hit these milestones, you can expect your dog to have a good personality as they grow up.
Been in Seven Different Locations
Your puppy needs to have seen seven different locations aside from home by the time they’re seven weeks old. Even if that’s just the backyard, front yard, neighbor’s house, car, dog park, vet’s office, and pet store, exposing them to these different environments will help show them the great wide world isn’t scary.
Eaten from Seven Different Containers
Make your puppy more adaptable by having them eat from seven different containers at mealtimes. It’s important to keep their food the same, though. Dogs, and especially puppies, really like routines and schedules. Stick to vet-approved puppy chow.
Met at Least Seven People
Some dog owners are scared of having new people around their precious puppy. However, you need to let your dog meet at least seven people who aren’t you before they reach seven weeks old. If you don’t, they might never learn to trust other people!
Been for a Seven Mile Car Ride
Riding in the car is just a part of life for dogs. Between going to the groomer, the vet, and the dog park, your dog is going to need to learn how to be a good passenger. Make sure to take them for at least one ride in the car for at least seven miles before they turn seven weeks old.
Been in a Crate Seven Times
Being in a crate is also part of being a dog. Not all dogs can sleep in the bed with their owners all the time. Sure, your puppy might be adorable when they sleep on your pillow, but when they grow up that might not be feasible. Get them used to the crate early.
Played with Seven Different Toys
Don’t let your dog get too possessive and attached when it comes to toys. Mix their toys up and let them play with a wide variety of different toys so they can experience positive playtime and also not develop unhealthy attachments to objects.
Been Exposed to Seven Contexts
This one might be a bit strange at first glance. By “contexts,” we mean that your dog should have been in places with different “feels,” like the store, the vet’s office, large public gatherings, the dog park, and so forth. This one is usually covered at the same time as the tip that they encounter seven different locations, but it’s good to double-check.
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Had Solo Playtime Seven Times
You should make sure you play with your puppy without other dogs around them at least seven times before they turn seven. You don’t want them to only feel comfortable with playtime when their siblings or parents are around, so give them plenty of hands-on playtime without them nearby.
Read More: 10 Tips to Stop Puppy Biting
What if You’re Too Late?
If you miss any of these benchmarks, you’re not going to have a “broken” dog. It just means you might have to spend some more time training them to be sociable as they get older! As long as you’re a patient and kind owner and you give them lots of positive reinforcement, your dog is going to turn out fine.
Read More: 10 Things Every New Puppy Owner Should Do
