The Rule of Sevens:
Tips on Puppy Socialization
​
Pat Hastings, AKC judge and author of The Puppy Puzzle offers these hints for neurological stimulation and socializing very young puppies.
By the time a puppy is 7 weeks old it should have:
​
-
Been on 7 different surfaces, such as: carpet, concrete, wood, vinyl, grass, dirt, gravel, wood chips, newspaper, etc.
-
Played with 7 different types of objects, such as: big balls, small balls, soft fabric toys, fuzzy balls, squeaky toys, metal items, wooden items, paper/cardboard items, milk/soda jugs, etc.
-
Been in 7 different locations, including: front yard, backyard, basement, kitchen, car, garage, laundry room, bathroom, crate, kennel, etc.
-
Been exposed to 7 challenges, such as: climbed a box, climbed off a box, gone through a tunnel, climbed up steps, climbed down steps, climbed over obstacles, played hide and seek, gone in and out of a doorway with a step, etc.
-
Eaten from 7 different containers: metal, plastic, cardboard, paper, china, pie plate, frying pan, etc.
-
Eaten in 7 different locations: crate, yard, kitchen, basement, laundry room, bedroom, x-pen, etc.
-
Met and played with 7 new people, including children and the elderly.