What is the rule of 7 for puppy socialization?

By the time a puppy is 3 months, make sure he has: Been on 7 different types of surfaces: carpet, tile, linoleum, concrete, wood, vinyl, grass, dirt, gravel, and wood chips. Played with 7 different types of objects: rope toys, plush toys, big balls, small balls, soft fabric toys, squeaky toys, paper or cardboard items, metal items, and sticks. Been in 7 different locations: front & back yard, basement, kitchen, car, garage, laundry room, bathroom, kids room, living room, hallway, Vet’s office, groomers. Met and played with 7 new people: include children and older adults, someone walking with a cane or in a wheelchair or walker, someone tall, someone in a hat. Been exposed to 7 challenges: climb on a box, go through a tunnel, climb steps, go down steps, climb over obstacles, play hide and seek, go in and out of a doorway with a step up or down, run around a fence. Eaten from 7 different containers: metal, plastic, cardboard, paper, human hands, pie plate, tin pan, frying pan, Frisbee, elevated bowl. Eaten in 7 different locations: crate, yard, exercise pen, basement, laundry room, living room, bathroom, back yard. Our rule of 7 works by introducing pups starting at 4 weeks of age to 7 new things they hadn’t had a lot of contact with before. Four days later we change these to 7 new items. So by the time you pick up your Golden Meadows puppy they have been introduced to 49 different or new things/changes. The rule of 7 is a technique we learned to help introduce our Golden Retriever puppies to new environments and get them used to many different things they may encounter in their lives. Much like ENS (early Neurological Stimulation) the Rule of seven introduces the pups to small stresses that will help boost confidence, social behavior, and their train-ability. By the time puppies are 8 weeks old they will have been introduced to serval new things and areas. This improves their ability to cope with stress, socializing, and train-ability.

The 7-7-7 rule for socialising a new puppy. By the time your puppy is seven weeks old, you should make sure they have completed the following: Been in at least seven different locations. These could include your front or back garden, the garage, different rooms in the house, or even your neighbour's garden. Been held and petted by at least seven different people. Introducing your puppy to many different people, animals, and situations boosts their confidence. Allowing your puppy to interact with other people and dogs in a controlled, supportive environment teaches them not to fear these encounters when they happen in the real world. Experts at the SPCA of Wake County share the 'rule of sevens', or the '7-7-7' rule, to help your young pet adapt to their new environment.