What is the 777 rule for puppies?

The Rule of 7 is a technique to help introduce puppies to new environments and get them used to many different things they may encounter in their lives. 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 7-7-7 rule for socialising a new puppy is a simple rule that can help socialise your new pooch by the time they're seven weeks old. 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. Eaten from at least seven different containers, rotating your puppy's food and feeding them from different containers can offer benefits like preventing food aversions, exploring new flavours, and improving their overall well-being. Been held and petted by at least seven different people, introducing your puppy to many different people, animals, and situations boosts their confidence. Taken at least seven one-mile car rides, taking a puppy on short car rides benefits their mental stimulation, and helps them get used to travelling, while also strengthening the bond between you and your furry friend. Been in a crate at least seven times, crate training a puppy offers numerous benefits, including a safe and secure space for rest and relaxation, aiding in housetraining, and providing a controlled environment when you can't supervise, ultimately promoting better behaviour from your pooch. Played with at least seven different kinds of toys, having a variety of toys to play with can help your puppy's brain to develop while keeping them fully entertained. Walked on at least seven different surfaces, making sure your puppy has walked over seven materials, such as grass, concrete, gravel or carpet will help them adjust to the world around them, ensuring they won't be surprised when they feel different types of terrain under their paws later on. Been exposed to at least seven challenges, these could be as simple as climbing onto a box, through a tunnel, or venturing to a new place.