What is the 7 7 7 rule for puppies?
Tierra Langosh
2025-10-08 14:31:10
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: 21
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.
Eaten from at least seven different containers.
Been held and petted by at least seven different people.
Taken at least seven one-mile car rides.
Been in a crate at least seven times.
Played with at least seven different kinds of toys.
Walked on at least seven different surfaces.
Been exposed to at least seven challenges.
Wilbert Rempel
2025-09-29 17:20:59
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: 20
The 7-7-7 rule outlines an adjustment curve for dogs in new homes: After 7 Days: Dogs are beginning to decompress from shelter or rescue life.
They're starting to explore but may still feel unsure or overwhelmed.
After 7 Weeks: Behavior stabilizes as the dog becomes more comfortable.
Owners might start to see more of their true personality.
After 7 Months: Most dogs have fully bonded with their humans, developed routines, and feel their home is a safe and permanent place.
This rule helps us understand that adjustment takes time, and dogs do not immediately acclimate to new environments or people.
The first week is critical.
Dogs entering a new home often come from stressful situations—the shelter, foster homes, or previous owners.
By the seven-week mark, the dog usually starts to show more confidence.
Their real temperament begins to shine: Training is more effective as the dog is more receptive to learning.
At the seven-month milestone, owners typically notice full integration: Strong attachment forms—many dogs now follow owners around or seek affection regularly.
Behavior stabilizes: Dogs understand rules, limits, and expectations.
Personality is fully evident: Whether silly, shy, bold, or cuddly, what you see is usually what you get.
Nelle Toy
2025-09-18 21:49:18
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: 12
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.
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