12/01/2025
How is your dog’s socialization?
The 7-7-7 rule is a good guideline.
The 7-7-7 rule for dogs is a socialization guideline that suggests by seven weeks of age, puppies should experience seven different things from each of seven categories: seven different people, seven different locations, seven different surfaces, seven different toys, seven different containers, seven different sounds, and seven different challenges. It is used to build confidence and help puppies grow into well-adjusted adults.
The 7-7-7 rule broken down
People: A variety of people, including children, the elderly, and people with different gaits or appearances (e.g., wearing hats, using a cane).
Locations: Different places within the home (e.g., basement, laundry room) and outside (e.g., garage, a friend's yard, the vet's office).
Surfaces: Different textures, such as grass, gravel, carpet, vinyl, wood, concrete, and tile.
Toys: A variety of toys with different textures and features, like squeaky toys, balls, and rubber bones.
Containers: Different types of bowls and other containers to eat from, such as metal, plastic, and ceramic bowls.
Sounds: Exposure to a range of sounds, like the vacuum cleaner, television, or traffic.
Challenges: Gentle, positive challenges that encourage problem-solving, such as going up and down steps, going through a tunnel, or navigating a box.
