7-7-7 Rule for Puppies is a Sleep Saver for Pet Parents

Want to know how to get your little guy to sleep through the night? Use this quick guideline to help familiarize him with his new surroundings.
We’re not talking about how to hit the jackpot on a Vegas slot machine. Or a rule that says you can drop food, and if you manage to pick it up within 7 seconds, it’s still edible. No, the 7-7-7 rule is actually a guideline that relates to socializing your new puppy and for those of us who are all about tracking and ticking boxes, it’s going to be right up your alley.
Here’s the Premise
The 7-7-7 guideline suggests that a young puppy should be exposed to 7 different people, 7 different objects, and 7 different surfaces, before they hit 7 weeks of age. Now, per the American Kennel Club (AKC), the weaning process for dogs kicks in around the 3 to 4-week-old mark. At that time, in addition to introducing moist, then solid foods to the little guy, behavioral development and communication skills are being learned from his mother and littermates. And this is where this numeric-focused guideline can help.
The 7-7-7 rule works for pet owners who are trying to help wean and socialize a litter of puppies to ready them for adoption. It’s also ideal for the new adopter who is not sure how to get this recent family member to feel comfortable around all the different sights, sounds, smells, and faces of this new home. Trust me, that is hugely important for anyone who has ever lived with an anxious pup who cries continuously throughout the night.
Here’s How it Works
It’s all about building familiarity, positive experiences, and thereby confidence. All are important when life begins to throw all that new stuff at your little guy.
Surfaces
A great way of exposing your pup to different surfaces can happen naturally when you’re leash-training. In addition to walking across concrete sidewalks and asphalt roads, encourage him to wander up that gravel path, grassy lawn and dirt trail. At home, there’s carpet/rugs, tile floor and hardwood that a young pooch can experience on a daily basis.
Objects
This is an easy one! Introduce a variety of soft, squeaky or bouncy toys. A new collar or harness, his own food and water bowls, maybe a baby gate or cozy bed. The goal is to build his comfort level when it comes to seeing, touching, smelling, and interacting with different textures and sensations.
People
Everyone loves a cuddly puppy, so exposure to new faces is a no-brainer. In fact, they’re likely to gravitate toward you every time you’re out for a walk. But it’s important that you not shield your pet from loud, curious kids or other adults. Of course, you want to protect them from injury, but those different sounds, manners of approach, and facial expressions are all part of how they learn to welcome strangers versus shy away.
Now, we’re not suggesting you overload your little guy with the 7-7-7 rule every day. Just take the time to ensure he gets a healthy exposure to a normal day-in-the-life of a dog types of events, rather than being crate-, house-, or yard-bound for extended periods of time.

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and 2 felines who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife
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