Rule of 7's

We raise our puppies using the "Rule of 7's".  This simple rule is discussed further by Pat Hastings in Another Piece of the Puzzle: Puppy Development, a book that we recommend to all new puppy owners.  Following this rule makes sure that each of our puppies have done the following by seven weeks of age:

• Eaten out of seven different dishes (my personal favorite is the muffin pan)
• Eaten in seven different locations (crate, outside, in the kitchen, on the porch)
• Have met and been handled by seven different people (a variety of ages and personalities)
• Have been on seven different surfaces (vinyl, grass, cement, wood flooring, raised porch)
• Played with seven different objects (stuffed animals, balls, squeaky toys, rubber bones, milk cartons)
• Have been exposed to seven different challenges (agility tunnel, stairs, boxes)
• Lived in seven different locations (kitchen, porch, basement, front yard, back yard, barn)

The greater the variations in their positive experiences, the more well rounded the puppies become.  Over the years, as our program has developed, we have added two additional rules to the training of our puppies, which includes:

• Car rides
• Time away from mom and littermates; time in a crate

Car rides are another important part of puppy socialization here.  Every puppy accompanies us for several short road trips to town, they are not crated for the ride.  The first ride they are held by a family member and subsequent rides they advance to sitting in the seat by themselves.  We also believe that the puppies should each spend short amounts of time on their own away from their littermates and mother.  This time helps them to become more confident as an individual.  Each puppy will also spend a few nights in a crate alone before going to their new homes.  This is the beginning of crate training for them as we aim to make the transition into their new homes as seamless as possible.

 As simple as these rules seem, they do make a undeniable difference in the life of each and every puppy.  We highly recommend continuing with a few rules or goals in your home once your puppy arrives to continue their lifetime of learning and socialization.  Visit our Dog Blog post Rules for Life, for a few ideas.