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Rule Of 7's

Written in 1989 or 1990 by Pat Schaap, Shenanigan Shetlands, USA
submitted by Marj Brooks, Manorie Dobermans, USA

By the time a puppy is seven weeks old, he/she should have:

1.Been on 7 different types of surfaces:  carpet, concrete, wood, vinyl, grass, dirt, gravel, wood chips, etc….

2.Played with 7 different types of objects:  big balls, small balls, soft fabric toys, fuzzy toys, squeaky toys, paper or cardboard items, metal items, sticks, hose pieces, etc….

3.Been in 7 different locations:  front yard, back yard, basement, kitchen, car, garage, laundry room, bathroom, crate, etc…..

4.Met and played with 7 new people:  include children and older adults…

5.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, etc….

6.Eaten from 7 different containers:  metal, plastic, cardboard, paper, china, pie plate, frying pan, etc….

7.Eaten in 7 different locations:  crate, yard, basement, laundry room, living room, bathroom, etc…..