Lookout Portuguese Water Dogs: The Rule of Sevens

Tuesday, September 29, 2020

The Rule of Sevens

This is the week that the pups will "come to their senses". By the end of the week they will be able to see, hear, feel, taste and smell.

Their eyes are open, although they are nearsighted at first.
They will begin to be able to hear.
You can see eyes in the bottom photo...
They are beginning to walk unsteadily on all fours.
They are beginning to bark a little.
They will begin to play with each other and interact with their environment.

We are proponents of the "rule of sevens" which says that by the time a puppy is 7 weeks old it should have:

Been on 7 different surfaces, such as: carpet, concrete, wood, vinyl, grass, dirt, gravel, wood chips, newspaper, etc.

Played with 7 different types of objects, such as: big balls, small balls, soft fabric toys, fuzzy balls, squeaky toys, metal items, wooden items, paper/cardboard items, milk/soda jugs, etc.

Been in 7 different locations, including: front yard, backyard, basement, kitchen, car, garage, laundry room, bathroom, crate, kennel, etc.

Been exposed to 7 challenges, such as: climbed a box, climbed off a box, gone through a tunnel, climbed up steps, climbed down steps, climbed over obstacles, played hide and seek, gone in and out of a doorway with a step, etc.

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

Eaten in 7 different locations: crate, yard, kitchen, basement, laundry room, bedroom, x-pen, etc.

Met and played with 7 new people, including children and the elderly.

We will be working on fulfilling each of these goals with all the pups in upcoming weeks. While it will be more difficult due to the Covid-virus social restrictions, it is imperative that socialization with your puppy continue after he or she goes home. We'll have some resources and suggestions for ongoing socialization as the pups get closer to sending them to their forever homes.