02 Jan Understanding the 3-3-3 Rule for Newly Adopted Dogs

What to Expect When You Bring Home a New Dog: The 3-3-3 Rule

Three Days, Three Weeks, Three Months: Your New Dog’s Adjustment Journey

It takes a new pet around 3 days to adjust to their new environment, 3 weeks to start feeling comfortable, and 3 months to fully settle in and bond with their new family. The goal of the 3-3-3 rule is to help the dog adjust to their new surroundings and build a solid foundation for life with their new family. Keep in mind that every dog is unique and will adjust at his/her own pace. 

First 3 days:
Within the first 3 days, the dog might be overwhelmed, nervous, and exploring their new surroundings and may require a calm and quiet space to adjust. Your dog may not feel comfortable quite yet so do not be alarmed if he/she doesn’t want to eat for the first couple of days, many dogs do not eat when they are stressed. 

Next 3 weeks:
The dog will start to settle in, showing more of their personality, and basic training can begin. The dog will have figured out the environment a little bit more and have started to get a routine down.

First 3 months:
This period is crucial for building trust and a strong bond with the new owner, with continued socialization and training. The pet should be fully settled in, feel secure in their new home, and have developed a strong bond with their new owners. At this point, the dog should understand the typical routine.