The Rule of 3s

Being part of the shelter community for so long, I saw a ton of newly adopted pets come and go. Unfortunately, sometimes they would only be gone for a few days or weeks before returning.

I think that is because the dog that the adopters meet in the shelter, or see on fun videos, is not the same dog they see when they take them home. It’s important to remember that sometimes those dogs in the shelter are very acclimated and comfortable with the lives they have established there. They have a routine with predictable feeding, walking, playing, schedules and are very familiar with the people they interact with and places they go.

The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline to help new adopters know what to expect as we go through the different phases of adjustment to a new home. Not all dogs meet these milestones at the 3s mark. Some move through much more quickly, while other dogs, like me, take a little longer. Here is a rough idea of what to expect along with how I’m doing in the process 🙂

Phases of a rescue dog: The first three days

Your new canine companion needs some time to decompress. He probably feels unsure of what’s expected of him and is stressed. He may:

• Feel overwhelmed
• Be scared and unsure of what’s going on
• Not be comfortable enough to “be himself”
• Not want to eat and drink
• Be shut down and curl up in a safe area such as in a crate or under furniture and sleep a lot
• Have diarrhea from stress or dietary changes
• Test his boundaries

I took some time to moving into phase 2, but now that it’s been a week, I am making baby steps to get there. I’m brave enough to sniff around the yard for a few minutes before running back inside after going to the bathroom. Once I’m inside, I wag my tail in excitement! YES I still remember how to wag my tail!!! Some of my old foster families never got to see this personality. I’m really getting the hang of this! I’m definitely not the same dog you see in the videos and pictures from my last foster home. But it took me months to show them my true personality. I hope the little sparks of my personality shine through during my transition to give mom encouragement that I will get there again with time and patience.

I’m also slowing learning who all the other family members are. They talk to me from the doorway and I see mom petting and playing with them from a safe distance.

I’ve got to say, it’s really important to take time introducing other pets, people and novel situations to your new rescue dog. Even though it’s exciting to have a new family member and you want to make them part of everything you do, be patient and let them settle in slowly. I think there would be far fewer returns to the shelter if every adopter understood these three phases. The first few weeks of a rescue dog’s new life is not the time to take them to the dog park or throw a welcoming party for all the family and friends to meet your new pride and joy. We need the time to get to know you and our new home first before we can enjoy our whole new wonderful world.

I’m on my way through phase 2 now which may take longer than 3 weeks but my mom is ready for the challenge 🙂 Check back here in a few weeks to see how I’m doing!!!!

Phases of a rescue dog: The first three weeks

During this time, your new addition starts to feel relaxed and his true personality emerges. He may:

• Start to settle in
• Feel more comfortable
• Realize that this could possibly be his forever home
• Figure out his environment
• Get into a routine
• Let his guard down and start to show his true personality
• Show any ingrained behavior problems

Phases of a rescue dog: The first three months

This is the period when your adopted dog’s true personality and temperament are displayed. It’s a great time to bond with him. He may:

• Be completely comfortable in his new home
• Start to trust and build a bond with you
• Gain a complete sense of security with his new family
• Settle into and embrace his new routine

How to help your rescue dog settle in your home

Set up a safe space away from commotion, such as a spare bedroom or laundry room. It should be a welcoming area with a cozy bed and crate.

Establish a routine so that your new canine companion will know what to expect from and feel confident in his new world. He needs regular feedings, exercise, play and training. Use positive reinforcement and speak calmly when getting to know him. Have patience. Introduce him slowly over time to his new environment and family.

The 3-3-3 Rule establishes milestones that help predict what your new canine addition may be experiencing. By understanding what occurs during these three periods, you’ll be better able to help him adjust to his new world. With patience, planning and routines, the bond with your rescued pup will blossom and you’ll have great adventures to come and memories to make.