You rescued a dog, are you wondering how long it will take for your rescue dog to adapt ? What steps you can take to make this transition faster and easier.
The 3-3-3 rule when adopting a dog is a really useful application to understand the 3 phases a rescue pup or dog will go through when adjusting to a new living situation.
You as a new pet parent also need to understand that adopting a rescue dog or pup does bring excitement but also
unfortunately stress and worry at the same time.
You will probably have a lengthy list of questions. Lucky for you , you are in the right place.
What is the 3-3-3 Rule when adopting a dog?
The 3-3-3 rule also known as the ‘RESCUE DOG HONEYMOON PERIOD’ represents the common milestones your new rescue dog or pup will go through. It is the first 3 days, 3 weeks , 3 months after bringing your dog home from the shelter.
Before we dig deeper into the 3-3-3 rule i highly recommend having access to a veterinarian as well as a trainer. This will ensure you are starting your doggy off on the right paw!!!
Some key point’s to keep in mind about the 3-3-3 rule
- Trick training is a wonderful way of building confidence as well as a bond- for everyone involved.
- Talk to the dog. Dogs *can* learn basic words and phrases and knowing which weird human ritual is about to
happen can help them feel safer. - Use a happy voice when communicating with your pup
- Give your dog lots and lots of rest and quiet. Also give them time to take in their new surroundings
- Have a safe cozy bed where they can see what’s going on but know no one will bother them there
- Give your new pup a routine
First 3 days
Your new dog will be overwhelmed with his new surroundings. They will not be comfortable enough to be themselves. Don’t be alarmed if they doesn’t want to eat for the first couple of days, many dogs don’t eat when they are stressed. They may shut down and want to curl up in his crate or under the table. They may be scared and unsure of what is going on. Or they may be the opposite and test you to see what he can get away with, kind of like a teenager.
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Maybe scared and unsure of what is going on
- Not comfortable enough to be themselves
- May not want to eat and drink
- Shut down and want to curl up in the crate or hide under a table
- Testing the boundaries
After 3 weeks
Your dog is starting to settle in and feeling a bit more comfortable. The puppy may actually be realizing this may be his forever home. Now, your dog has probably figured out his environment and getting into a routine. You may even see some real personality! Behaviour issues may start showing, so show your puppy what’s right and wrong.
- Starting to settle in
- Feeling more comfortable
- Realizing this could be the forever home
- Figured out the environment
- Lets his/her guard down
- Behavourial issues begin to show up
After 3 Months
Your dog is now completely comfortable in his home. You have built trust and a true bond with your dog, which gives him a complete sense of security with you. He is set in his routine and will come to expect his dinner at his usual time.
- Completely comfortable in his/her new home
- Building trust and a true bond
- Gained a complete sense of security with the new family
- Set in a routine
In conclusion
Congratulations on rescuing a puppy. Enjoy your new rescue dog, give them the time and space and they will soon become your best friend!
The first thing most people want to do is show off their new rescue puppy. Just take it slow, I know you are excited but keep in mind how your dog is feeling. They have been through a lot, he may have lost his family, abandoned in a shelter… it’s all very stressful. He needs time, so give it to him.
Remember the 3-3-3 dog rule is a general guideline. Your dog will go at his/her own pace during the honeymoon
period, it could take 4, 5 or maybe even 6 months. Each dog is unique. Just be there for them, comfort them when they need it and create a positive safe environment and you will be on your way of creating your perfect dog.
McQueen Animal Hospital is proud to provide you with finest quality services in animal care in the Brampton region; we are located at 8975 McLaughlin Road, L6Y 0Z6 and are happy to answer any of your questions via phone at 905-455-7387.
Author: Admin at McQueen Animal Hospital
