How long will it take my rescue dog to adjust?
The honest answer is, it depends. Some dogs will follow the 3-3-3 rule to a tee, others will take 6 months or a full year to feel completely comfortable.
Keep in mind that the 3-3-3 dog rule is a general guideline. It will depend on the situation the dog was surrendered, the dogs personality and background.
Give your dog space and allow him to go at his own pace during this honeymoon period. You will look back someday and be amazed at the transformation.
Let’s look at the what you should expect:
Three Weeks
However, once your rescue pup has been with you for three weeks, you can expect to see noticeable improvements in their adjustment.
You will notice they have figured out their environment and feel more free to move around the space and explore. They are also less likely to be “on guard” with the other people and animals living in the space and will be more open to petting and playing.
They won’t have it all figured out at this point, so you can still expect some behavioral issues, such as destructive behavior when they are left at home alone and nipping when they are touched in a way that they don’t like.
The Next 3 Weeks — Slowly Let Your Dog Adjust to New People and Experiences
Once your new dog has become adjusted to your home, learned a few rules, and has a daily routine, you can very slowly introduce her to new things and people. Start by taking her for longer walks around the neighborhood. This will allow her to check out her immediate surroundings and get used to everyday noises. She will also begin to get used to the coming and going of your neighbors. As you encounter neighbors, you can start to introduce her to them.
But be careful with other dogs when your dog is on a leash. It is not normal for dogs to meet head-on, and they may feel threatened. Dogs prefer to meet off-leash and move toward other dogs sideways, so they can sniff, check them out, and run away if necessary.
After several days, you can slowly begin to introduce your new pooch to friends and outside family members, but do it one at a time.
How to Help Your Dog Adjust to a New Home
It is a common myth to think that all dogs up for adoption in shelters and rescues are damaged in some way. Nothing could be less true! Dog shelters and rescues are full of lovable, active, and healthy adoptable dogs just waiting for someone to take them home. Before you adopt shelter dogs, learn the 3-3-3 rule. After you adopt, call us — We can help teach you to lead your Pack in a safe and loving — and disciplined — home, removing anxiety and bad behaviors.
Rescuing a new dog can be rewarding and bring joy to your entire family. Before you adopt shelter dogs, they say you should know the 3-3-3 rule. The 3-3-3 rule represents the phases of a rescue dog or common milestones your new dog or puppy will go through 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months after being adopted from a shelter. Your new dog will have unfamiliar surroundings and go through an adjustment period while settling into his new home. Give your dog space and time to grow once you bring them home.