What You Need To Know About the 3-3-3 Rule When Adopting a Dog

One important concept any new dog owner needs to know is the 3-3-3 Rule. This is a general rule that most rescues and shelters share with new adopters to help them understand what to expect when bringing a new dog home.

But what is the 3-3-3 Rule? Is it an exact science? Here’s everything you need to know!

What Is the 3-3-3 Rule?

The 3-3-3 Rule is a general timeline that describes how dogs adjust to new environments.

While we didn’t create the rule, it is something we share with all our fosters and adopters.

It consists of three stages that start when a dog enters their new home:

• 3 days to decompress

• 3 weeks to begin to learn the routine

• 3 months to feel at home

Think of it as a roadmap of what to expect as your dog adjusts to your home. No matter where your dog comes from, you can apply the 3-3-3 Rule to their acclimation process in your home.

What To Expect During the First Three Days

Imagine you just moved into a new apartment with a new roommate in a new city. You don’t know what to expect, you don’t know what the house rules are, you don’t know where things are, and you likely don’t really know this new person you are living with. It can be stressful!

The first few days in your home are similar for your dog. Everything is new and could be overwhelming for them.

You can expect to see some of the following:

• Shyness or withdrawal: Don’t be surprised if your dog seems aloof, scared, or overly quiet. They're still taking in their surroundings.

• Nervous behaviors: Accidents in the house, pacing, hiding, or barking can all be signs of stress.

• Unpredictability: Your dog may test boundaries or react strongly to new sights and sounds.

These first three days are your dog's decompression period. Try to stay calm, be gentle, and give them space to explore. Don't overwhelm them with too many people or activities.

Routine, quiet, patience, and consistency are critical during this phase.

Learn More: Dog Decompression

What To Expect During the First Three Weeks

Now, let’s say you are three weeks into your new living situation. You’ve gotten to know your new roommate better, you’ve figured out the kids next door play catch in the courtyard every afternoon, you know where the grocery store is, and you are finding your groove.

It's the same for your dog. By week three, your dog is likely starting to feel more comfortable. You might notice:

• Emerging personality: They start to show who they really are, be it playful, curious, shy, communicative, or something else.

• Testing boundaries: They may begin testing the rules. You may see behaviors like chewing on things, jumping up, or ignoring commands.

• Forming attachments: Bonding begins, and your dog might become more affectionate or look to you for guidance.

The three-week mark is a great time to reinforce the house rules because this is when your dog is learning the routine. Consistency during this time will go a long way. Your dog is learning what’s expected of them, and they're beginning to understand this new place might be home.

Depending on how they are progressing, it may also be a good time to introduce them to new people who will be in their lives regularly, as well as new pets. Always take intros slowly, though (slow and steady wins the race).

What To Expect During the First Three Months

Now, let’s imagine you are three months into your new living situation. You’ve spent lots of time with your roommate and know them well, the house rules are set, you know that the first Saturday of each month there’s a community BBQ, and you even know the best restaurant for Italian food in your new city. You feel at home.

Your dog will have a similar experience. The three-month mark is when most dogs feel settled and at home. At this point:

• Confidence grows: They know the rules, routines, and are comfortable with the household's rhythm.

• Trust is built: A real bond starts to form. You’re no longer a stranger. You’re family.

• Behavior stabilizes: While no dog is perfect, their day-to-day behavior becomes more predictable.

At this stage, training can become more consistent and advanced. It’s also a good time to introduce new experiences that are outside their normal routine. If they are active and love to hike, take them to a new trail! Or, if they seem to enjoy being around the water, consider trying kayaking or standup paddleboarding with them.

Is the 3-3-3 Rule an Exact Science?

No, the 3-3-3 Rule is not an exact science. It's a general guideline. Think of it as a framework to set your expectations when bringing a new dog into your home. Every dog is different. More confident dogs may settle in faster. Shy dogs may take longer.

What matters is giving your dog time, patience, and consistency as they adjust to their new life.

Why You Shouldn’t Return a New Dog in the First Three Months

It can be tempting to second-guess your decision to adopt during those tough first few days, weeks, and months. But it’s important to remember that most dogs are still adjusting. Many returns to shelters or rescues happen prematurely before a dog has had time to settle in.

Remember that who a dog is during their first few days, weeks, or months, especially if they are struggling, is likely to change once they are settled in and understand the routine.

Giving your dog the full three months allows both of you to grow together. There might be messes, missteps, and moments of frustration. However, if you stick with it, you'll be SO glad you did.

Learn More: Why You Shouldn't Give Up on a New Dog

Final Thoughts

It takes time for a dog to settle into a new home. The 3-3-3 Rule is an important reminder to give your dog that time.

Hang in there if you're in the early days and feeling unsure. That questionable start is more than likely the beginning of something beautiful.

Sources

1. ASPCAPro. (n.d.). Pet Adjustment Periods: The 3 Days - 3 Weeks - 3 Months Guide. Retrieved from https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/pet-adjustment-periods-3-days-3-weeks-3-months-guide

2. Longmont Humane Society. (n.d.). It Doesn’t Happen Overnight – The 3-3-3 Rule for Dog Adoptions. Retrieved from https://www.longmonthumane.org/3-3-3/