The 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs: How to help your new dog settle into their home

What is the 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs?

• 3 days to decompress from the stress of kennels 
• 3 weeks to adjust to routines and environments
• 3 months to bond, build confidence and feel at home  

Is the 3-3-3 rules for rescue dogs accurate?

It should be used as a guide, not a ‘rule’ as is it is often described. The problem with any ‘rule’ is the lack of flexibility. In the best-case scenario, you have a dog who settles quicker than expected, and you take a little longer than necessary, but they still settle in great.

The problems come when you have a dog who needs more time than 3-3-3. It is important to assess each dog as an individual.  

The first 3 days: Helping your rescue dog decompress 

There is often a lot of talk about the time taken for cortisol and stress hormones to reduce once your dog is out of kennels. The main issue here is that this assumes the dog will not be stressed in their new home. However wonderful your home is, it is likely that lots of dogs will find the change stressful.  

What to avoid in the first 3 days

The 3-day guide can be helpful though. For the first three days you should avoid anything stressful. For most dogs this will mean:

• No walks (spend time exploring the house and garden if you have one)
• No meeting other pets in the house (they should already have met any resident dogs already, but do not introduce cats, rabbits etc just yet)
• No visitors  
• No leaving home alone  
• No bathing or grooming  
• No routine vet trips (only if unwell at that time and need medical attention) 

Why your dog may still feel stressed

The effects of stress experienced in kennels, and prior to this for many dogs, don’t just disappear when their cortisol is back to ‘normal’ either. 

The first 3 weeks: Helping your rescue dog adjust to a new routine

It can be useful to think about it taking 3 weeks (at least) to get your dog used to their new routines. This means the process should be slow and steady, a little at a time over the weeks. It’s a great way to set realistic expectations.  

Focus on one routine at a time

These adjustments are a process and will take time patience and repetition. I would suggest grouping the things your dog needs to get used to into: 

You do not need to squeeze everything into these first three weeks. There will be some things that can wait. Below are some common routines you will need to think about:

• Bedtime routine
• Mealtimes (theirs and yours)  
• Housetraining  
• Access to areas of the house (stair gates, closed doors etc)
• Going on walks  
• Going in the car  
• Having guests 

The first 3 months: Building trust and confidence

It is so rewarding when you know your rescue dog truly feels like they are home and part of the family. Not all rescue dogs are nervous or shy, but lots are. Having a good bond with their immediate family is so important. It can take a long time, but that bond, built on trust, patience and communication will help prevent a multitude of problems. It’s much easier to tackle behaviour problems as a team.  

Let your rescue dog give consent

You cannot force a true bond. You cannot force trust. It takes time and patience. My number one tip for building a great relationship with any dog, is to focus on consent. Always ask first. Ask if they want a fuss, ask if they want a walk… AND listen to the answer. Accepting something, being compliant or tolerant, is not the same as consenting. Consent should be an active and enthusiastic ‘yes please’. 

Learning your dog's body language

For this to work, you have to understand your dog’s body language, which is vital for effective communication, a cornerstone of good relationships.  

When your rescue dog needs more that 3-3-3

Some rescue dogs may need more time, 6 months, a year, or longer. This is normal, but if you are concerned you can always reach out to a trusted behaviourist,

The 3-3-3 rule is a guide, not a deadline

Every rescue dog is different and so are their needs. Focus on patience, routine and trust rather than watching the calendar.