The 3-3-3 Guideline when adopting a dog

 

Have you heard of the 3-3-3 guideline?

The 3-3-3 guideline when adopting or fostering a dog is a really useful guide to understanding the 3 stages of a dog’s adjustment period when adapting to a new living situation.

The amount of time each individual dog needs will vary, but applying the 3-3-3 rule when adopting or fostering will give you an understanding of what to expect. Not all dogs will be the same, issues like trauma and anxiety will definitely extend these periods and may require additional treatment. Some dogs adjust by simply walking in the door of their new home, others take a little bit more time.

 

What is the 3-3-3 guideline when adopting a dog?

The 3-3-3 guideline represents the phases of a rescue dog or common milestones your new dog or puppy will go through.

The 3-3-3 guideline refers to the 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after bringing your dog home from the shelter. Think of it this way, if you’ve ever started a new job or moved to a new school, you know the feeling; that sense of being in an unfamiliar place, with new surroundings, new people, and new rules.

 

Some things to remember with the 3-3-3 guideline:

Even when dogs come from happy homes, they are going through a big and potentially difficult change. It’s not unusual to see all sorts of strange behaviour or lack of behaviour. Don’t worry and don’t give up on your adopted or fostered dog, there are a lot of things you can do to help dogs adjust though:

  • Trick training is a wonderful way of building confidence as well as a bond- for everyone involved.

  • Talk to the dog. Dogs do 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. I am not talking the high pitch squealy baby talk voice, just your simple “I am happy and I am having an amazing day” voice

  • Give your dog lots and lots of rest and quiet. Allow them to decompress and to mourn their previous home. Allow them time to take in their new surroundings and to understand the dynamics

  • Have a safe and cosy spot where they can see what’s going on but know no one will bother them there

  • Give your new dog a routine and allow time to get used to it

Let's recap:

In the first 3 days

Your new dog will probably be overwhelmed by the new surroundings. Don’t be worried if he doesn’t want to eat for the first couple of days, many dogs don’t eat when they are stressed. Your dog may shut down and want to curl up in the crate or under the table and will likely be scared and unsure of what is going on. Or he may be the opposite and test you to see what he can get away with.

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.

After 3 months

Your dog is now completely comfortable in your 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.

Enjoy your new adopted dog!

Just remember to take it slow. Keep in mind how your dog is feeling. It is all very stressful for the dog so make sure to give your dog time, space and loads of love.