The 3-3-3 Rule helps adopters understand the timeline for a rescue dog’s adjustment: 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn routines, and 3 months to feel fully at home.
This guide explains each stage, shares real-life stories, and offers tips to help you avoid common mistakes.
Download my free From Rescue to Home: Survival Kit for step-by-step help.
Or if you’re a rescue/shelter, grab the 3-3-3 graphics and adoption handbook templates for your organization.
What is the 3-3-3 Rule for Dogs?
The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline that represents the phases of a rescue dog or common milestones your new dog will go through… it is the first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months after bringing your dog home from the shelter.
The 3-3-3 rule is sometimes referred to as the “rescue dog honeymoon period.”
If you’ve ever started a new job or moved to a new school, you know the feeling of being in an unfamiliar place, new surroundings, new people, and new rules. This is how your dog feels as they adjust to their new home.
The 3 Stages of the 3-3-3 Rule
Please note that this is a guideline. The time your dog needs to adjust is as unique as they are.
Here’s what those first 3 days, 3 weeks, and 3 months look like in real life…
3 Days: Decompression
Your dog is likely overwhelmed, nervous, and unsure. Don’t expect too much right away. They might not eat or drink much and could be scared or unsure about their new environment.
Due to the stress, potty accidents may occur. During this time, they might hide or be very cautious around you and your family. Alternatively, they might test boundaries to see what they can get away with, similar to a teenager.
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Maybe scared and unsure of what is going on
- Not comfortable enough to be “themself”
- May not want to eat or drink
- Shut down and wants to curl up in his crate or hide under a table
- Testing the boundaries
3 Weeks: Learning the Routine
By now, your dog will typically start to settle in, feeling a little more comfortable and beginning to understand their new routine. They may start to show their true personality and begin to trust you more.
- Starting to settle in
- Feeling more comfortable
- Realizing this could possibly be their forever home
- Figured out their environment
- Getting into a routine
- Let their guard down and may start showing their true personality
- Behavior issues may start showing up
3 Months: Feeling at Home
This is when transformation shines. Your dog may start to trust you and feel secure in their new home. They may begin to settle into a routine and become comfortable with their environment.
This period is when you will see your dog’s true personality and begin to build a deeper bond.
- Finally, completely comfortable in his home.
- Building trust and a true bond
- Gained a complete sense of security with his new family
- Set in a routine
Adjusting to the Timeline
Remember, these timelines are general guidelines. Every dog is unique, and some may take longer to adjust. It’s important to be patient and not rush the process.
If your dog takes 6, 8, or even 12 months to fully adjust, that’s completely normal. The key is to provide a consistent, loving environment and celebrate the small victories along the way.
Your understanding and support during these phases are crucial in helping your rescue dog feel at home and begin to thrive.
Enjoy your newly adopted dog, give them love, support, and time, and they will soon become your best friend!
Common Mistakes Adopters Make
- Expecting their dog to be “normal” instantly.
- Flooding them with too many new people, places, or dogs.
- Initially, letting rules slide, then trying to enforce them later.
- Ignoring subtle stress signals (panting, pacing, avoidance).
Tips for Success
- Stick to the 3-3-3 timeline as a guideline, not a rigid rule. Every dog adjusts at their own pace.
- Focus on structure and bonding over tricks or obedience in the first weeks.
- Use enrichment games and confidence-building activities to help anxious dogs.
- Be patient. Progress isn’t always linear, but the payoff is huge.
Want a step-by-step plan for those first weeks and months? Download my free Rescue to Home Survival Kit… It’s packed with tips, checklists, and resources to help you and your new dog thrive together.
For Rescues & Shelters
I love that rescues and humane societies want to share the 3-3-3 Rule… it’s such a powerful tool to set adopters up for success. But instead of recreating the wheel (and risking incorrect info), you can get:
- The official 3-3-3 graphics for commercial use
- Or the complete Dog Adoption Handbook Template Pack, which includes the 3-3-3 Rule and so much more for your adopters
Click here to get the 3-3-3 Rule graphics and adoption templates.
How to Share This Graphic
Rescues & shelters: I love it when organizations use the 3-3-3 Rule to educate adopters. Please do not recreate or alter this graphic.
You are welcome to share it on your website or social media, provided you attribute the content and include a link back to this page.
If you’d like to use it in printed materials or adoption packets, please purchase the official 3-3-3 graphics for commercial use or the full Dog Adoption Handbook Template Pack.
Together, we can make sure every adopter understands what their new dog needs to succeed.
The Origin of the 3-3-3 Rule
The 3-3-3 Rule was originally created over 15 years ago by Sue Kroyer, a long-time rescuer who ran the Cocker Connection Rescue in Los Angeles. She shared it with discouraged adopters to give them a perspective on what to expect.
Years later, I (Debi McKee, Rescue Dogs 101) designed the now well-known 3-3-3 graphic and wrote one of the first comprehensive blog posts explaining the rule in detail. That visual made the 3-3-3 Rule easy to share… and it quickly spread across the internet.
So while Sue is the originator of the concept, I’m grateful to have helped bring it to life visually and make it accessible to adopters and rescues worldwide.
FAQs About the 3-3-3 Rule
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 the letter, while others may 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 dog’s personality, and their background.
What can I do to help my rescue dog adjust faster?
Patience is key, but there are ways to support your dog. Keep routines predictable, offer a safe space, use calm and positive reinforcement, and avoid overwhelming them with too many new experiences at once. Small, consistent steps build trust faster than rushing things.
Should I follow the 3-3-3 Rule exactly?
The 3-3-3 Rule is a guideline, not a strict formula. Every dog is different. Some may breeze through in a matter of weeks, while others may need many months. Use the rule as a framework to set expectations, but always follow your dog’s pace.
What if my dog isn’t improving after 3 months?
Don’t panic… many rescue dogs take 6 months to a year to feel fully settled. If your dog still appears anxious, consider consulting a trainer or veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues. Progress may be slower, but with consistency and patience, most dogs come around.
Final Thoughts
I encourage you to take it slow. I know it’s exciting to get a new dog, but see life through your dog’s eyes…
They have been through a lot, they may have lost their family, possibly been abused, or abandoned in a noisy shelter, … it’s all very stressful. Your dog needs time, so give it to them.
Remember, the 3-3-3 dog rule is a general guideline. Your dog will go at their own pace during this “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 to raising your perfect dog.
Whether you’re an adopter or an organization, please share this message — but do it with proper credit and accurate information. That’s how we help more dogs find and stay in their forever homes.
I adopted a 10 year old dog 3 weeks ago. She's doing good, except she's still looking for a familiar face or car when we go out for walks. It's heartbreaking. 🙁
She came with no commands, so I'm working with her but very patient as we don't want to stress a new animal out. She's doing okay with "stay" and "sit". She is extremely needy and was adopted as a puppy by retired 70+ year old parents. She comes to work with me part time and is learning office rules too. She's never been left alone so going slow at an hour here and there and working up. Stay doesn't work when I move around the office, as she follows me everywhere. Hoping by the 3 month timing she won't look for her people anymore. She may think I'm just a pet sitter! LOL
Aww, thank you for sharing her story! And bless you for giving a senior dog a second chance. It’s so touching (and a little heartbreaking) that she’s still looking for her old people… but it sounds like she’s slowly starting to trust and settle in with you.
You’re doing everything right by going slow, being patient, and helping her adjust one small step at a time. The fact that she’s already learning commands and navigating office life is huge progress!
By the 3-month mark, I bet she’ll realize you’re not the pet sitter—you’re home. ❤️ Keep up the great work!
I took in a 5-1/2 yr old Border Collie that has had NO training at all. She’s done well for her first 3 days in getting the routine done…still fub ups but tolerable. My other rescue dog was exactly the same. Now (4 1/2 yrs later) she walks off leash and has a near-perfect recall. So, when can I start the new pup’s training? She has a lot of bad habits like pulling on the leash. I started this morning with not allowing her to pull and to stay by my side. Too early to start?? She caught on quickly but definitely was a struggle. I forgot how frustrating this period can be. I don’t remember when I started training with my first. Thoughts??
You can start training from day 1. But watch the dog’s body language to see how she reacts. If she gets overwhelmed go slower. Things like leash pulling start before you walk out the front door. Make sure she’s not overexciting before you put the leash on. Follow SpiritDog Training for tips! She has a great Rescue Dog Bundleand a Calm Walks course that would helpful for you.
that you for all your helpful info
You are welcome! Glad it helped.
Thank you for your Dog Rescue 101 site. Now after 3 months after adopting a four -year- old pure Chow Chow from the local Animal Rescue Center, my dog Teddy Bear still fears all people. I can only catch him when I serve his dinner. He likes to be combed and loves his yard with a small dog pool. He feels very safe in my quiet home. But is fearful of any humans, that is the main problem. He is never aggressive and is very gentle. Gets along with my cats and likes other dogs, but not the owners. I can only take him to a walk after no one is out, otherwise if he sees anyone, I am unable to control his strong pull to get back to the house. I had many Chow Chows before with no anxiety problems, but I never had an adult rescue dogs until now. Furthermore, I took him to my Vet to see if he is really deaf since he does not respond to my calls. The Veterinary doctor recommends a tranquilizer medication, which I will try to get. Does anyone have a similar fear problem with their dog?
Thanks to you many dogs have gone from unloved and no home to happy dogs with a home. It is such good work you do.
Helping others do the same thing is such a generous thing to do.
I have adopted a 5 month old toy poodle. He seems almost too good. No chewing or over excitability, very easy to teach lead-walking. NOW he suddenly has a home with no other dogs. I have a feeling he had a very boring unsocial life before. He appears a little anxious at parked cars, (wheels) He had never been on a lead. Just home (out of town) occupying himself for 5 months with his siblings and mother.
He has had 'accidents'. Afraid of in car & traffic too.
I have had a rescue cat (8yrs old) for 2yrs (who was overwhelmed with all the animals being added to his old home) He LOVES it here – or DID until i adopted 'Bobby' Bobby whines and yaps in his crate at night (in another room) My cat's only time with me is in my room at night. How do i manage these issues?
What to do with fearful cat (dog (toy poodle) barks at him)
You didn’t mention how long you’ve had Bobby. Here are a few articles that may help:
We rescued a dog 5 wks ago everything was going fine no he is resource guarding, food, toys, and me. He had attacked our goldendoodle several times because of it, what can we do? We don’t want to have to return him to the shelter, is this something that will subside over time.
It’s important to consult with a professional dog behaviorist or trainer for personalized guidance. Resource guarding can be a challenging behavior, but with patience and consistent training, it can often be addressed.
We are adopting a rescue from Florida Poodle Rescue. He is possibly 8 months old and is currently in a foster home. The home he is at is 3 hrs away from ours (that's without counting traffic). We can split the trip back and stay overnight at a friend's house OR drive the three hours back straight home. Want to make the transition less stressful for him as much as possible. What's your advice? Thanks
Personally I would drive right home. 3 hours is not very far, we’ve driven much longer without stopping overnight. You may need to make one pitstop to let the dog potty.
I adopted a 14 month old rescue dog weeks ago. She was in a foster home for 2 weeks prior. Before that is unknown. She is potty trained and has decent dog manners. She has bonded with me. I have to go help my daughter with her toddlers post surgery (recently planned). Would the dog be better going with me? Or staying home with my husband? She will have to be alone for 9-10 hours.
I’m leaning towards staying home, but 9-10 hours alone is too long. Can you get a dog walker to come by in the middle of the day?
Debi,
Thank you for your helpful response. I am going to leave her home. She has done well in my kitchen/family room for up to 6 hours. I have pee pads down which she did not use. I have a friend who will check on her, let her outside, hopefully give her a quick walk the days my husband works.
Thank you!
Sounds like a great plan!
I adopted a senior puppy mill dog 2 days ago. I was wondering what is the best way to train him to use a pee pad. For now he is using a belly band. Because every thing is new to him he doesn’t know what a pee pad is. I tried using a spay for sent.
Hi, we rescued a dog 5 days ago. She’s settled in really well. I can’t get her to drink water unless I mix it with her food.
She was initially happy to go out for a walk, some hesitation when she sees other dogs, either stands still, walks slowly up to where they are then walks quickly past them. We are trying to ignore this and continue with the walk.
However yesterday and today she is refusing to go out the door, seems ok when you put her lead to on, once she gets to the door and you step outside she sits down and refuses to go out.
We have tried using a different door, she will go out this door but then stops at the gate. Not sure what else to try.