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.
Hi Debbie
I’ve just adopted a 2YO kelpie mix. She was in a kill shelter and then picked up and fostered for a few months. No behavioural issues noted in care.
I got her home and she is a delight in the house, toilet trained etc.
unfortunately though I think I took her for a walk too soon (on day 1) and she was terrible on the lead, jumpy, snappy and not good with other dogs/people outside. I got her back home as soon as possible and she’s fine back at home but have I done damage by taking her out too soon and any tips for when and how to try taking her out again?
She snaps when I try to put the lead on just to take her out to the loo at the moment.
TIA
Tess, just take a few steps back, give her time to decompress and start over. Take it very slow and allow her to come to you.
Hi,we have recently adopted a rescue puppy dog from Spain he’s a Podenco 8 months old, He’s been a part of our family for 3 months and is much loved by all including our own German Shepard 5 years also adopted.
We are awaiting a training slot to become available so that he can be introduced to other dogs and interact with many.
He is so fearful of the car and travelling within so much that he suffers what appears to be severe anxiety, his little beard is soaking wet and sometimes he visibly shakes.
We do keep car journeys with him short but regular and the drooling has decreased a little can you suggest how we can make car journeys enjoyable for him as we are booked up to go to France in 2022 on holidays.
I have bought calming biscuits and doggy ginger biscuits to try and help him.
This was very helpful! I do have a question. I'm adopting a rescue female dog and her first day in her forever home is the same day as her spay. Should I sign an agreement to spay her after 30 days so she can adapt to her home?
I personally feel that having the spay the same day is okay. She will need rest and decompression on her first few days home anyway. This way you get past it and move forward right away.
Last Tuesday, the 27the, we brought home a Shih Tzu mix from the SPCA. She is about 5 years old and the only annoying thing is she sneezes. I suppose its the breed our other dog who is 9 is a maltese mix and he does it too but not as often. The other thing she does is lick a lot. She was found in the street with half a haircut. The pound took her to SPCA since she was so small, got an infection from the cut too short and was on antibiotics before we got her.I took her to our groomer yesterday. Melissa had no problem with her, she was a bit snappy at the toenail part but I know a lot of dogs have that problem. Otherwise she thought it was a sweet dog and Grady has a new friend, its not like they hang out with one another. Actually she let's him sleep in his bed and she loves her kennel with blanket going to introduce toys today. She adapted really quickly I just don't understand how dogs can get out and nobody looks for them. Our other dog we have had 5 years, he was 4 when we got him from a rescue, He had a sweet temperament from the beginning yet ended up in a pound too. I just wonder if people just don't think before they get a puppy, and then when things get a bit rough the dog is out the door;-/
Hi,
I just adopted a dog about 2wks ago, she has been adopted and returned 3 times and has had many health issues, namely hypothyroidism. The first week I brought her home she seemed really happy, she would play with her toys got excited for her food. She wasn't happy with me having to leave for work, and would get a little mischievous/adventurous. However this week shes mopey and withdrawn, only happy when I get back from work, the mornings are especially hard for her. She doesnt interact as much with her dog walker either.
I have been trying to figure out if she was just initially excited and is now going through decompression or if she needs her thyroid medication adjusted or is depressed? She had just gotten her bloodwork done noy too long before I got her so the vet didnt repeat it at our visit.
Any thoughts? Im worried about my new best bud.
Mari
I think it’s best to consult your vet to be sure. But it is likely she’s going through an adjustment period.
Hi Debi,
Ok so we did ever wrong! We got adopted our rescue from a Foster home. We took pur other 2 girls with us to meet him and it was very late when we got home so we basically brought him home spent about an hour with him and went to bed! We did not keep them separated. We did get him on the same schedule as the girls right away and have tried to stick to that. We had our grandkids over a few days later, they are older and he did great with them. So far we have had very few issues except for he marks in the house and tends to get a little aggressive with play. He is approximately 1 year old Shih-tzu mix. We have a 12 year old Shih-tzu and a 2 year old Shih-tzu poodle mix. She is very submissive and our older one is definitely the Alpha, the little guy learned that quick and respects her. My fear is, since we really kind of did everything wrong introducing all of them, he may become more aggressive as he settles in. His foster mom said he had snapped at other dogs suddenly, so far he hasn’t done that, but I am sure his true personality is under there somewhere and when he gets more comfortable it could happen. He has been with us almost 5 days, is there anything I should be doing now, or watching for? Is the marking a sign of dominant behavior? What is the best way to work with him on that? I just want the home to stay peaceful and relaxed! ????
It’s not too late to take a few steps back. I would recommend separating them, allowing downtime for everyone involved. Since they’ve already been together, you don’t have to do a full 24 hours, but several hours a day. Marking can be a dominate behavior, depends on the dog and situation. I would limit his freedom until the marking stops. You can also use belly bands, we’ve had to use them for our young dog. Read
How to stop your dog marking in the house
Hi Debi – I adopted a 2 year old cur hound/lab mix in April. At first Ivy was very very shy and shut down, as she had just been rescued from the streets of MS and shipped up to CT. All very stressful for her – I would have to say however, she followed the 3-3-3 guidelines as if she read it for herself. She has done very well with most things and has really adapted very well. Sadly her medical problems were very extensive & expensive. She had every parasitic worm & giardia – all taken care of with Simparica trio, plus she had to have 8 teeth pulled. Now, even though she tested negative when rescued, she's been diagnosed with heartworm. We have an amazing vet and are dealing with her treatments – luckily her demeanor is very very mellow and not hyper at all. My situation is that I have 2 cats, that want nothing to do with Ivy. I know Ivy is not aggressive to cats as she can be with my neighbors cats, even touch noses, because the cat doesn't have a reaction to the dog Ivy doesn't react to the cat. My cats, hiss and run. Which makes Ivy chase – pretty much the only running she does. My real question – while Ivy is going through the most traumatic part of her treatment, she will be crated and sedated most of the time – should I try and put my cats in the same room with Ivy while she is crated and can't chase- so they learn she is not a threat? thanks so much.
I have read the article, but we did not introduce the dogs like that because we did not know. We have never had an issue with any other dog who comes into our house, so we were just thinking it was going to be the same way. Right now we have her on a leash letting her roam the house. It is working, they can be in the same room together without being aggressive. It’s mainly when the new dog gets too playful with our other husky and she gets annoyed and growls, then that makes the new dog instantly retaliate. Same with our other older dog, as soon as she growls or shows her teeth, even if she isn’t going to be aggressive (just a warning) the new dog thinks she has to attack.
Hi!
I adopted a rescue female Husky almost 3 weeks ago. She was found abandoned in a trailer and in a crate with another dog with no food or water. I have 2 other female dogs and they are still not adapting to her very well. Things have gotten better, but not completely normal yet. There have been several fights that we have had to break up because the new dog does not understand personal space or boundaries, and our dogs do not like it. I hate seeing my dogs getting hurt because of bringing a new dog into the mix. Do you have any recommendations? Do you think this will get better? Or will we always have the issue of them fighting? I don’t want my dogs to feel uncomfortable in their own home. Thanks!
3 weeks is still very new. The new dog likely never learned acceptable behavior/personal space if she was always kept inside a crate… especially with another dog. She will need a lot of time, space and learning. I would keep the dogs separated for the time being. Have you read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack?
I adopted a 4 month or possibly 5 month beagle
Mix on Saturday. It has been a mad house since with accidents everywhere. Now I can see where I where the made the mistake of not having a crate the day she came home. But we did have everything else. First night I allowed to go to every room to smell and check things out. Now on day 6 while we wait for our crate and playpen to arrive she is allowed out for time to walk around and interaction and then back into my daughters bedroom. My daughter is 11 and so far very good with her. Potty training is a mess. She might 2 our 5 times go on the pee pads I even bought the natures miracles attractant spray I think she hates it she will smell it and go somewhere else. She sometimes will go on the pads and others she won’t . When she doesn’t I immediately put her on a pad and say “go potty”. She also when can’t get her way like on the bed or couch with I will call air bite lol not sure the technical term or she will try and nibble on my head. But I have noticed now two times while playing she gets overly excited and can be a bit aggressive in play and I am not sure what triggers it. Once I see it I say no firmly and walk away but she will follow trying “bite” and I say this loosely because as first time dog owner I am not sure it’s she’s biting or playing but her mood does change like she won’t trying till I raise my voice a bit. Of course I have so many questions for her vet and I’ve signed up for training that begins Monday. Any suggestions recommendations? Also I was told not to bring her outside till she got her vaccines so she “walks” in the hallway of my building we do it twice a day
I’m not a fan of pee pads. Especially for a 4-5 month old puppy. She is old enough to hold it to get outside. Pee pads are okay for very young puppies that can’t hold it. Start from scratch, read https://www.rescuedogs101.com/potty-train-puppy-fast/.
And she can and should go outside, just keep her away from other dogs until she completes the vaccinations… which she should have already at this age.
For the biting, read https://www.rescuedogs101.com/how-to-puppy-stop-nipping-biting/