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.
Adopted a 3-year-old standard poodle mix on Oct. 20th. Won't come into the house and is very skittish. He is eating from my hand now, but he is quick to run a way. He spent the first three weeks keeping his distance and finding his safe spaces in the yard. There have been lots of baby steps, and I hope he keeps progressing. I'd love to have him want pets and to come into the house, but I am concerned that may never happen. I can very casually stroke him while he's eating, but I am not sure he knows I am petting him.
just brought home 17th month kelpie arab x. He.is a beautiful boy but hasnt been steralised & keeps trying to hump me. Obviously things are a bit overwhelming & new so how do we wait to steralise him ?
Dogs hump for many reasons other than sexual. Especially when it comes to humping people. The dog is most likely just excited or trying to find his place. Neutering him will not stop the humping behavior. Give him time to decompress, adjust and get to know you.
Hi there
Humping can also be a dominance thing. Female dogs will also do it. They need to be gently disciplined so they learn it is not acceptable behaviour. Good luck ❤️
We adopted 2 dachshund mix 3 year olds and have had them for 1 month now. They bark more than my husband and would like. I ha r told him it takes at least 3 months for them to acclimate, could be longer. We live on a corner lot, so they see people walking all the time. What are some positive things we can do with them to calm them down?
Hi Ruth, Take a look at this article about reactivity: https://www.rescuedogs101.com/reactive-dog-socialize-training-chart/. It has some great ideas to help you with your dogs. And you are right, they do need time to acclimate to the new home. But that doesn’t mean you should allow bad behaviors to continue. First tip is to avoid what triggers the dogs to bark. Closing curtains and playing music or the TV to drown out the outside noises may help.
Our 8 month little cross breed from romaniahas completely settled in after 10 weeks with us except for pulling on lead. After 2 trainers, special collars and leads we are still struggling. In no way will J give up on this little chap. We have had dogs for 30 years and expected big hurdled to overcome with our new pooch but are now at wits end
We rescued a beautiful German Shepard 2 months. Ago. She is so sweet and so smart. Someone trained her very well. However come to find out GSD have their one human. She chose my husband. When he is with us and others approach she gives a low growl. Warning sign to back off my human. Aka food source ? I’ve had dogs for years but know a growl is a bite waiting to happen. After 3 months of having her is it too early to send her off for a 21 day dog training ? We would go to the home and get trained as well once a week. The place is 45 minutes from our home. Training is very expensive but I don’t want to leave her at home alone and not experience life. Any thoughts.? Thank you.
I would just like to say thankyou for your advise. I live in the UK and rescued a German shepherd x 18 months ago. She was 18 months old at the time. Scared of everything. She had been neglected and abused to what extent I do not know. But after 18 months of love and showing her she is safe she is turning into the most beautiful dog anyone would want.
She is still afraid of some things but has so much confidence now and she will only sit and cuddle when she wants which is upsetting to me but I have excepted I give her the space she wants and when she wants cuddles. So any one out there that feels they can't cope or thinks their dog doesn't love them please….look through the eyes of your dog and see what they have been through and why they are afraid.
I have a 4 year old Staffy rescue that I have had for two years. I just rescued 3 weeks ago a lab mix. He is around two. He likes to hang out in the bedroom still. But my main question is will they ever bond? When Stormy (2 year old male) plays with Hope (4 her old female) he mouths her feet and back legs and she welps. Will he ever stop doing this to her and this is probably why she wants nothing to do with her.
He tries to play but she wants nothing to do with it yet
I think you will find he his being domineering towards your new dog. It's early days yet and they will bond.
I have had 4 rescue dogs and similar things happened but in the end they all got on well.
I adopted a 2 year old rescue dog about 2 months ago. He has been to the vet, and aside from some skin allergies got a clean bill of health. I have 2 other dogs, and they were introduced and seemed fine. Problem 1- he won't play or even acknowledge the other dogs, even after 2 months. He will tolerate laying on a mat with one dog, but is completely uninterested in her. Problem 2- he pees in his crate and lays in it willingly. He will also poop in his crate. At first he didn't do this when I was home (sleeping 2 feet away from me) but now he pees at night too. I have a camera on him 24/7 and can see he makes zero noises and indications that he is peeing. He just stands up, pees and lays in it. I didn't even realize that was when he did it. He will pee about 2 hours after I leave the house now.
He is very low key- not playing with me or my daughter, but he will lay on you and snuggle as long as you let him.. hours…
When I get home, first thing I do is open the door to let him out, and when he is out, I clean up his bedding- lysol wipes, and then an enzyme cleaner in the crate, and I don't put him back in until it is dry.
I wash the bedding 5-6 times on steam and add enzyme cleaner. He peed on new bedding, and anything else I add.
I play music or NPR when I leave the house. I added a calming treat to his food, CBD oil, benadryl, and a calming pheromone cream. I give him toys and treats and he mostly ignores the treats, and ignores all toys. He sleeps and pees.. that is it. I have him in a weekly obedience class and he is hesitant to do most things, and completely shuts down 40 minutes in. He is ok on a leash/harness, but I am trying to build his confidence, HELP I really think he is a sweet boy, but how long can I keep this up with hope of any improvement?
Hello Debi,
Thank you for this helpful article, It is reassuring to read the info and the comments as I have just brought a 3-year-old rescue pup into my home in a foster-to-adopt program, and he has been extremely fearful and shut down since getting here yesterday.
In case you are up for responding- one thing I am having an issue with is that I want to get him on leash but when I approach with his harness he runs away and seems terrified. I don't want to make things worse, but I would like to have him on a leash in case he escapes somehow. However he clearly wants no part of it and it feels like I am damaging our relationship because he violently wriggles away and then runs wildly around the house, looking for an exit, when I try to approach with the harness (same thing with a sweater I tried to put on him but that's not as big of a deal). Do you have any tips?
Champ and I thank you!
take care.
For the harness, take it slow and make it a positive experience. Placing the harness next to him (without attempting to put it on him) and treat him, praise him, etc. Baby steps. Once he’s okay with the harness near him, slip it over his head and take it off. You can use a treat in one hand and the harness in another, slip on and off. Praising all the way.
Thank you so much for your reply. I'm trying it. So far we can get as far as partly slipping it over his head, with cheese being given, but by then he starts to react and quickly hides under the covers. This may take several days. I hope we are able to do it in a gentle way rather than forcing it on him!
Hi we have a 4yr old cat that lived happily with my previous dog before he passed away. 18mths later we decided to rehome a dog and found one that said good with cats, brought him home 3 weeks ago and he has been lunging and stalking the cat ever since. If the cat is visable to dog he crouches and stalks the cat, body language is rigid. We have them in seperate areas of the house and have been careful to introduce very slowly, our cat the first couple of days was relaxed with dog at a distance but our cat came in the cat flap unexpectantly and without warning the dog chased the cat back out snapping at him. I contacted the rescue to check his history again and it seems he hadnt lived with cats as once thought. My cat is now terrified and stressed and im not sure if he can learn to trust the dog even if i can stop him stalking it. Should i perservere trying to stop the dog lunging at the cat or rehome the dog in a cat free home before my cat becomes more traumatised and dog becomes too attached to us.
That’s a tough call only you can make. I guess it depends on how strong the dogs prey drive really is and if you feel equipped to manage it. Read Best way to introduce a dog to a cat.
I’ve had dogs and cats my whole life and have never had a problem training them, even rescues. I assess the temperament, breed and personality of the dog. I research everything about them. I had my husky i rescued at a year and a half old. I also do not feel she was ever abused, so that helps. But i kept her leashed for 2 weeks around my waist. Comfortable enough for her to lay next to me but close enough so I could correct her. As she is very smart and would test boundaries, I eventually ended up getting an e-collar. I tested it on myself first for 2 weeks and researched and learned everything about it so I
could ethically and responsibly use it. I slowly introduced it to her so she could become familiar with it. Never use an e-collar out of anger or frustration. When we tried it on, I did not use it on her. I let her get accustomed first to wearing it and only on walks. It it not meant to be kept on 24/7. I always gave her an opportunity to correct herself when I give her a command, 2nd warning is the vibrator, 3rd is a light tap at a reasonably low level so as to interrupt her behavior. Mind you, this all away from other animals while on leash. Begin training on concrete where there is less distraction and smells. Eventually you train on grass. I make everything feel like a fun game to her so she doesn’t even realize she is learning. I always carried training treats in my pockets.
If my kitty came by, she knew I was watching her like a hawk. If she looked at him like prey, I would tell her “leave it”. I also never put my kitty in harms way next to her mouth. I put him safely in his hard crate to keep him protected and I would let her sniff and observe her. Any behavior other than curiosity, she would get a “leave it” command followed by being ready to calmly correct. She learned quickly that the kitty is family and we do not eat family. I can’t tell you how long it took me bcs all dog’s backgrounds, breeds, temperament and individual personalities are different.
My husky had a major pulling issue as well where she was taking my arm off. I learned from Beckman’s Dog training on YouTube a really cool strategy to teach her “heel”. And at 7 years old, she still tests pulling as the smart, energetic, stubborn husky she is, but we practice and she picks things up quickly. Also, I follow the Dog Daddy. He is incredible too. Overall, it took me 6 months to get myself and her completely trained where we both trusted one another. She is absolutely worth it. Hope this helps!