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.
We adopted a young terrier five days ago. He seems happy and settled in the house but is refusing to go for a walk – he just stops dead on the drive but when another dog comes he’s happy enough to go for a walk then. What can we do. We’ve tried praise and treats but it isn’t working.
Many thanks
Continue to be patient. He’s still decompressing and learning to trust you. Take it one step at a time, literally. The actual distance of the walk isn’t as important as him getting to know you and his new environment. It’s okay just to stand at the end of the drive and wait for him to move forward. Stay calm and present and he will pick up on your energy.
Just adopted a 1 year pit mix. Did the meet and greet with my 10 year old German shepherd. All was ok. The mix has gone after my non over bearing gs 4 times in 1 day. Idk what to do. I told my husband I'm taking her back to shelter..He wants to give it more time. I'm nervous for my shepherd. I need advice asap.
How many days has it been since you adopted the dog? Have you read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack?
i had adopted a Korean Meat Trade Rescue dog that four years ago. She is now 10 years old. I had bought her to Basic Obedience Training and overall she has been a great dog; well settled. The one issue I have trouble with is breaking her from barking so much: while looking out the window and/or people arriving at the house and/or coming inside to visit. She will bark much for the latter situation and then lay underneath the china cabinet. I have tried Cesar Milan of "tsking" and another trainer of trying to get her to go to her bed; yet she only does these techniques occasionally. Any other suggestions?
Have you read my Place Command article? Consistency is key, so while she may know what you want from her if you aren’t consistent with enforcing the place she will never be 100% reliable. Use a leash to help when she decides to get up before releasing her.
I’m considering rescuing before deciding to adopt a particular pit bill at a shelter because I believe that because of his behavior they will likely euthanize him because the shelter likely can’t invest the time and energy to train him. I feel for these animals. I feel we quickly resort to euthanizing an animal for behavior we can, in most cases, change if we invest time and energy in training coupled with love. I’ve never seen the so many dogs and cats dumped at the level it is today. I wanted to ask, based on your experience, is there a chance that an aggressive pit bull can be rehabilitated? I believe whoever his previous owner was, they might of taught him to be aggressive. I guess I have hope because one time someone stole my sister’s pit bull and when the dog found her way back, we could tell that she was being used as a fighting dog. She had scars on her face. She eventually became herself after a while with a lot of. However, I don’t know the life this dog I’m interested in had before the shelter. They say he is aggressive with other male dogs and “punks” dogs/doesn’t back down, if provoked. It seems to me he may have been taught to be this way, but I don’t know for sure. I guess I have a soft spot for the underdog. I have two dogs that I rescued from the shelter and they turned out to be the best dogs. I love them with all my heart. I’d like to share the same love with this animal, but have reservations because I don’t want to jeopardize what I have build with my two other dogs (German Shepherds). Any advice you can offer?
I have had an 8 month old husky for 2 days I made the mistake of taking his lead off and now can't get anywhere near him
Hi my name is teri. I adopted my rescue dog in August. He was sec
Verily abused and neglect by his original owners. As far as cutting off half of his tail.he is a beautiful blonde shar pei his name is lotus. He s about 3 yrs old. He has lived all his life in a crate. They were trying to train him to be a fighting dog. but but because he is such an extremely good well tempered dog he s not a fighter. So on the first nite he would not come into the house for 5hrs. At 1 am I finally got him in. During that time I sat outside with him at his side talking to him and petting him. he did not know how to climb stairs so as I taught him to climb stairs I fractured my back. I needed surgery that was 1 1/2 weeks of bringing him home. He was also thrown to the streets. which was where he was rescued from. He was housed at a men s prison for 1 yr they were going to use him as a bait dog for the AGGRESSIVE dogs The prison held underground dog fighting he was not a fighter.the inmates would also taunt him and spray his crate down with him inside of it. But I also fractured my back for 2nd time by trying to lift him into the car. I think he thinks he s going to be thrown into the streets again so I am not forcing into the car. I gained his trust and love within the first week. . He follows me EVERYWHERE however he barks and growls at my sister and nephew which I live with. he only does it when I am home.i tell them this is his way of protecting me. My nephew tells me he s not trained right . So he ll spray him with a water bottle. Which angers me . And get him wet under his wrinkles. Which can cause irritation. He trusts and loves me 150% I cry knowing what his abusers did to him.i would hurt ANYONE who would try to hurt him. I suggested for them to brush him or give him a treat by their hand to gain his trust. They told me no that s rewarding him I told them no it s showing kindness towards him. How do I stop him from barking and growling at them. I know he s just being protective of me . They say no it is not. He knows he is SO VERY MUCH LOVED AND PROTECTED BY ME. .I know he s still has issues. I told him on the first nite lotus your life has changed from this point forward. He will never be created ever again. He s very spoiled by my love. He s my baby boy. I LOVE HIM SO VERY MUCH. I am a disabled woman . He s my companion he saved me. I had a service dog for almost 14 yrs .I had to put him to sleep 1 1/2 yrs ago. He was riddled with cancer I still cry over that. But I have live in my heart and saved another life. my midas was also a rescue dog. Please help me to teach him to stop barking and growling at them. I don t want them to abuse nor to be unkind to him. It will cause friction in our household. He s a beautiful great loyal and trusting boy HE S MY BABY. I cry what might be going thru his head if his memories of his abuse. .I spoiled him with LOVE. THANK YOU
Teri, please seek a professional dog behavior trainer in your area. Your dog needs help and so do you. Taking on a dog with this type of history is not an easy task. Love alone will not be enough to rehabilitate his severe anxiety, which is why he is barking. He has every reason to be anxious and scared. This type of rehab can take months and even years to accomplish and needs the guidance of a professional.
I adopted 5 months bored collie she is normally breed but they put in cage to make another puppies , which is soo sad I got this dog and day after I made mistake to washed my dog she is more scared then before she is running from me when I touch her she is peeing she doesn’t eat and always trying to hide it’s 4. Day but I’m still worried about her any recommendations how can I keep in touch with her
Hi, you have a terrified herding dog and a very intelligent breed. Ive had herding dogs for 25+ years. It's very difficult to gain this dog's trust because of the abuse. (It breaks my heart, too). I'm not a behavioral expert and you may need one. But my suggestion is sit on the floor in the room with her. Just sit and talk in a calm, kind voice. It may take hours and more than one day. Any progress she makes towards you, gently slide her a treat. I know its alot of work but she's worth it. She'll be the most loyal dog you've ever known. I hope this helps you!
My wife and I adopted a Pit/Lab mix, and sometimes she goes outside potty, and then seems to get confused, and goes in the house! Any recommendations?
Jason, this is not enough info for me to give any advice. I recommend talking with your vet or trainer and discuss all the details to determine why she is becoming confused.
Hi!
About a month ago we took in a Heidi, a "foster" Irish Dane about 6 years old. She is a beautiful and very loving dog. We have two other rescue dogs, Toby (Mastiff/SharPei/Shephard), who is 12, and Tucker (German Shep), who is 4. Everything has been going great, with Heidi & Tucker hanging out together. Until last night….Heidi picked a fight with Tucker, I think over a bone. I can understand that. But then, my husband let them out around 2 am, and she basically attacked Tucker for no apparent reason. Tucker, of course, got the worst of it, but we are unsure how to proceed. Got a muzzle for her, to help protect Tucker, but not sure if we can trust her. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks,
Theresa
You have some really great resources and it is so nice to see you educating people
In regard to adoption and multi pet homes . I have been rescuing for 20 years and just became a 501 C . We give forever homes to seniors . I saw your girl and thought she may be in need of a home . Is she in foster now ? What happened to her foot ? . I love the fact you take the time to explain the process of introduction . Thank you for caring
Thank you Jennifer. I’m not sure what “girl” you’re referring to, but I dod not have any foster dogs in my care right now.