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 just brought her home today. She is so overwhelmed. She hasnt eaten or drank much. She has been all over the yard and is asleep out there now. I have a frate in a bedroom. Ill bring her in there for the night. She did take a nap on my lap this afternoon. I just want her to know she’s safe. She breaks my heart.
Congrats on your new girl. Just be patient and give her time and space… she’ll start to settle down soon enough.
I just adopted a 6yr old Shiz. She had lived her whole life as a mama dog at a puppy mill that got shut down . I have had her 1 week. She is scared all the time when in the house. When I let her(Bonnie) and our 8yr Shiz(Dexter) out side she does real good,but continues to be nervous to come up to my husband or me. Inside the house she has her own kennel,we leave the door open. She will go and lay in there at times otherwise she will sit in the corner of the front room. We pick her up frequently and put her on the couch with us
And just calmly pet her. She wags her tail when we call her but will not come. I have more questions but this is enough for now. She is real passive and so is our other rescue. We love her but can’t figure out how to get her to come out of her shell? Please help
One week is very early in your relationship. She is going to need a lot of time… it could be months before she’s ready to completely trust you. Keep doing what you’re doing, give her space and time. Let her come to you on her terms, not yours. She will eventually learn you are safe. You can try to play with her, use treats by tossing it in her direction to get her to come closer to you… but always in her own time. Do not push it.
We just adopted a terrier mix a month ago! i was feeling a little discouraged at first because he’s still shy around us at times. He loves to run & play outside but will randomly hide. I read your 3-3-3 rule and it completely put me at ease! His personality is definitely shining through!!
Hi there. We just rescued a coonhound and she is showing signs of aggression on a leash to our other coonhound in our house. We also let them both off leash in an open neutral area outside and they seemed to do fine then, but the second we bring them into the house she will go after him. I know it’s only been a day, but it makes me nervous and uneasy. What’s the best way to go about this? The other hound in the household is very submissive when this happens and just walks away. Any advise?
Please read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack.
9 weeks ago I adopted a 2 y/o yorkie mix. She is an absolute doll baby. It has been a wild ride as she has a horrible Yeast infection which I am trying to eradicate. For the first 2 weeks she screamed when I would put her in the crate to go to bed, finally after being so tired I couldn’t function I brought her to bed with me, VOILA! Now the thing is at bedtime she has this problem with CONSTANT “licking the air” which I’m thinking is psychological. I have started her on a duet to control the yeast. She’s getting better with wanting to chase cars when we’re walking and some better with strange dogs. She does have some people she likes and others she won’t let near us. If only we can beat the yeast I will see the beautiful baby she is as I know she feels miserable. She was potty trained and knows how to sit. I love her to the moon and back !
Just adopted my first very own dog and she is absolutely perfect. We’ve named her Lucy. She’s a sweet mama dog who was a stray and is brand new to being in a home. I can’t believe I won the dog lottery, she’s done so well just leaving my cat alone to sulk , she’s not interested in him yet. He’s not too thrilled but is actually doing ok considering.
Congratulations Vanessa! So happy for you and Lucy. She won the lottery just as much as you have.
We just brought our first rescue home yesterday. He seemed great on the car ride home and ate his dinner without issue. I do notice that he does not like having a collar on and it’s a struggle to get him to go outside to potty. I suspect he always had a fenced in yard as he was a rehome and the woman could no longer keep him due to her own health issues. Is a harness a better alternative for him? I am trying to give him his space as I understand he needs time to adjust. Any suggestions?
He should always have a collar on so you can have his ID on it. If he’s never worn one, then it may take time for him to get used to it. I think a harness would be more restricting for him then a standard collar… but you can always give it a try if you want. One day is such a short time frame, just give him time and I’m sure he’ll come around.
Most trainers and behaviorists will tell you that a harness is a tool for walking ONLY. They shouldn’t be left on all the time or used in place of a flat collar. In this situation, some time spent conditioning the dog to the collar is probably all that’s necessary. Show the collar, give a treat. Slowly work up to gently touching the collar then giving the treat. Let the dog dictate the pace of the conditioning. If he shows the least resistance to what you’re doing, then you’re moving too fast. Step back and take it slower. I was able to get an extremely body-sensitive shelter dog I worked with to wear a collar within about 3 short 5-minute sessions, spread out over a week. Believe me, time invested now is well worth it!!
Hi! My husband and family of 3 kids (10,8, and 4) just adopted a 1 year old German Shepherd named Ranger on Saturday. We are wrapping up day 3 today and from what we can tell in these three days, he is an absolute peach. He seems to have already bonded with our whole family. He is crate trained, as well as knows basic commands like heel, sit, and down. We have an acre fenced in and we let him run the acre during the day while supervised. There is, plenty of shade and plenty of water and we are out a LOT. We have started a routine of 3’thirty minute walks a day and then some mental stimulation like a long or treat puzzle once a day and then one or two training sessions a day. He seems very content. We also take him in the car frequently. The past two nights we have crated him in the garage with no problems at all. However, I have felt this overwhelming sense that we need to bring him in our home and crate him inside at night. He still is a little curious so I wouldn’t feel comfortable with him out but I feel like inside the house, he feels more a part of our family, like this is his home, his space, his people. My husband is worried about the house smelling like dog or the hair getting every where but I just told him that this is something I feel deep down we need to do for the bond of this dog to our family So that the dog feels at home. We aren’t going to let him have free range of our home. He will be supervised and engaged outside during the day and come in straight to the crate at bedtime. I have read SO many articles that say having a shepherd inside with you is crucial to helping prevent depression, anxiety, or even aggression in these types of dogs. My husband thinks I am a bit wackadoo, in a loving, respectful way, but he’s like it’s a dog. He doesn’t care. But I think he does and I think all the more investment and bonding and training and love we pour into him, the more this dog will give us of himself. I have NEVER felt this way about an animal in my life and this baby has just stolen my heart. So, I want to be the strong leader that he needs but also give him the respect and care and bonding he deserves. Thoughts? And before I click post, my husband completely was against brining him in but once he saw how passionate I was about this decision he agreed to let me bring him in so it’s not like he’s totally against it. He just wants to make sure we do this right as well.
Well, I may be a bit biased to you wanting to bring Ranger inside, as I believe ALL dogs should be inside with their family. I know different parts of the world feel differently, but I would never allow my dogs to sleep outside. They are pack animals, they want to be with their people. As for your house smelling like dog, there are steps to prevent this. Like keeping the dog clean and keeping his bedding clean. German Shepherds do shed, so you will have hair in your house, but use a shedding control shampoo when you bath him, feed him a healthy diet and probiotics, and brush him daily outside and it will limit the shedding. Good luck and I pray you can convince your husband the dog belongs inside with you 🙂
Just brought home a new rescue. I share a dog with my old college roommates (it’s been about 5 years like this) and wanted a new full-time baby. He’s a surrender, came home yesterday and ate and drank nothing. I’m hoping we can bond because he’s a sweet one year old but he has yet to wag his tail. It’s been down so I know he’s nervous. How do you suggest bonding and getting him to use the restroom? I’m being impatient so I appreciate the article about 3-3-3. It’s been so long with my first girl – I almost forgot what its like.
Hi Shane, As you just read, it takes time for a newly adopted dog to become relaxed in his new home. You admit you are being impatient 🙂 so take a step back and remember how the dog is feeling. It will happen soon enough, give him time. As for potty training, take a look at How to Potty Train a Puppy Fast & Easy
Hi
We recently rescued our 2nd dog. She is an oldie, 11 years old and was about to be killed (inhumanely as she was in Romania)
Anyway, we have had her 6 weeks now and she is still terrified. She won’t go outside at all, so she poos and pees on training pads. She doesn’t want to be in the same room as us if she can help it and spends most of her time in her bed, alone. She has no interest in anything except food and the occasional scratch behind her ears.
I understand that she has probably spent at least 7 years in the horrific public shelter and she honestly has no idea how to be a dog. I just want her last years to be filled with love and a little bit of a life for her.
I do wonder if there is just too much damage been done to her and if she will ever be comfortable with a life outside a shelter.
We place no demands on her, we know she needs time, but we also have a 10 year old son and I hate the thought of her having to do her business inside for much longer!!
I love her to bits and I just want to help her, but don’t know how. She trusts me a little, but will not go near my husband.
Have I made a mistake? Or will she get better over time?
Hi Laura, in 6 weeks you would normally start seeing some improvement. But if she’s been in a shelter for most of her life or living in the streets of Romania, then it would take a lot for her to adjust living in a home. All I can recommend is being patient with her. And the best way to control the potty accidents, is to never give her free roam. Always have her next to you, use a leash if needed. And when you can’t watch her she should sleep in a crate. Start a feeding schedule and get to know her timing. Take her out after feeding time and don’t come in until she has gone potty. Good luck!