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.
The tips you gave were amazing! My partner and I just adopted a beautiful 10 month old labradoodle and he is being a little stubborn, anxious and docile . We are currently on day 5 and we were stressing out because he sleeps all day and doesn’t walk on the lead but your 3-3-3 has made us more relaxed, especially because neither of us have had a rescue before.
Thank you so much
Congrats on your new adoption Stefanie! Just remember to relax and enjoy 🙂
We just rescued an 8 month old Saint Bernard/Coomhound mix. He is a gentle giant and loves my two other dogs, but he is hard to get his attention when he sets his nose and eyes to something out in the yard. I’ve had dogs all my life and he is my second hound mix. I haven’t ever used electronic collars, but was wondering your thoughts on those types of collars for specific dogs.
If used correctly the e-collars can be a great training tool. The problem is that most people slap the collar on and think it’s a magic tool. It takes a lot of patients and pre-training before the e-collar can be used properly.
I just adopted a 1 year old GSD and today is day 2. He seems to be settling down some but is still stressed. I’m limiting him to one room right now until his kennel arrives. He’s my second shepherd and I’m looking forward to fun times ahead!
Congrats on your new adoption Heather!
I am bringing home a rescue to foster straight from a backyard breeder. I am concerned about parasites or other illness infecting my at home dog. Do you have any suggestions on what is okay and what’s not until he gets to the vet?
I would keep the dogs separated until he gets to the vet. Pick up the foster dogs poop and dispose of it immediately. I’ve had several fosters with worms and parasites, and thankfully never had an issue. But taking all precautions possible is a smart move.
Great info on the 3-3-3 rule. I have had a few dogs in my lifetime and went through a lot of potty training, etc. It was not great fun a few times. The last couple I remember were much better since I had previous training. Really looking forward to getting my new companion.
We adopted a 9-year old rescue dog on January 21. She became familiar with our daily routine fairly quickly (I work outside the home, as does my husband, so we leave her alone all day and have a dog walker come in mid-day to give her a break and a fresh air walk). Now with this COVID-19 disaster, both my husband and I are at home all day and will be until it’s over. So I worry how Fawn (that’s her name) will react when we resume our forme routine. Any thoughts or tips?
Yes I do have a few tips. Try and keep her routine the same. I realize this is easier said than done. But if she’s usually in her crate while you are at work, then still crate her (in a separate room) while you are working at home. Take walks at the same time the dog walker would have. Feed her at the same times. You get the idea… nothing else should change, other than you are home.
Thank you! We can do that! I just want to keep her stress to the absolute minimum!
Hi! I’ve just recently rescued a pitbull from my local shelter. She is a very sweet but scared girl. I have been giving her plenty of space as I know that she needs the time to decompress and adjust to all the new site sounds and smells! The only problem that I’m having at the moment… Is the leash. She does not like it, when we go outside she refuses to walk at all….When she does it’s only to make her way in between My legs… She has yet to use the potty while on the leash, which is resulting in accidents in the house. I do not have a fenced in yard so the leash is a must! I don’t want to push her too much at first… I have no idea what she’s been through in the past (The shelter couldn’t provide much of a backstory on her) But she is 2 1/2 years old… And I don’t want going inside to become the normal for her. Are there any tips or suggestions that you may have to best handle this?
Try letting her drag the leash around inside to get her use to it being attached to her collar. Don’t leave her unattended with it on, just in case, but I would work on some fun things inside using the leash.
I adopted a 3-year-old terrier/shih tzu mix female dog two months ago. She and I bonded immediately and after a few accidents in the house, she learned to do her business outside. Everything has been good although a few weeks ago, she has begun biting anyone who comes in the house. She’ll allow them in but if, for example, they’re sitting on the sofa next to her and get up, she’ll jump off the sofa and bite them. One time, I was holding her and when the person reached out to shake my hand, she tried to bite him, getting me instead. I’m moving in two weeks to a 55+ active senior community and their policy is if there are more than three negative incidents involving the dog, they can kick me out. Normally, they let you know about scheduled maintenance issues ahead of time but I’m worried about emergency situations where they would need to enter the apartment when I’m not home. How can I curtail this unwanted, dangerous behavior?
I suggest finding a balanced trainer to help you. It sounds like she is insecure and needs some help learning she does not need to protect you or herself. I also recommend crate training her while you are not home. The apartment know you have a dog, so they should always let you know ahead of time before entering.
I have done so much research, and still I found it wasn’t enough! I knew his personality wouldn’t really come out until after a few weeks, but didn’t realize it was SPOT ON 3 weeks to the day.
He came from an abusive household and is very shy and skittish. This is week 3 and now he is scared to go outside, has peed on the carpet every morning this week (except today, yay!). I now have to carry him to the elevator as he does not want to go outside. Once we are on the first floor to go outside he cannot wait to go! Then he does his business and shuts down and wants to go inside immediately. I have no idea why all of a sudden he doesn’t want to go outside. Nothing has changed. He sits, folds his ears back, and stares at me. He is perfect inside and runs around and wants to play but shuts down when we go outside. Thoughts? 🙁
Could be medical, any changes in other behaviors? How old is he? Dogs go through fear periods throughout their first year of life.
I went to the vet yesterday and they said he was perfectly fine and that he just needed time to open up. He is 6 years old. Now I just carry him to the elevator and then he is fine. There is construction going on so maybe the noises are scaring him. Thank you Debi
That’s great that he is healthy. The construction noise could absolutely be a trigger. We are currently renovating our home and your one dog is terrified to go inside because of the noise.
Hi Debi,
We’ve had our rescue dog (a 5 year old ex breeding Australian Terrier) for 5 months now. She’s a beautiful dog yet still very scared & nervous. She spends most of the day in the same place on the sofa watching the goings on although she will follow me around our garden and loves her walks when my partner doesn’t come! My reason for contacting you is that we adopted her to be a friend to our 7 year old female Yorkie as we had lost our 16 year old cocker spaniel a few months previously. We had great hopes that we could not only help a rescue but give our Yorkie comfort too, the only thing is the rescue dog is not interested in our Yorkie at all. She ignores her & turns away most of the time if she goes near to her. It’s quite sad as she loves to meet and greet other dogs when we’re out walking and she’ll run around and play with them whilst our little Yorkie looks on. There was an incident a few months ago when the rescue dog jumped on the Yorkie and got hold of her on the back of her neck to get her to release a ball she was playing with. In fact they had both been playing with balls and she went & his hers and then went for the Yorkies. I’ve since removed toys & balls as it did shock me. The Yorkie seems to have forgotten the incident & she seems to want attention it’s just not forthcoming. It’s sad as the rescue dog has a great bond with me and only has eyes for me. So our dog is feeling left out & seems to be fed up about it. Our rescue is also terrified of my partner and even 5 months on I can’t go out and leave her with him for long as if he lets her out for the toilet she will not come back in. I also can’t go out & leave them alone as she has terrible separation aniexty (which I’ve seen on a video recording) she paces furiously around the kitchen and we’ve come back after 45 mins to find the Yorkie cowering under a chair as she was obviously frightened by it. Also if we all go walking together as we have been doing regularly for the 5 months she goes behind him or will skittishly run around us and doesn’t relax and enjoy the walk so it’s easier if he doesn’t come now. I am really wondering if this will change and if I should let her be rehomed without a man around and possibly with a pack of larger dogs rather than one little dog who she’s not interested in. Maybe she just doesn’t like her. I’m also wondering if I’m being unfair on the Yorkie who seems fed up with the situation. I would appreciate any advice you could give me as I’m trying to work out what’s best for all of us. Thank you.
HI Sarah, There are a lot of moving pieces here. First thing, I know we all want our dogs to be best friends, but the fact is, you can’t force a bond. You don’t like or are friends with everyone you meet are you? It’s okay for the two dogs to just coexist and not be best friends. The ball incident may have been the start of avoidance. As for your partner, I would recommend he take the dog for walks by himself. He needs to start bonding with the dog without you. There are a few articles I’d like you to read that should help answer all your questions in more detail:
The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack
How to Bond with Your Dog (and Why It Matters)
Rescue Dog Separation Anxiety Solutions
Hi Debi, Thanks very much for your response. I wish I had come across your website BEFORE I adopted our rescue dog! Here in the UK I was told very little about the correct way to introduce our dog to the rescue and they met the first time we went to see the rescue in a room full of other dogs! We then took her home the next day & she was just put in the back of the car by the fosterer next to our dog! Hence she snapped momentarily. Maybe all of this is where the problem stems from. I’ve also been enlightened as to what our rescue is feeling from reading your details on dog behaviour and now realised that the yawning she often does when our Yorkie approaches wanting to befriend her, is done out of stress. It’s quite strange though as the Yorkie seems submissive as she will roll onto her side in front of her and then our rescue yawns so she must be very wary as the Yorkie is just wanting to play. I’ve also now learnt that the panting when I come in after a short while is connected with separation anxiety which I hadn’t appreciated and I just thought she was pleased to see me and had been running around.
I do feel concerned that due to this completely wrong introduction things might never be as they could have although I’m going to try and put your advice into practice for the next month and see how it goes. It will be a shame if they are only ever going to coexist as our dog would like so much more and it maybe like living in a bad relationship for her! Oh well I’ll keep you posted and thank you very much again. Sarah