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 I have just rescued a dog that had been used for breeding. She is 5 and a lovely waggy dog but she does growl and snap at my other dogs when in her bed or sleeping – any advice please? Should I crate her at night? Thank you
Yes crate her and separate the dogs. Slow introductions are key to a successful transition. Please read The Best Way to Introduce a Second Dog Into Your Pack
Hello, we just adopted the sweetest German Shepard mix. She is around 2, and still very puppy like! She came to us from her 3rd shelter TERRIFIED of cars. Unfortunately, the shelter didn’t tell us this and we do live on a relatively busy road. We’ve had her for about a week and a half, but potty breaks keep getting more and more difficult as she is exposed to more traffic noises:( she does fine on walks in the woods and with trails, but it’s a no go on our walking trails and sidewalks
We love her so much already but do you have any tips on working through this? She just cowers and lays down facing home if she sees or hears a car/plane/recycling bin being dragged. It seems like blind panic and she won’t take treats or respond to us in that state
Poor girl. You need to be patient and work on desensitizing her to the traffic noise. There are a lot of details, but basically you need to take her outside as close to the traffic without her showing any fear and then take one step closer, treat her, do some basic training and keep praising her. Each day take one step closer. Some days you will need to take a step back when she shows any signs of fear. Eventually you will get to the point where she is no longer afraid. This takes time and patience, but it does work.
I just took in a two year old shih tzu mix…she has been having a very difficult time adjusting. She is afraid of everything and everyone. As soon as she hears someone or sees someone she goes under the bed and hides. Only comes out when no one is near and when it’s quiet. When she does come out she does eat and does potty. I am giving her her own space and not going under the bed and taking her out of there. Should I be trying to do anything To encourage her to come out from under the bed or just continue to give her her space and let her be?
For now let her be. No sure how long you’ve had her but you mention you just took her in, so that leads me to believe it’s been a short time. Give her time and she will start to open up and not hide so quickly.
Hi. We just rescued a 6 year old Maltese/Shitzu male. He’s been with us for 7 days. All going ok ex dog for some odd behaviour from him – on 4 occasions he’d chase his tail and barks/growls. Can This be anxiety related? It’s quite confronting to see and we are a little lost.
It can certainly be anxiety. It could also be his way of entertaining himself. Is he getting enough physical and mental excretes?
Hi! This is very helpful! We just rescued a 6 month old boxer with a not so nice past. We’ve had her 2 weeks now and it’s been a process for sure! She doesn’t trust humans yet (hid under our bed, only ate when we aren’t around, was shaking constantly). But now we have seen progress little by little and it’s so rewarding! I definitely believe the 3-3-3 rule as her personality is starting to come out a little. She’s not 100% trusting of us yet for sure, but we’re getting there with baby steps. I look forward to learning new ways to help our baby girl through your Facebook community group!
Hi, we just taken on a 3yr gsd female. She was a show dog. The breeder says she can be left in the kennel so thought she was ideal as I work part time. We ve tried to leave her in the kennel but she goes berserk, jump off the sides and chasing her tail. How long should we leave her to try again. We’ve only had her from 9 th July.
Thanks
Try to go slow. Start with just a couple minutes at a time and build up as she gets comfortable. Try playing crate games and feeding her in her crate, giving her a frozen kong. Read this article, it may help: https://www.rescuedogs101.com/how-crate-train-dog-puppy-3-easy-steps/
THANK YOU! Your advice has proven true in our new adventure!
We made good choices to have time available to be fully present with Mac before the chaos of school starts in the fall. I look forward to more visits to your site. Thanks to my sweet friend Amy Babson for sharing this site with me!!
We are on our 4th week with Melvyn. He has some very good traits.
Comfortable in crate, regular eating schedule, was potty trained on arrival.
He is a Terrier Poodle mix….so a bit more fiesta in personality.
He loves his walks, and learning to sit on command.
No for socializing!
I rescued my 9yr old staffy 3 weeks ago, she is the most gentlest loving dog ever xx
We brought home a rescue on Mother’s Day. Our first dig – my 14 year old daughter and I. She had been fostered for a month – saved from a kill shelter in Texas. The Foster mom said she was initially shy and a little scared but came around after a few days, like cats, other rugs, and being outside.
When we picked her up off the truck ( she was transported in a van). she was shaking uncontrollably. The folks who brought her up here said they’d never seen a dog come off a Transport like that. In years of adopting out rescues.
She has calmed down a bit but will not leave her safe spot – except where we are in another part of the house. I have to carry her to get her outside – she is a 50 lb beagle, lab, retriever mix – so it is not easy. She shakes the whole time and runs inside as soon as she can. We have tried to comfort her with gentle affirmation, a little gentle brushing – which she really needed, and she has let us rub her belly. But she does not move from her spot, has shown no interest in us, or anything else. The foster mom said she loved to go outside. She has shown no interest. And she will only eat when we are in another part of the house per and poop on training pads at night. She seems to be a sweet intelligent girl and I am distraught because I don’t know what to do.
Hi Maxine,
Give her some time.
I adopted a lab/German Shepard mix. For the first week she was incredibly scared/shy. She would shake and cower in a corner. I had to pick her up to go outside. It was awful. I would spend hours sitting next to her. While I did that, I would leave treats near me. Any time I approached her, I would bring her little pieces of kibble of freeze dried liver. At first, she wouldn’t eat from my hand, but now she’s learned that I provide tasty things. I also learned that she really liked long walks. She hated being in the yard.
After about three weeks, I introduced her to other dogs. In their presence she gained confidence.
I also suggest calling a trainer. They will have tips on how to help both of you.
I really understand your distress and wish you the best of luck!
Maxine, how is your new dog doing now?
Hi, How is your furbaby doing? I had the same with my Payton, it took him 6 months to come around, each day was a struggle yet I did not give up ever. I had a crate with a cover over it on the 3 sides and he sat there most of the time, put food and water down each day and had potty pads just outside the crate which he did use…..believe me, it was a hard time for him to trust me, yet he did finally and boy what a delight he is. He is now 14, (got him at 6 yrs old from a horrible home) and has medical issues. I will do everything in my power to keep him safe and free from pain and pay the price as he is my family. Yep, he is now spoiled and deserves to be spoiled for he loves me like no one else can, very loyal and sweet and fierce when he wants to protect me, so take lots of time and hand feed him if necessary just to develop that level of trust. Hope to hear how things are going…dogs suffer all feelings like us 2 legged creatures do.