Adopting a dog is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it’s also a major transition—for both you and your new furry friend. Many adopters wonder what to expect during those first crucial weeks, and that’s where the 3-3-3 rule comes in.
This guideline outlines the general adjustment period dogs go through in their first three days, three weeks, and three months in a new home.
In this episode of Rescue Shit, Jme and Pate from Motley Zoo Animal Rescue break down this essential rule, debunk myths, and provide practical advice to help your new pup settle in smoothly.
The First Three Days: Survival Mode
Imagine being dropped off in a foreign country where you don’t understand the language, customs, or even where the bathroom is. That’s essentially how a dog feels in their first few days in a new home.
What’s Happening?
✔ Confusion & Overwhelm – They don’t know who you are, where they are, or what’s expected of them.
✔ Shell-Shocked Behavior – Some dogs shut down and stay quiet, while others may seem overly excited or anxious.
✔ Uncertainty About Basic Needs – Where’s the food? Where do I go to the bathroom? Who are these people?
What NOT to Do:
🚫 Overwhelm Them with Too Much Too Soon – Avoid trips to the pet store, dog park, or social outings.
🚫 Be in Their Face Constantly – They need space to decompress. Let them explore at their own pace.
🚫 Give Them Too Much Freedom – Structure is key! Allowing them to roam the entire house can create confusion and accidents.
What TO Do:
✅ Create a Routine from Day One – Regular feeding, bathroom breaks, and crate time help them feel secure.
✅ Use a Crate or Defined Safe Space – A crate acts as a “bedroom” where they can retreat and feel safe.
✅ Let Them Come to You – Give them time to build trust instead of forcing interactions.
💡 Pate explains that while adopters often take time off work to spend with their new dog, this can backfire. If you’re home 24/7 for the first few days and then suddenly disappear for work, it creates confusion and anxiety. Instead, establish your normal routine right away!
The First Three Weeks: Building Routine & Trust
By the three-week mark, your new dog is starting to understand the daily routine and testing the waters to see what they can get away with.
What’s Happening?
✔ Settling Into the Routine – They begin to recognize feeding times, bathroom breaks, and daily schedules.
✔ Testing Boundaries – Now that they’re comfortable, they might push the rules (e.g., sneaking onto the couch, resource guarding, barking for attention).
✔ Behavioral Changes May Appear – Some dogs start showing anxiety, reactivity, or possessiveness they didn’t exhibit at first.
What NOT to Do:
🚫 Give in to Tantrums – Just like kids, dogs will test limits. If you reward bad behavior (e.g., barking gets them picked up), they’ll keep doing it.
🚫 Assume They’re Ready for the Dog Park – They’re still adjusting. Taking them too soon can cause overstimulation and setbacks.
🚫 Let Bad Habits Slide – If they start counter-surfing, jumping, or whining, address it immediately with consistent training.
What TO Do:
✅ Maintain Structure & Boundaries – Dogs thrive when they know what’s expected of them.
✅ Begin Basic Training – Reinforce sit, stay, recall, and other foundational commands.
✅ Watch for Behavioral Red Flags – If you notice signs of resource guarding or reactivity, start addressing them with training.
🐶 Jme calls this the “letting their hair down” stage—dogs have been on their best behavior, but now their true personality starts to shine through!
The First Three Months: Fully Adjusted & Bonded
By three months, your dog truly feels at home. This is when they fully accept their new life and begin to trust you completely.
What’s Happening?
✔ Deepened Bonding – They view you as their family and trust your leadership.
✔ Established Behaviors – Good or bad, what you’ve allowed in the past three months has now become a habit.
✔ Confidence in Their Environment – They are comfortable and no longer in "new dog mode."
What NOT to Do:
🚫 Assume They’re 100% Reliable – Even at three months, don’t let them off-leash in an unfenced area unless training has been solid.
🚫 Forget That Training is Ongoing – The bonding process never stops. Continue reinforcing good behaviors.
🚫 Neglect Socialization – Now’s the time to introduce them to new experiences carefully and positively.
What TO Do:
✅ Maintain Consistency – Dogs are creatures of habit; keep up with training and structure.
✅ Celebrate the Progress – They’ve come a long way from their first shell-shocked days!
✅ Address Any Lingering Issues – If any behavioral problems persist, now is the time to work with a trainer.
🐾 At this point, they truly feel like part of the family, and you’ve built a foundation for a happy, well-adjusted life together.
Debunking the Myth That Only Shelter Dogs Need This
One common misconception is that the 3-3-3 rule only applies to shelter or rescue dogs. In reality, ANY dog, whether from a breeder, pet store (don’t do that!), or a rehome situation, goes through this adjustment period.
🚨 Even a well-socialized puppy from a breeder will need time to adjust. Dogs who lack early socialization—such as those from backyard breeders or puppy mills—may take even longer.
Jme and Pate emphasize that people often buy a puppy thinking they can “shape” it because it already has "good genetics", but then fail to properly train and socialize the dog—resulting in preventable behavioral issues that land them in a shelter later.
Final Thoughts: Set Your Dog Up for Success!
The 3-3-3 rule isn’t just a theory—it’s a tried-and-true method for helping dogs transition smoothly into their forever homes. The biggest takeaway? Patience, structure, and consistency will make all the difference.
🐾 Three Days – Give them space to decompress.
🐾 Three Weeks – Establish routine and boundaries.
🐾 Three Months – Strengthen your bond and reinforce training.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll set the stage for a lifetime of love, trust, and companionship with your new best friend.
🎧 Want more expert advice? Check out the full episode of Rescue Shit with Jme and Pate!
💌 Got questions? Need training tips? Email them at rescueShit@motleyzoo.org
Rock on. Rescue on.
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