Three Threes of Dog Adoption

New dog day is the best day.

Also: a little chaotic. To keep it real (and kind), here’s the friendly “3-3-3 Rule” you’ve probably heard about—3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months. It’s not a law; it’s a helpful roadmap for what most dogs need to decompress, learn your routine, and truly settle in.

Translation: your dog didn’t read this blog, but the timeline still helps humans be patient.

Quick Overview

• 3 Days: Decompression. “Where am I? Who are you? Why is there a robot vacuum?”
• 3 Weeks: Routine. “I think I live here. I know when dinner happens. I might test a boundary.”
• 3 Months: Settle & Bond. “These are my people. I can finally relax and learn cool stuff.”

Before Gotcha Day (Prep = fewer surprises)

• Pick a quiet decompression zone (bed/crate in a low-traffic room).
• Leash, collar with ID, poop bags, 2–3 chews, slow-feeder or snuffle mat.
• Decide house rules now (couch? bed?) and stick to them day one.
• Schedule a vet visit within 1–2 weeks; save all rescue paperwork.

First 3 Days — Decompress

Your mission is to help your dog’s brain switch from “oh no” to “okay.” Think spa day, not theme park.

• Keep it boring: short sniffy walks, no dog parks, no big parties.
• Predictable routine: food, potty, sleep at consistent times.
• Door management: leash on before doors open; many newbies are flight risks.
• Alone-time reps: a few minutes here and there so they don’t glue to you.
• Totally normal: extra sleep, mild diarrhea from stress, picky eating, a few accidents.

Avoid: marathon outings, overhandling, introducing to every neighbor’s dog, and changing foods abruptly.

Next 3 Weeks — Routine & Real Personality

Now you’ll see more of who they are. Also, they may politely ask, “What if I jump on the counter?”

• Teach the basics: name games, sit, down, hand target, trade/drop.
• Reward the stuff you want: four paws on floor gets attention; calm gets access.
• Introduce household/pet friends slowly: parallel walks, gates, short successes.
• Enrichment daily: sniff walks, food puzzles, chews. Tired brain > tired legs.
• Log triggers: “skateboards at 5pm,” “mail slot,” “vacuum Tuesdays.” Patterns help.

By 3 Months — Settle, Bond, Level-Up

The trust shows. Training sticks. You can expand the world—at their pace.

• Field trips: quiet patios, hardware store, calm trails (skip crowded festivals).
• Skills that matter: loose-leash, recall, place/settle on a mat, polite greetings.
• Grooming comfort: nails, brushing, handling—pair with snacks and go slow.
• House freedoms = earned: expand space as good choices repeat.