Introduction:
Adopting a rescue dog can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires patience, understanding, and preparation. One guideline to help in this process is the 3-3-3 rule, which provides a structure for adjusting to life with a new furry friend.
Understanding the 3-3-3 Rule for Adopting a Rescue Dog
The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for transitioning a rescue dog into its new home and helping it to settle in. It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to its new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training.
What is the 3-3-3 Rule and Why is it Important?
The 3-3-3 rule provides a roadmap for the adoption process and helps ensure a smooth transition for both the dog and the owner. It also helps set realistic expectations and prevents common mistakes such as overloading the dog with too much too soon. By following the 3-3-3 rule, owners can give their rescue dog the time and support it needs to adjust and become a well-behaved member of the household.
How to Apply the 3-3-3 Rule in Your Rescue Dog Adoption Journey
Here is a practical guide for applying the 3-3-3 rule in your rescue dog adoption journey:
First Three Days:
Give your rescue dog time to adjust to its new surroundings and get used to you. Limit exposure to new sights, sounds, and experiences, and provide a quiet and safe space for the dog to rest and recover.
Next Three Weeks:
Focus on training and bonding with your rescue dog. Start with basic obedience commands, such as sit, stay, and come, and gradually increase the difficulty of the exercises. Take your dog on daily walks and spend time playing and challenging your new pup. At this point they may be testing the boundaries so don’t get discouraged.
First Three Months:
Continue socializing and training your rescue dog, and expose it to a variety of experiences and environments. Take it to the park, go on car rides, and let it interact with other dogs and people. This will help build confidence and strengthen your bond with your rescue dog.
GET YOUR COPY OF THE 3-3-3 RULE WHEN ADOPTING A RESCUE DOG
Download this PDF guide as a reminder of common milestones your rescue dog will likely go through during first 3 days after bringing them home, then 3 weeks and 3 months. Please feel free to print and share this guide with others who may need help as they go through their journey with their new rescue dog.
Common Challenges and Solutions in Adopting a Rescue Dog
Adopting a rescue dog can come with challenges, but with patience and understanding, they can be overcome. Common challenges include behavioral issues, such as barking, chewing, and digging, and health problems, such as anxiety and fear. To overcome these challenges, it is important to seek help from a professional trainer or behaviorist, provide plenty of positive reinforcement and exercise, and be patient and consistent in your approach.
Conclusion:
The 3-3-3 rule provides a helpful framework for adopting a rescue dog and ensuring a smooth transition for both the dog and the owner. By following this guideline, owners can give their rescue dog the time and support it needs to adjust, bond, and become a well-behaved member of the household.
FAQs
The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for transitioning a rescue dog into its new home and helping it to settle in. It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to its new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training.
What is the 3-3-3 rule for rescue dogs? ›
The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for transitioning a rescue dog into its new home and helping it to settle in. It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to its new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training.
Why you shouldn't adopt a rescue dog? ›
Some Rescue Animals Have Special Needs
Sometimes, animals were surrendered for a reason or had previous owners who didn't treat them well. Some rescue animals therefore may have behavioral problems that some new pet owners may not be prepared to handle.
What is the rule of three for new pets? ›
This guideline covers three crucial stages during your dog's adjustment period, marking the first three days, the first three weeks, and the first three months. Understanding your dog's behaviors and feelings during this time is important in helping you best decide how to train and acclimate them to their new home.
What are red flags when adopting a dog? ›
You should be able to meet the parents or at least the mother. If the person says a third party must deliver the dog to you, it's a red flag. If you aren't allowed to meet the pup in person before you agree to adopt them, it's a red flag!
What is the hardest part of adopting a rescue dog? ›
Chewing. Anxious pups release their energy by chewing things. So, dealing with bad behavior is one of the biggest challenges of adopting a rescue dog. You have to remember that these dogs have never been in this kind of environment before.
What is Aspca 3-3-3 rule? ›
The 3-3-3 rule is important because it emphasizes the need for patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement when bringing home a newly adopted dog. Dogs are creatures of habit and routine, and they need time to adjust to new environments and build trust with their new family.
What is the best age to adopt a rescue dog? ›
In general, however, the best age to adopt a puppy is eight to ten weeks. This will give your puppy plenty of time to work through the developmental stages that take place while the puppy is still with its mother.
What is the average lifespan of a rescue dog? ›
First let's talk a little about aging profiles of dogs. Small dogs can live up to 16 years, medium size dogs 10 to 14 years and large dogs, like a Great Dane size, typically live 7 to 8 years. Large breed dogs stay “puppylike” for 24 months or more, compared to the usual 12 to 15 months for medium and small dogs.
What not to do with a rescue dog? ›
10 Mistakes to Avoid When Adopting a New Dog
- Taking Little Time in Knowing the New Dog. ...
- Rushing the Integration Process. ...
- Focusing on Specific Breeds. ...
- Focusing on the Puppies. ...
- Not Dog Proofing Your Home. ...
- Not Considering Your Working Hours. ...
- Not Having Regular Vet Visits. ...
- Not Maintaining a Regular Routine in the Early Weeks.
You can survive three days without drinkable water or sleep. You can survive three hours in a harsh environment (extreme heat or cold). You can survive three minutes without breathable air (unconsciousness), or in icy water. You can survive only one moment without hope.
How long does it take for an adopted dog to adjust to a new home? ›
After three weeks, many dogs have settled and behave as though they feel like they are home now, but they really don't fit into your routine until about three months have gone by.” Give it time. Remember, even if you're doing everything right, a new adult dog may take a while to feel at home.
What I wish I knew before I adopted a dog? ›
Start by looking at your life and assessing how much time, energy, space, and money you can realistically commit to your pet. For example, if you're not someone who enjoys exercising with your dog, you'll probably want to steer away from highly active breeds that need to burn a lot of energy every day.
How can you tell if a rescue dog is happy? ›
If your dog seems relaxed in their posture and not tense or stiff, this is a good indication they are feeling good. Loose shoulders, soft eyes without a fixed gaze, and a dose of 'wiggliness' or pure 'flopped-outness' are all clues that your dog's feeling super chill. They're playful.
What's the 90 10 rule for dogs? ›
When it comes to where dog's get their daily calories, we recommend following the 90/10 rule: 90% of calories from a complete and balanced diet, 10% from treats! Treats can be considered the splurge, but more often, the actual act of giving a treat means more to the dog than the actual treat itself.
What is a 2 week shutdown dog? ›
Literally in two weeks you will see a change in the dog and begin to see its honest and true personality. They will be well behaved and literally shut down themselves these first few weeks. Once the shut down time is over, they relax and the true personality begins to shine through!
What is the rule of 7 for dogs? ›
Eaten from at least 7 different containers • Been held and petted by at least 7 different people • Taken at least 7 one-mile car rides • Been in a crate at least 7 times • Played with at least 7 different kinds of toys • Walked on at least 7 different substrates (grass, gravel, concrete, etc.)
What are the 3 strikes and you're out protocol for dogs? ›
Try a “three-strike you're out” concept – if your dog nips, you say no, and they do it two more times, calmly get up and walk away from the situation. This disruption will distract them from what they were doing. Another tip is to take treats or a few bits of kibble and sprinkle them on the ground.
