The 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months rule or 333 rule for dogs is a guideline that helps you understand how your dog might adapt to their new home.
Adopting a rescue dog can be an extremely rewarding experience for owners who want to give a previously unwanted dog a comfortable, loving home. So you’ve passed all the checks and now you’re ready to bring home your new pooch, but what now?
The 333 rule for rescue dogs gives you a framework to understand your dog better so you can adapt to their needs. This guideline talks about the first 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months that your pooch is settling into their new home.
Rehoming can be a very stressful experience for many dogs because they are suddenly taken out of a familiar environment. Everything is different for them, including sights, odours, location, sleeping arrangements and even food.
They also have to get used to you as an owner and other members of the family. For dogs that have had limited human contact while living in a rescue home, everything can feel overwhelming.
That’s why it’s so important to understand the 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months rule for dogs so you can respond to your pooch in the best way when issues arise.
The First 3 Days
Appetite and Mood
According to the 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months rule, in the first 3 days, your dog may stop eating and withdraw from socialising with humans and other animals. Your pooch may act nervous, shy and appear unsure of themselves.
Safe Space
Your dog may want to retreat to a location where they feel safe like a crate, bed or quiet area of the house where they will not be bothered. It’s important to make sure your dog has the option of a safe space to go to. It’s a good idea to prepare this before bringing home a rescue dog.
Testing Boundaries
In the first couple of days, your pooch will start to learn the rules of the house and begin to test your boundaries. Remember, dogs don’t instinctively know everything they should or shouldn’t be doing in the house, so you have to guide them. It’s important to show them key areas like where they can eat, sleep and toilet.
After 3 Weeks
Settling In
According to the 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months rule, after 3 weeks of adopting a dog, your pooch should be beginning to settle into their new environment. They will start to get used to you as an owner and learn your daily routine, perhaps recognising when it is time for food or to go for a walk.
Behavioural Issues
It is around this time that behavioural issues can start to show up in your dog, as they become more comfortable. This is also a way of testing your boundaries to see what they can get away with! It’s important to respond kindly but firmly and reinforce those boundaries for your dog.
Keep Calm
If your dog starts to exhibit behavioural issues, it’s important to stay calm. Remember, this is a transition period where you are still getting used to each other. Once your dog has learned the boundaries, you may find these behaviours will stop or reduce.
If you are concerned about behavioural issues that are not resolving over time, you could seek the advice and support of a qualified animal behaviourist from accredited organisations like the Animal Behaviour and Training Council (ABTC) or the Fellowship of Animal Behaviour (FAB).
After 3 Months
After 3 months, your furry friend should be much more comfortable in your home and used to the daily routine. At this point, your dog will have formed emotional bonds with you and your family and established a sense of trust.
Of course, every dog is different and it’s important to note that dogs that have experienced a lot of abuse or trauma may take longer to adapt and establish those bonds.
How to Tell If a Rescue Dog Likes You?
Dogs often show that they are fond of a person through their body language. Intense or staring eye contact is uncomfortable for animals and can indicate they feel threatened. Relaxed eye contact is a key sign that your rescue dog likes your company.
Other relaxed body language may include: wagging their tail, sitting next to you, following you around the house, wanting strokes and cuddles, exposing their belly and initiating play.
What Is the Best Age to Adopt a Rescue Dog?
The best age to adopt a rescue dog depends on your personal needs and the needs of your household.
2-3 Years Old
If you have young children in the house, adopting a puppy can be a huge amount of work. For households with young children, it is generally recommended to adopt dogs that are around 2-3 years old because they are toilet trained and more tolerant of young children.
3-4 Years Old
For active households without young children, adopting a dog between the ages of 3 and 4 years can be great because they have lots of energy and want to play but are out of the difficult puppy stage.
5 Years +
If you have a more relaxed household with older children or your children have flown the nest, then a dog that is 5 years or older may be for you! Senior dogs generally have a mellow temperament, benefit from gentler exercise and can make excellent loyal companions.
Considerations for New Owners
The 3 days, 3 weeks, 3 months rule is a great way for you to gain more understanding about your rescue dog and their temperament. It provides a guideline based on a compassionate approach that helps you to get your adopted dog settled into their new home.
Remember, every dog has their own unique personality and characteristics, which means some dogs will take longer to adapt than others. By following the 333 rule for dogs, you can reach mutual understanding with patience and consistency, allowing both you and your dog to form a lasting relationship.
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