What is the decompression protocol for dogs?
Jordon Kohler
2025-06-04 15:59:22
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The first thing that the dog needs is time to decompress when he arrives at his new location. Decompression is a process where we allow the dog to acclimate to his new space and get comfortable. This process typically takes 3-5 days. During this time, the dog should be in a safe space and be given space to acclimate. We will provide food, water, potty breaks and 2 exercise breaks during the day, but the rest of the time the dog should be in a safe space where children and other dogs are not bothering him. Day 1 & 2 the dog should be crated, and we should make the dog wait to come out of crate, ask dog to come out and sit before putting leash on. Days 3-5 are the same as above but now you can start introducing one dog at a time. The dog should always have some crate time during the day even if you’re home, this allows dog to understand the cycle of calm on demand.
Nikita Osinski
2025-06-04 15:04:25
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The rule for this time frame is the 3-3-3 rule. Three days for initial decompression, three weeks to learn the routines of your household, and three months to start to feel relaxed and at home. The First Three Days at your home, the dog is probably nervous and uncomfortable. Use of a kennel will help with your success and will always be the best place to reduce overstimulation and give them a safe place to relax. Make sure you also allow for some supervised play. Supervision is key because the dog doesn’t know your rules and you aren’t sure just yet about the dog’s behavior. The First Three Weeks at your home, your dog will start to become more familiar with the routines of you and your household. The dog will start to relax more and may test some boundaries. Use the kennel to assist you in these times and remain calm. The First Three Months at your home, your dog should be relaxed and starting to trust you.
Helmer Bechtelar
2025-06-04 14:22:18
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A decompression routine is mainly lots of time in a confined space, with short bursts of structured walks, quick training and play sessions, and supervised yard time. If your dog is not crate or space trained, make sure their downtime is in the quietest part of the house. The dog does not get very much freedom at all during this time to minimize their need to make more decisions during a heightened period of stress. We use a decompression protocol mainly in two instances: when a family is relocating to a new house or when a family acquires a new dog.
We normally suggest implementing this for about two weeks. After that two-week mark, you can slowly start to add in more freedom and privileges over time.
7:30 a.m.: Wake up and potty/20-minute morning walk
8 a.m.: Breakfast in a Kong or Toppl in crate
12 p.m.: Midday walk/training session/yard play
12:30 p.m.: Back in crate with snack
5 p.m.: Evening walk/training session/yard play
5:30 p.m.: Dinner in Kong or Toppl in crate
7 p.m.: Supervised free/cuddle time, on leash
8:30 p.m.: Nighttime potty
9 p.m.: Bedtime
This same routine can be applied to a newly adopted dog or puppy.
Sean Dare
2025-06-04 12:25:20
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Every Dog Is an Individual, for fearful or anxious dogs, it could take a few weeks or months for them to start feeling comfortable in their new home. On the other hand, some puppies who are appropriately socialized with a reputable breeder might only take a few days. A routine and quiet atmosphere are essential when first taking a dog home, generally for at least a few weeks. Consider creating a routine for things like feeding times, potty breaks, naps, training sessions, and playtime. This period could be even more unsettling for rescued dogs, some have come from multiple shelters and foster homes, have had long transport rides, and have received necessary, but likely stressful, medical care and behavior evaluations.
Offer a quiet space your dog can choose to retreat to, Angilly refers to this as a “Zen Zone,” and this is different for every dog. Their safe space should be honored as a place they can always retreat to when they want to get away from family activity and not be bothered, and this includes petting. Once your dog is comfortable, getting out on slow, sniffy, quiet walks is also often a beneficial decompression tool.
Read also
- What is a decompression walk?
- What does it mean for a dog to decompress?
- What does a 30 minute walk do for a dog?
- How to get a dog to relax after a walk?
- What is the purpose of decompression?
- What is decompression in exercise?
- What are decompression activities for dogs?
- Is a 2 hour walk too long for a dog?
- Is a 20 minute walk good for a dog?